CHAPTER 130: THE POWER OF THE INTERNET

"Where do we even look for a secret organization?" Marcus asked. He slumped into the couch, exhaustion written across his features.

"I have no idea," other Marcus answered. He was pacing the small apartment like a caged animal.

"Come here boys and let me show you the power of the internet and peer journalism." Tyler called from his room. When they entered he pointed at the intricate copy of the seed sitting on his desk. "Marcus take a picture of that thing and send it to me. I will change some things in Photoshop and start my search."

Marcus did what he was told. On the other side of the kitchen Marcus and Tom started preparing dinner.

"Marcus was that old couple your parents from this planet?" Tom asked while chopping vegetables with surprising precision.

"Yeah Tom. Weird I know but it is my reality." Marcus started his own cutting board.

"All these cooking things, the lighted surfaces and the machines you put in your pockets. So awesome." Tom's eyes gleamed with wonder. "I mean look with one push I am getting fire directly under the pot. It is a miracle." He demonstrated, clicking the stove igniter.

"Yes this planet and its advancements seem magical. And maybe for a hundred years Malachar stopped countries, cut supply lines and captured scientists. Maybe our planet could have been like this."

"You think so? We can advance like this?"

"Maybe not in our lifetime but a hundred years ago this world was so much closer to Ephus. Widespread electricity usage made most things possible."

"We should help our planet also advance like this. It will solve so many problems."

"And that's what you have been doing in our planet. I am so proud of you cousin." Tom smiled warmly as he took the cut vegetables.

Marcus was almost going to cry. Even if one person noticed his help to his planet it was enough. And that one person being the best and purest person he knew made things ten times better.

Marcus left the rest of the cooking to Tom and went to check on Irene. She was waking up and gave him an "I am good" sign with her thumb.

"I'll be in the common room in a minute," she said, her voice still groggy.

Marcus then went to Tyler's room. His roommate had started his stream. When Marcus noticed the camera he made sure he wasn't shown in frame. Tyler had put the images of the signs from the seed on his stream and was subtly trying to hook his viewers into getting information.

Marcus pulled other Marcus into the hallway. "Is he trying to get the info from his viewers?"

"Yeah. He made it like a treasure hunt and promised gifts to whoever can find similar things anywhere in the world. Smart right?"

"Did he search known sites?"

"You mean Reddit, Google Images, et cetera? Of course he did. Come on Marcus you know Tyler. He will find it eventually."

When both Marcus returned to the common room Irene and Tom were sitting together at the table. Irene was pointing at objects and saying words slowly.

"Yeah now say it together," Irene suggested.

Tom tried with his Valdrian accent. "Fuck... Off." He looked at Irene for approval and she clapped enthusiastically.

"Marcus, Irene taught me how to say 'thank you' in your language!"

Marcus rolled his eyes. "Irene.." He warned lightly. "That is not 'thank you' Tom. It is a swear word meaning 'leave me alone' or 'get out.'"

Tom reddened to his ears. "Really... okay thanks I won't use it then." He cleared his throat. "Food is ready in five minutes. I am glad so many vegetables are similar here. Even the pork is similar."

"I have been thinking about what we can make and sell to make money. I know some metal workers with great skills. We can get custom orders and make jewelry to sell." Irene suggested.

"Good idea. We can visit them once we know how to move forward."

Noises rose from inside Tyler's room. Then footsteps thundered toward them.

"EUREKA....." Tyler entered the common room with lightning speed. "Found it!" He was laughing like a madman. His hair was disheveled. "This thrill. It is amazing. I feel like a super detective."

"What is it Tyler? Just tell us."

"One of my subs said they saw similar signs on images hanging in their professor's room at NYU."

"Is that really it?"

"You think I didn't make him double check? I sent him to take a photo in his room." He pulled out his phone. "Look at this.."

The image showed a sign carved on stone. But it was indeed similar. The same curves. The same intersecting lines.

"What... It is similar. Where did you say he was?"

"NYC. History professor."

"It's a long journey. But we must go. No, I need to go." Marcus said firmly.

"Are you sure?" Other Marcus asked.

"What else can we do? Wait here for another portal home? I will take Tom and head there. I have to leave making money and getting supplies to you."

"Yeah don't worry I will find a way. First we need to make Malachar block machines. I have been thinking a lot."

"Good idea. That should be priority. If we can block him from capturing the battlefield then the people of Ephus can have a chance."

"Take my phone. I will use the old one"