Research

The article came and went. It was mediocre at best since my mind was unsettled. In one fail swoop, all that I believed was stolen from me. I was unsure, upon countless reflections, if the events were real. However, the undeniable evidence was on my phone. Unfortunately, I could not go back on my own. The app prevented unwanted visitors by only allowing those who are invited. It was like opening a door for a guest. The only thing I couldn't understand is why? Why take up the cause of over population across multiple galaxies. Why not focus on immediate need. For power? When it was described by Arkis, in person, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief. Yet, with distance, I see many flaws in this plan. How can I feel so differently now?

I couldn't see Earth submitting to any council. I mean, I was an avid Gate of Stars fan. I watched practically every series, including GS1, Gate of Stars and The Fallen City, and even Gate of Stars Galaxy. Nearly every episode was about a power struggle between a power hungry snake with a god complex and Earth. In the end Earth never submitted to any sort of "higher power". World leaders barely come together in times of crisis. How could one council rule over this planet and why do they want to. I wonder if the government was aware. I mean should I tell someone? What am I morally required to do in this situation? If I remain apathetic, what will happen to the planet? I was inspired to write draft after draft on my experience. I am a journalist at heart after all.

Internet search: Portal

Results: Portal Dating app

Reviews: Not Available.

Portals to new planets: Scientist shamed by Astronomy community.

That's odd, they have their reviews disabled. I wonder if Odin's Council doesn't want governments to know. I mean they are taking their citizens. I wonder what this article is about. Could it be, there is a scientist who knows how Portal works?

Article:

Dr. Tiberius J. Kirk, dismissed from Orion University after teaching students interstellar travel is possible via wormhole as practical science. Orion University released a statement, "We have dismissed the staff member in question, pending a mental evaluation. We hope that this staff member will return after getting the help he needs."

Shortly after his dismissal, Dr. Kirk went missing from his home in Seattle, when a student went to check on him. It is unclear whether authorities will pursue an investigation. His car was left running in his driveway and his front door was unlocked.

Hmm, I wonder.

Internet search: Missing persons.

Results: Rise in Missing persons leaves investigators stumped.

Investigators believe dating app linked to missing persons cases.

Rise in missing Police detectives and suicides.

Police believe Human Trafficking connected to rise in missing persons.

Cult by the name of Odin's Council linked to missing persons.

Internet search: Odin's Council.

Results: Odin's Council cult leads to two missing individuals.

Odin's Council cult lures teens via internet chat room.

Odin's Council chat room.

Follow Odin's Council, Save our Solar System.

Now I'm getting somewhere. Odin's Council has become some sort of cult. I wonder if their beliefs match with what Arkis believes. I wonder if he knows what is happening beyond Nova. Is this the councils plan all along? The way he spoke of their beliefs made me feel as though he was brain washed.

Site: Odins.council.com

Welcome.

Thank you for taking the first step toward Universal Peace.

Deforestation

Starvation

Pollution

Sickness

Violence

Murder

Our planet is plagued with war, overpopulation, genocide. We live in an age of fleeting entertainment and over consumption. We have polluted our planet and murdered our brothers and sisters. Give Earth a chance to heal. Give those who cannot leave a chance to live. The best way is to spread our population across millions of planets. More resources to go around means less suffering.

Nova Utopia.

Well that is extremely culty. I wonder if they are using other apps to reach people. It does sound quite similar to the things Arkis said. I mean if they could really solve all our problems this way, wouldn't we be better off. How many of our rights would we have to give up for the "securities". What choices will we not have once we submit to the council. Millions would give up their homes, families, cultures. They would be dependent on the Council and their significant to find housing, work, transportation. I mean have given up everything once for a man and it did nothing for me in the end. Yet, if I moved to a new world I could start over. I think a lot of people would see the appeal in that. I could get far away from the onslaught of advertisements featuring my ex with his new boyfriend. My phone lit up with a notification. I jumped in my computer chair slightly. My heart thudded loudly as I checked the message.

Arkis: Hey. When can I see you?

Me: Depends on when you're free. I was just thinking about you.

Arkis: Were you really? I'm free like right now?

Me: In a way. I can't. I'm not getting dressed again.

Arkis: Are you trying to suggest you're naked?

Me: Pervert! I'm in jammies.

Arkis: Great! Better to cuddle in. Come over we can watch movies.

Me: Tempting. What movie?

Arkis: History of Odin, Nova: a Historical documentary, Save the Planet.

Me: Those sound... like I can't come over.

Arkis: I'm kidding though those are some ever Novian has in their collection. We do have regular movies like you do.

Me: Fine I'll come. Don't expect me to be pretty. Also can I bring bones again?

Arkis: Bones is welcome. I'm not at the hotel tonight. They gave me such grief over that fat cat. I'm at my home in the country.

Me: Okay. Let me bring some snacks and I'll head your way.

Arkis: See you soon.

Location sent.

I felt rapid beating in my chest as I raced around collecting popcorn, chips and drinks. Bones sat patiently at the door while I hurriedly threw a sports bra on under my tank top. My hair I pulled into a tight half top knot. Finally, I padded over to my front door and opened it. The floor length mirror shimmered behind it. Bones sprang forward through it. I too took a large step forward. The sensation of rushing fluid took me deeper into its vortex. It was the same as before but this time it felt quicker. Maybe I'm just getting used to being unraveled and knitted back together. A blurry Bones sat waiting at the wooden door framed a large white arched frame. This time it was a great white colonial like home. I say home but it was more like a mansion. Large white pillars focused in my sight, with one large exhale I now stood between two of four columns. I turned and looked out at the garden surrounding the building. In awe I watch three floating light orbs dance along the path leading away.

"Quite a sight isn't it." Bones said approvingly as he licked his paw. His monotone voice still shook me. He seemed to notice my reaction and rolled his eyes in a very human like way.

"Sorry I'm just not used to that voice. Were you always this... sentient?" I asked you pausing to find the right word so not to offend the ally cat.

"As a matter of fact, yes. Your species is in fact inferior to mine in every way possible." He raised his head and poked his fat cat chest out.

"Is that so," I smirked, "this coming from the fat cat who needed my help to bathe his back side. Is that why you only like three pets and then decide to bite the shit out of my hand?" He seemed displeased with my answer as his tail whipped angrily back and forth.

"Sometimes you pet to fervently and it ruffles my fur. Sometimes you don't listen when I tell you I need alone time. Humans have made me reliant on you for things I need. I don't want to end up in the puns again so I try to be good to you." He sounded a bit hurt but it warmed my heart. I knew he stayed with me because he liked me even if he didn't say it. Why else would he come with me. Finally, I knocked on the door.