Excerpt from Sekvonta Testamento: Clash of the Isotheists

“The Energy has seen billions of lives come and go, surely infinity has a greater plan than just birth to death. Life is merely one chapter of an endless book. We never end, we never begin.” —Words of Mesio

Source: Adapted from the Assorted Writings of the Isotheist Railroad

Her dying eyes run lost in the spilled-pink mess of the sunset sky. The red glow of the sun slowly covers the giant sea and creeps through the bedroom window, landing on the wrinkled face of the Isotheist legend, Patrina Mesio. This corner of the earth, a nameless beach in barren Baja Mexico, cools down for the day, just as it has for hundreds of millions of years prior to this night.

Before Patrina lost her voice, she enjoyed reminiscing about her youth, her lovers, her life. At twenty she fell in love, running bare feet and naked across the beach. At thirty she looked down upon the precious face of her infant baby boy smiling back for the very first time. At sixty she watched her son on stage speak to tens of thousands, inspire millions, and ignite the spiritual revolution which forever changed humanity. Her terminal illness is now inches away from victory as she lies ready to graduate to the next form of Energy. However, there is one final act she must carry out.

Jistina:[1] “The Energy is coming for you Patrina. It’s a beautiful evening, whenever you feel it, just go. Your life meant so much to all of us. You are free now from the Flies; they are not watching. It’s just you, I, and the Energy.” Jistina gently smiles while she wipes the beads of sweat off Patrina’s hot forehead.

It has been four weeks since they escaped over the US-Mexican border and made their way down the coast of Baja. Patrina had told Jistina that she wanted to pass to the next form of Energy by the sea, away from the surveillance of the prying intelligence agents. While Patrina has limited involvement with the day-to-day operations of the Isotheist movement, as mother of Kontrau Mesio, she is assumed to have contacts with key Isotheist organizers.

Patrina moves her sluggish, jittery finger. Jistina, who is staring out the window toward the sea, doesn’t notice.

Jistina: “Your son inspired us Patrina, made us believe; he taught us to fight. Regardless of the fact that we are hunted, arrested, and convicted of crimes we have not committed, we march on!” Jistina reminds Patrina of the legacy of her blood, expecting the usual wrinkled smile. Yet a look of determination fills her seasoned eyes, and Jistina feels Patrina’s arm gently nudge her leg with the few sparks of life that remain.

Jistina: “What’s wrong? Are you cold? The wind?” Jistina looks out toward the quieting sea and feels the graceful breeze brush against her face. Patrina shakes her head from side to side and quietly moans. She motions with her finger toward the corner of the room.

Jistina: “Do you want a sweater?” She struggles to decipher the wordless message that Patrina attempts to send. Patrina’s heavy fingers make another faint motion toward the jump-bag[2] on the floor. Jistina brings the bag over to the bed and sets it down beside Patrina.

Jistina: “You want something in here?” she asks. Patrina blinks her eyes in affirmation, as every incremental movement requires an orchestrated effort. Jistina unzips the

jump-bag and takes out a large wool sweater and holds it up for Patrina—no response. She pulls out a jacket, a pair of pants, and some sandals, all to a blank stare. Patrina continues to motion her finger. Her fever is causing delusions.

“That’s all your clothes. This is all that’s left,” Jistina replies as she pulls out the remaining contents: two fake passports, an envelope full of cash, and a makeup case. Jistina places them by Patrina’s hand. “One of these?” she asks as Patrina moves her hand toward the makeup case. “You want this?” Of all the possessions to carry, why would she bother with make up?

Patrina Mesio viewed the world as infected by large government oppression and rampant consumerism—hallmarks of a life-long Changeese during the War on State. Her minimalism and rejection of unessential goods had influenced Kontrau Mesio’s worldview—things are not important.

Jistina picks up the brush and sweeps it against the blush powder. She holds the mirror in front of Patrina’s face and gently brushes the blush on to her cheeks. Patrina sharply jerks her hand into the mirror as it flies through the air and smashes against the wall.

Jistina is startled by Patrina’s abrupt reaction. “I’m sorry! I thought that—” Jistina begins to apologize as she views the broken case on the floor. Something appears to be jammed underneath the mirror. Inside the case. “There’s something behind the mirror. Is that it?” She puts the case face down on the bed and pries the mirror off to find a small folded piece of paper wrapped up.

Jistina: “What is this? Is this your will? I’m going to open it, is that ok?” Jistina detects a small smile on Patrina’s face. Jistina unfolds the letter half way as the Baja Photo[3] falls out.

Jistina: “Is this him? He must be five years old here. Patrina, this might be the only picture of The Great Human Liberator as a boy!” Her eyes glean with excitement. Patrina had purposely not taken any pictures of Kontrau Mesio in his youth to avoid any digital records, paramount to Changeese existence.

Jistina: “This is incredible! But wait. Who is the other boy? Patrina! Who is this other boy?” Patrina lies still as stone. Her eyes are stuck on the sun sinking into the sea. Jistina carefully opens the letter and reads.

Source: RTIR, Exhibits: The Last Will and Testament of Patrina Mesio

To whomever has found these words, this is the last testament of Patrina Mesio. I have no material possessions to give, only to reveal a secret which I have kept most of my life. I, Patrina Mesio, mother of The Great Human Liberator, am the mother of another child. Find Ten Kalkano. He must know the truth, he must know his blood.

Source: Adapted from the Assorted Writings of the Isotheist Railroad

Jistina: “Patrina! A brother!!…Patrina?!” She peers down at the lifeless body.

As the day comes to an end, the life of Patrina Mesio is complete, and as the night begins, the next form of Energy for Patrina begins. Jistina places her hand on Patrina Mesio’s damp forehead and feels the fleeting warmth of her body escape into the air. Patrina’s heat begins to mix with the air. The endless cycle of her Energy will soon find its next purpose. For a brief moment, Jistina comprehends the brilliance, beauty, and power of the Energy. The cool tears crawl down Jistina’s cheeks as she cries into the evening breeze.

Jistina: “Energy among us.”  Jistina whispers her goodbye and vanishes into the night.

[1] Jistina Argo was a key figure in the Isotheist Railroad, an arm of the Isotheist Network that assisted individuals under surveillance to escape intelligence agency monitoring. For years, she managed the key leg of the American Track, an escape route which crossed the Mexican-American border.

[2] A jump-bag was a colloquial term for the backpack-like bag that underground Isotheists carried as their sole storage of possessions. The jump-bag was also seen as a symbol of anti-materialism, a common belief for many Isotheists.

[3] The Baja Photo, a photograph taken by an unknown photographer, is assumed to be the only known existing photograph of Kontrau Mesio as a child. An additional young child, believed to be Ten Mesio, as well as Patrina Mesio, appear in the photo as well.