by Knox, Barry
Gideon sat and said nothing. He knew the mission came first, but he couldn’t help thinking that Captain Neubauer had died rescuing a doctor for a mission that was a total waste of time. Who cares where man came from, and how will knowing benefit anybody? Captain Neubauer should’ve died with honor, defending his country in battle.
Mary said, “As you know, we’ll arrive at Corot tomorrow, and the lieutenant and I wanted to know a little more about Doctor Bailey so we can persuade her to assist us if she has any reservations. I understand each of you have actually spoken with her over the past few years—Doctor Harper and Doctor Jones, five years ago when New Kalgoorlie was friendly with the United States; and Doctor Kastriva, last year after the relationship with the United States was severed.”
“As I mentioned during our initial briefing, she won’t hesitate to come with us,” Dr. Harper said. “She’s a scientist, and this is the most important scientific expedition in history.”
“I agree,” Dr. Jones added excitedly. “The last time we spoke was at a panspermia hypothesis conference in Chicago. She was a keynote speaker at the conference and a powerful advocate of the panspermia hypothesis, which states that life exists throughout the universe and is distributed by meteoroids, asteroids, and planetoids. Panspermia proposes that life can survive the effects of space, such as super microbes, become trapped in debris that’s ejected into space after collisions between planets that harbor life. Bacteria may travel dormant for an extended amount of time before colliding randomly with other planets. If met with ideal conditions on a new planet’s surfaces, the bacteria become active, and the process of evolution begins. Panspermia is not meant to address how life began, just the method of how life arrived on Earth.”
“Thanks for enlightening me, Doctor,” Mary said, looking as if she didn’t care anything about the details of the hypothesis. She then turned to Dr. Kastriva and asked, “Do you think she’ll be as happy to join us as much as you are, Doctor Kastriva?”
“I met Doctor Bailey last year when she visited Gliese. The CTU allowed her to use the computers in my lab for two weeks, recalculating the statistical probability of life on a planet’s given position from a sun, atmosphere, etcetera,” Dr. Kastriva said, paused, and then frowned. “I agree with Doctor Harper and Doctor Jones that she’d like to come; however, I believe she’ll refuse. You see, she was six months’ pregnant when she was in my lab and was very excited about becoming a mother and caring for her son. She has a nine-month-old baby boy now, and I doubt she would want to leave him.”
Everyone in the room looked stunned by the news. A few seconds later Gideon asked, “Do any of you recall her universal data communications identification address?”
“Yes, but I’m sure she won’t receive your message if you’re planning on communicating with her and asking if she’d still like to come along,” Dr. Kastriva said. “You see, any messages she receives from you on her government-provided personal communications device will be filtered and most likely discarded.”
“I know it will be, Doctor. That’s why I’m going to have Stephen attach a trace on the message I send her. Stephen will then be able to tell me her exact physical location in New Kalgoorlie,” Gideon said. He paused to rub his forehead and added, “Doctor, I don’t need to speak with her. I just need to know where she is in New Kalgoorlie so my team can extract her.”
“You mean you’re going to abduct her, even though she won’t want to come with us?” Dr. Kastriva looked shocked.
“Yes, Doctor, that’s what he means,” Mary answered before Gideon spoke again. “We have orders to take her with us, no matter the circumstances.”
“You mean, if I had refused to come with you, you would have taken me anyway?” Kastriva asked.
“Yes,” Mary answered bluntly.
Dr. Kastriva looked at Dr. Harper and Dr. Jones and asked, “Do you agree with this?”
“Doctor, I don’t agree with it, and I don’t like it, especially in this situation. But we’ve been ordered to do it,” Dr. Harper answered.
Dr. Kastriva stood. “I’m sorry, but I won’t give you her universal com address. You’ll have to find her another way. As I’ve already stated, I’ll assist you all I can during the mission, but I won’t be part of a kidnapping.” Dr. Kastriva then walked out of the mission control center.
Gideon stood to follow Kastriva and persuade him to tell him the universal com address.
“No need, Lieutenant. I remember her com address,” Dr. Jones said reluctantly. Gideon sat down, and Dr. Jones gave him the information.
Petty Officer Joseph Sipes’s Quarters, SRS Stephen Hawking
0145—February 25, 2372
Joseph sat in a wooden chair under a large oak tree. The sky was a cloudless blue, and the temperature was perfect—neither cold nor hot. A table about chest high stretched thirty feet from the tree he was sitting under to the base of another large oak. The table was covered with white cloth, and on it all types of foods in various dishes covered the length and width of the table. Joseph looked behind him and saw the building where his grandma had told him he would help save the crew from death. The double doors to the building opened, and out walked his grandma, followed by the others he had seen before. His grandma looked very young and smiled as she approached him.
“Joseph, I’m so glad you’re here,” she said as he stood, and she hugged him.
He could smell the perfume she always wore, and she squeezed him as tightly as she always had.
“Where am I, Grandma?”
His grandma looked around and smiled. “This place does look a lot different than when you came here as a child. You’ve been here many times, Joseph; you don’t remember?”
“No, Grandma. I’m sorry,” he answered.
“That’s okay, honey,” she said.
Joseph looked around at the crowd of people, who were looking back at him and the food on the table. “What’re we doing today, Grandma?”
“We’re celebrating! You’ve planted the seed that’ll save many people!” she answered.
Joseph thought for a second, and his face, which was filled with joy, turned to a grimace. “I’m sorry, Grandma, but I let you down. Captain Neubauer was killed. I didn’t save him.”
His grandma hugged him again and said, “I know, Joseph. His death wasn’t your fault. Just do what your heart tells you to do, and you’ll save others.”
Joseph felt better as his grandma released him. The crowds of people were lining up on both sides of the table and filling their plates with food. Someone in line began singing, and soon everyone joined in. The sound was wonderful. Again Joseph didn’t know the words, so he hummed along as loudly as he could.
He woke himself humming.
Marine Assault VTOL Bernice, Descending to Planet Corot
1552—February 25, 2372
Gideon sat in the copilot’s seat while Tidwell flew Bernice. Ever since he found out Dr. Bailey had a child, the idea of extracting her had bothered him. He knew what being an orphan was like, and the possibility Dr. Bailey wouldn’t see her son again was great. Was he an orphan because someone had taken his parents from him? This was a question he continually asked himself, but he knew he would do whatever he had to do to complete the mission and keep his men safe.
“Bungay Republic flight control, this is United States VTOL One requesting landing vector,” Tidwell transmitted.
“United States VTOL One, welcome to the Bungay Republic. Landing vector transmitted,” a voice responded over Bernice’s communications system.
A moment later Bernice’s flight console system reported the reception of the vector.
“Landing vector received,” Tidwell transmitted back.
Bernice took the flight controls away from Tidwell and began entry into the Corot atmosphere. The entry was rough since the planet’s atmosphere was hot and humid.
As Bernice streaked over several mountain ranges on its approach, Gideon watched as Corot’s sun illuminated the mountain ranges
with hues of red, and various shades of yellows and greens from the sparse imported plant life from Earth on the level plains between the mountains.
A few minutes later, Gideon could see the small city of Bungay as Bernice approached the spaceport. The city had few multistory buildings but many small single-story buildings. Streets separated the buildings, and thick concentrations of trees, bushes, and grass outlined city limits. Plant life outside the city was sparse except for the few farms that surrounded the city.
On final approach, Tidwell took the controls and landed on a pad designated by the Bungay Republic flight control.
Gideon used his communication console and connected to the Stephen Hawking via laser. “Captain, we’ve arrived in Bungay,” he transmitted.
“Very well, Lieutenant,” Mary responded. “Proceed with extraction.”
“Affirmative,” Gideon said. He terminated the transmission and looked at Tidwell. “Sit tight. I’ll be back when it’s dark.”
“Yes, sir,” Tidwell said.
Gideon made his way to the VTOL passenger compartment. “Gunny and Manelly with me. The rest of you eat something and get some sleep if you can. We’ll probably leave late tonight.”
“Yes, sir,” the group said in unison.
Gideon, Xia, and Manelly slipped on environmental suits to cover their green marine mission suits and exited Bernice down the cargo bay ramp. Three people met them at the bottom of the ramp. None of the three had environmental suits on, but one had an oxygen mask dangling around his neck.
“Welcome to Bungay,” one of the three said as he held out a hand. As Gideon shook his hand, the man continued. “I’m Paul McMillan, secretary of state. This is James Runion, secretary of trade; and this is Steve Sky, United States State Department assigned to the United States embassy.”
Paul McMillan was an older, short, overweight man with a shaved head and bushy red eyebrows. He looked to be in his seventies. James Runion was of average height and weight with short brown hair; he was probably in his forties. Both men wore red jumpsuits with rank insignia on their shoulders, and the Bungay Republic coat of arms was pinned to their collars. Steve Sky wore an oxygen mask around his neck, and every ten to fifteen breaths he had to get a drag of pure oxygen. He was tall and thin with short blond hair; he was no more than thirty-five. He wore the standard blue United States embassy staff suit with a white shirt and red neck collar, but the way he walked and stood-Gideon knew he was CIA.
They all shook hands with Gideon, and then Gideon introduced himself and his men.
“I’ve set up a conference room here at the spaceport for our convenience. The room has been swept for monitoring devices by both my security forces and Mister Sky’s embassy security detail,” Paul said as he began walking to a nearby building just off the landing pad.
Within minutes they arrived at a room guarded by Bungay security forces. Two men dressed in black armor saluted the approaching group by presenting arms—in this case, brand-new United States-made MPB-92 assault weapons. Secretary McMillian returned a salute, and they entered the small room.
The room contained a cheap wood-imitation rectangular table with folding legs and seven simple aluminum chairs. A computer sat in the middle of the table with an attached holographic display.
“Everyone, have a seat, and we’ll get started,” Secretary McMillian said. As everyone sat, McMillian remained standing, and Steve Sky accessed the computer and brought up a holographic map.
“Mister Sky has briefed us on your mission, and we’ll do everything we can to assist you.” Secretary McMillian said. “We have operatives in New Kalgoorlie, and we’ve confirmed Doctor Bailey is living in Trade Town, a small city in the center of the country. She recently moved into another apartment building marked in green on the map. Unfortunately, we don’t know her address inside the building, but we do know she has a child and was granted larger living quarters. And, by the way, the father of her baby has never been at the building since we’ve had it under surveillance. Also, there’re three police stations here, here, and here marked in red. As you can see, none of the stations are close to the building, and each station is small and understaffed. If you are detected in the building, you’ll have plenty of time to leave before the police arrive.”
When Secretary McMillian finished, Mr. Sky expanded the map to show the outskirts of the city; two areas were marked yellow. “These areas marked yellow are two proposed LZs,” Mr. Sky said. “Both areas are remote from mining operations and farms. This one is closer to the city but near a military base, and this one is further from the city and has no military facility close by. It’s your decision on the one you’d like to use. After you decide, Secretary McMillian will contact one of his agents, and he’ll have his agent meet you and lead you to Doctor Bailey’s apartment building. From there you’ll have to find her apartment in the building.”
“I have the doctor’s universal com address, and we’ll send a message to her personal communicator prior to our entry into the building,” Gideon said. “Our ship’s AI will track the message to her communicator and then relay its location to me. We’ll then know the floor and apartment number.”
Mr. Sky smiled. “Very ingenious, Lieutenant. Have you ever thought about applying for a position in the State Department Diplomatic Corps? I’m sure I can find you a position.”
Gideon returned his smile and said, “Over the past few years, I’ve been asked to do all sort of jobs, Mister Sky; I’m happy with just being a marine.”
“Sir,” Xia said after studying the map. “I recommend that we use the LZ closest to the city for insertion and the LZ further away from the city for extraction. Also, taking into account the time we’ll have to travel in and out, we should arrive at the insertion LZ at zero one thirty.”
“I agree, Gunny. We’ll use standard operating procedures; never leave the same way you came and give yourself a little extra time in case we have problems. The insertion LZ will be designated LZ Alpha, and the extraction LZ will be LZ Omega,” Gideon said.
“Very well. I’ll have my agent meet you at zero one thirty at LZ Alpha, and he’ll guide you,” Secretary McMillian said.
Marine Assault VTOL , On Course to LZ Alpha, Planet Corot
0055—February 26, 2372
Bernice was in stealth mode, flying a combat low-level vector through canyons and over peaks as it streaked through the mountain range that separated the Bungay Republic and New Kalgoorlie. Gideon watched as Tidwell monitored the controls and flight indicators closely as the AI flew Bernice. A human couldn’t pilot Bernice through the mountains as well as the AI, but Tidwell monitored the indicators just in case he had to take the controls.
The two moons orbiting Corot were both up and provided enough light so Gideon could see gray-shaded images of the land below. The terrain below them changed from deep canyons to jagged rock formations that sometimes were only meters away from the belly of Bernice. Since Bernice’s altitude changed frequently and drastically, Tidwell, Gideon, and the rest of the extract team were pushed into their seats one second, and the next second their seat harnesses prevented them from being thrown upward.
Thirty minutes later Bernice was over the mountains and flying low level over a flat plain to LZ Alpha. “Gunny, ETA to LZ Alpha five minutes,” Gideon transmitted to Xia over a private channel.
“Roger, sir,” Xia responded and yelled to the extraction team seated in the cargo bay. “Five minutes. Check you gear!”
The marines began unbuckling their harnesses and checking their armor and weapons once more before they landed. Joseph, wearing marine armor tailored to fit him, hadn’t been issued a weapon, but he began checking his armor. Gideon had decided Joseph would once again accompany the extraction team, and he wanted him fitted with marine combat armor. Gideon had designed the modifications, and Lieutenant Commander Vanderver had made the modifications. Joseph was also carrying another armor suit in his armor-attached rucksack for Dr. Bailey to use. Gideon wanted everyone camouflage
d when it was time to extract.
Seconds before their arrival at LZ Alpha, Gideon entered the cargo bay. Bernice suddenly slowed, flared to gain a little altitude, and slowly landed. As soon as Bernice touched down, the marines exited and set up defensive positions circling the LZ. Gideon took up a position himself and felt and heard Bernice take off behind him. The marines lay in their defensive positions, waiting for either armed resistance or their mission contact to arrive. A few minutes later a figure appeared from behind a nearby rock formation. Sensors within Gideon’s armor immediately reported the intruder on his helmets’ heads-up displays. The figure could also be seen in the bright moonlight. The lone figure placed a weapon on the ground and, using a predefined digital communications frequency, transmitted in a male voice the sign word Flash.
“Thunder,” Gideon replied as the countersign, stood, and added, “Gunny, get the men ready to move out.”
“Yes, sir,” Xia replied.
As the marines stood and aligned themselves in the predefined hiking order, Gideon walked toward the contact. The contact was wearing a dark-gray unmarked jumpsuit, and a dark stocking cap. His face looked to be covered with black face camo. The figure picked up his weapon and greeted Gideon.
“Welcome to New Kalgoorlie,” the contact said, using a small ear-attached digital transmitting and receiving device. “I recommend you and your team keep your helmets on throughout your mission. You’ll breathe better, and I’d prefer not to know what you and your team look like in case I’m arrested and questioned.”
That was a chilling prospect Gideon hadn’t thought about. “Okay,” Gideon said, then asked, “What’s your name?”
“Better you don’t know in case you’re arrested,” the figure said with a smile that Gideon could just make out in the moonlight. “Call me Miner. As long as neither of us can match a name to a face, the better off we’ll be in case something happens.”
“Okay, Miner,” Gideon said returning a smile.
“Ready to move out, Lieutenant,” Xia said over the platoon channel.
