by Gary Weston
'It sounds like it was radiation sickness,' said Forbes. 'They were already weak from poor nutrition. As they died, one by one, they tried to dispose of the bodies. I guess it was much the same for East.'
Max Morgan said, 'Not everything was dead out there.'
They all looked at him, including Rocky.
'Were you and I on the same planet? All I saw were dead people.'
Potts said, 'Max?'
'I don't know. When we landed, I had the weird feeling I was being watched.'
'You were just jumpy, like the rest of us.'
'Not just that, Rocky. When we finally got those pumps on board and we were itching to get out of there, I looked out of the ship. It was pretty dark by then, just bits of bushy stuff in the shadows. Then I swear...Eyes. The light from the ship reflected in them. They were watching me.'
'Trick of the light,' insisted Rocky.
'I don't think so. Actually, I feel kinda guilty not saying anything at the time. We should have investigated.'
Forbes said, 'I think you did the right thing, not going out there. You were exposing yourselves to the risk of radiation and disease. You could have brought back any number of sicknesses. Whomever or whatever you saw, Max, indeed, if as Rocky said, it wasn't some trick of the light, or maybe perhaps creatures that had survived in impossible conditions. You did the right thing leaving it all behind.'
Potts said, 'I can see you're still feeling bad about it, Max. Look. On the next helium run, if you still feel strongly about it, maybe you can lead a search party out there. How does that sound?'
Max nodded. 'Thanks. I'd like to do that, for my own peace of mind.'
'I might pass on that one,' said Rocky.
Forbes said, 'Right. I think that covers everything. Once again, great job, men. Tonight we can let our hair down and celebrate your successful mission.'
Chapter 59
'I'll be watching you, Dixon Cragg. You drink too much and start making a fool of yourself, I'll drag you straight home.'
'Misty, my angel. When have you ever seen me drunk and incapable?'
'Hmm. How about last Friday. Wednesday, the Saturday before that, and don't get me started on how embarrassing you were at Stinky Muckly's birthday bash.'
'I was not. Besides. Stinky needed cheering up. He'd been getting a load of sh....stick from folk about the sanitation problem. It wasn't his fault. And talking about birthdays, I don't want any fuss over my ninetieth birthday. Just another day at the office, as far as I'm concerned.'
Misty knew this was “Craggy speak” for I want Mars rocking its socks off for my big day.
'That's not for months. Hang on to being still in your eighties, is my advice.'
Cragg held Misty in his arms. 'I'll still be the oldest teenager in town. But you're right. Maybe I should grow up a bit.'
Misty kissed the wrinkly face and ran her fingers through his thinning, salt and pepper hair. 'Too late for that. Besides. I love you just the way you are. And are you seriously going outside in that shirt?'
'Excuse me? This is my special occasion shirt. And it shows I'm in touch with my feminine side. Not every bloke is man enough to wear pink.'
'And that includes you. Put that blue one on and hurry up about it.'
Cragg pouted, then his face cracked into a huge grin. 'I only put it on to wind you up. God, I love you, Mrs Cragg.'
There was a hum of anticipation all over the planet. Thousands had already started congregating, carrying containers of food and beverages. It was an excuse to party and the very best clothes were being worn. A skeleton number of emergency services were ready for anything. Anna and Bob Graham were looking after the communication centre, so that the technicians could enjoy the day. Anna had already cranked up the volume of the outside speakers and had the music thumping.
Max Morgan was walking in the sunshine with his wife Carlotte and his daughter Astral. The atmosphere was great, everyone enjoying the occasion. Morgan thought how Astral would probably forget how Mars once was, and being able to play outside with the other children would be soon taken for granted. Close to the equator where they all lived, was a temperate climate, but still uncomfortably cold at night, especially in the winter. But Martian years were twice that of Earth, and the seasons twice as long and they were only halfway through summer.
They had been there for two hours, just enjoying the day mingling with the others, when Commander Potts addressed everyone through the speaker system. A small area had been kept clear and it was to this Potts called them to.
Potts waited for them to gather round and get comfortable on the grass. 'Ladies and gentlemen. Who would have thought just a few years ago we would be outside without suits, enjoying a lovely day like this. And yet, here we are. Commander Forbes and I gave this special occasion serious consideration and hopefully you will approve of our decision to make this day an annual public holiday, to be known from this day forth as Korlyn day, in honour of the little guy who sacrificed everything so we could live like this.' There was a general murmur of approval, and Potts pressed on. 'Now, we are delighted to announce that the brave team that came back in Big Bird are to be honoured here today, all becoming Guardians of Mars. This is a new honour Commander Forbes and I came up with as recognition of supreme gallantry and service to Mars and I am sure well deserved. Will you all please come here to receive your ceremonial medals.'
Rocky, Morgan, Richie and Mantle and their extraction team went forward to shake the hands of the Commanders and receive a special marsillium pin and a hand scrolled certificate on very rare paper, declaring they were officially Guardians of Mars. Everyone watching stood and applauded, knowing how much their lives had been improved by the actions of those men.
Forbes took the microphone. 'Just to remind you all, at dusk, a bonfire will be lit and an effigy will be burnt as a symbol of our thoughts for those sad people found on Earth and also for new beginnings here on Mars. Now I don't know about you, but I think it's time to party. Thank you. Have fun, everyone.'
Chapter 60
'Hmm. I see they lit the bonfire,' said Space Security Commander Lance “Armour” Dillow.
'I see it, Sir. Not wishing you were down there?'
'Glad to be out of it, Carter. I'd only be working busting heads of drunken fools. What about you? You don't mind being here on The Eye?'
'I just wanted to be useful to you, Sir.'
'I guess I could always use another pilot for this bird. Being in security isn't anything glamorous, you realise?'
Carter said, 'I just thought it would be a good career move. I might see more action than just being a freighter pilot.'
Carter was a shade over thirty, with prematurely thinning brown hair. With his natural dour expression he seemed older than he really was.
'It has its moments, I suppose. Happy with the controls?'
'Much like the freighters controls. I could practically fly this bird blindfold.'
Dillow didn't doubt that. 'I'm sure you could. Keep to this orbit, and I'll get some shut-eye. See anything you don't like the look of, come and get me right away.'
'Yes, Sir.'
Carter watched the giant, head off to his quarters, and wondered if he'd ever be given the chance to wear the coveted black security uniform. It had been his dream for years. He relaxed in the pilot's chair, and watched the main screen and the other smaller screens on either side of it. The images were changing every ten seconds, random views of space, in all directions. Flying The Eye was straight forward for him, but all those monitors to watch and all the new technology to get used to would take time. He stared out at space, the blackness broken up by Phobos and Deimos, discovered by Asaph Hall, back in 1877, generally thought to be captured asteroids. Both, in Carter's opinion were just ugly rocks, especially the smaller Deimos.
He ignored the little moons and enjoyed the panoramic vista of the stars. It was a hobby of his, the constellations, and his pleasure in his off duty time was to sit with his girlfriend, sipping beer
and watching the night sky. To be in orbit around Mars, watching the stars and planets was no chore for Carter.
Back on Earth, the first Korlyn day was winding down. The parents had already taken their children home, leaving the youngsters to party hard. Many stood around the dying flames of the bonfire, watching the effigy turn into ashes, the sparks flying as they danced, drank beer and enjoyed the night.
It was just three hours later that Dan Carter was hammering on Dillow's door. He had considered the various merits and implications of disturbing Armour Dillow, against not disturbing him. After a minute the door opened and Dillow stared grim faced at his pilot.
'I think...not sure, Sir.'
'Show me.'
Carter pointed to one of the smaller screens. 'It shouldn't look like that, Sir.'
Dillow rubbed the sleep from his eyes. 'What the hell am I looking at, Carter?' All Dillow could see were stars. 'Let me put this on the larger screen. That's better.' It wasn't really. He still couldn't see anything to get excited about.
'There, Sir. Top right hand corner.'
'I still don't see anything.'
'Exactly. You should see stars there. They were there half an hour ago. Not now, though.'
Dillow stretched and yawned. 'Stars don't disappear, Carter. Even I know that much.'
'Perhaps if we zoom in and pan over. There. See it now, Sir?'
Something did look odd. 'Zoom in closer. Pan right. Hold it there. Shit.'
'Sir?'
'Carter. The stars haven't vanished. They're being covered up by something. Something black and round.'
'Yes. Not only that, but it's growing.'
'No, Carter. Not growing. Getting nearer.'
'You know what that thing is?'
'Unfortunately, I have a damn good idea. Take the coordinates of that thing, then get this bird on the ground and I mean now.'
Chapter 61
Craggy said, 'I've been thinking about you, Andy.'
'Why?' asked Foreman. They were in Foreman's domain, Base Three, up on the observation platform, staring out at the landscape, lit up by artificial illumination. The bonfire had been put out by the fire service and even the hardiest party animal had made their way home. Behind them, the jungle, with just minimum lighting, was still a place of nocturnal activity. Dogs and goats, were free to roam the undergrowth, and the treetops were home to the GenMops and the birds. It wouldn't be long before some of them would be let free to populate the world outside and fend for themselves.
'Just something David told me.'
Behind them, swinging up the metalwork of the stairs, a hairy creature landed deftly by Foreman's feet. Foreman held out his hand and the GenMop took it, and swung up into Foreman's arms and planted a kiss on his cheek.
'Hello, Mango. I think you are getting heavy, my little pal.'
'Oooh, Mango. Oooh, Craggy.'
'Hi, Mango. How are you?'
'Oooh, Good, Mango.'
Foreman said, 'GenMops were always intended to be the ones looking after Mars. Not people.'
'Opted for a life of luxury instead,' said Craggy.
'I've a few months, I'm told,' said Foreman. 'That's what you wanted to know, isn't it?'
'Sorry to hear that, Andy. I just thought if you ever wanted a friend to just have a beer with and chew the fat, give me a shout.'
'Thanks. I'm pretty reconciled to the fact. I was lucky to make it this far. Millions didn't. Once I see my pals here being out in the big wide world, I can die happy.'
'Best way to go, I suppose. But I meant what I said, Andy. Call me any time. Right. Misty will be chewing my ears off if I don't go home. I'll see you...'
He was interrupted by all the sirens going off at once, which had the creatures in Base Three getting in a flap.
'That's not good,' said Foreman reassuring Mango.
'No. And that doesn't look good. That's The Eye. Dillow wouldn't be coming down now, if it wasn't something big going on. I'd better get back to Misty.'
Forbes and Potts greeted Lance Dillow and Dan Carter at The Eyes' pad. They had a buggy waiting and drove them to Potts' office.
Dillow said, 'Anybody able to stand and fly needs to get ready. I think this is it.'
'You haven't even told us what you saw, yet,' said Potts.
'Remember the blackness and the pathways under Mons? I think that's what we saw.'
Forbes decided to act and listen later. 'All pilots and crew get to their ships immediately. This is not a drill. Get to your stations immediately. All ground cannon shooters, get to your stations immediately. All shooters to your stations. All civilians stay in your homes. This is not a drill. I repeat, not a drill.' He turned to Dillow. 'What is it you saw?'
'Young Carter here. He saw it first. I'd put money on it being that blackness, on its way here. I think it's a fast way for their ships to get across the galaxy.'
Carter said, 'Like a tunnel through space?'
'Don't ask me to describe it,' said Dillow, 'But yes. Like the ones under Mons, a few years ago. That one was created by Korlyn himself. I need to get back up there.'
Forbes was back on the radio. 'All officers of The Eye report to the ship on the double. Breezy?'
'On my way, Sir.'
'Get ready to take off, Breezy. Commander Dillow is on his way.'
'Yes, Sir.'
Dillow used the radio. 'Fawn?'
'Sir.'
'You and Stella take off. Carter, patch in the coordinates to all our ships computers. Use that computer there.'
'Yes, Sir.'
Potts said, 'Lance. You have a plan?'
'Of course. We kick their asses before they kick ours.'
'Plan approved. Good luck, Commander.'
Chapter 62
They had fourteen ships, armed and with experienced pilots and crew. Twelve modified freighters, The Eye, and the ship once owned by the Varlindrans. By the time Lance had strapped himself in his command seat on The Eye, all were fired up, ready to go.'
'Listen up,' said Dillow. 'We're heading to the last known coordinates of that blackness. Anything hostile coming out of there, we blast the crap out of it. Remember, we'll probably be out gunned. Fawn?'
'Sir.'
'You and Stella have our fastest ship. Use that speed. This is it, people. You know what to do.'
Fourteen ships modified with laser cannon, raced across the heavens. None of their crews, other than Dillow and his team on The Eye, had any useful combat experience. They were taking on the natural fighters of Varlindra, capable and willing to wipe out whole populations of any planet they wanted. How badly they wanted Mars, the humans were about to find out.
Rocky Ramshorn and Max Morgan got to Potts' office, as the other ships were taking off.
'Sir,' said Rocky. 'We need to be out there.'
Potts shook his head. 'We only have Big Bird down here and that isn't armed. You two are our best pilots. If war breaks out, God knows how long it will last. You'll get your chance, I'm sure.'
'We'll be ready, Sir.'
On The Eye, Lance Dillow said, 'Breezy. Something has occurred to me.'
Sir?' said Breeze, not looking up from flying the ship. 'Anything useful?'
'Possibly. Radio waves can't travel through the blackness. If they've been listening into our communications before the attack, once in the blackness, they might not be able to pick up any signals until they come out of it.'
'Interesting. So we may have the advantage of surprise.'
'Exactly.'
'Good. I'll take any advantage that I can. That blackness is getting a hell of a lot closer.'
'When we get there, it might be a good idea to stay behind the blackness, and not the way they'll be coming out. That way, we'll be waiting for them to exit the blackness and hit them. One hell of a shock for them when they do come out.'
'It was a bit of a shock for my parents when I came out.'
Dillow laughed. 'They're proud as punch of you, and so they should be.'
Chapt
er 63
'And just where do you think you're going?'
Cragg said, 'I need to be useful.'
'Get that moth bitten suit off this minute,' snapped Misty.
'I won't be in their way, I promise.'
'You got that right, you silly old fart. Just for once, do as I tell you.'
Cragg had other ideas. 'I'm not the type to just hang around doing nothing. I'll do anything. Make the Syncoff.'
'I thought you were on our side. I've tasted your Syncoff.'
Cragg kissed Misty, and with his helmet under his arm like a geriatric Knight of Olde, he raised himself up to his full height of five feet seven inches, puffed out his chest and with a wink at his long suffering wife, marched proudly out of the door.
Misty closed her eyes and growled. 'That man is an insufferable, incorrigible pain in the ass. God help me, I love him.'
* * *
'Are you off to a fancy dress costume party, Craggy?'
'No, Pottsy. I'm here to help. To offer my decades of experience.'
Forbes stared at the old freighter pilot. 'That word decades. That means you are really, really old. Bugger off, Craggy.'
'Only really old, and no. I am not buggering off. Now give me something to do. Oh, come on, Pottsy.'
Potts and Forbes huddled in a corner together.
'You know what he's like, Pottsy. He'll never go away.'
'We could have him arrested.'
Forbes said, 'For what? Being annoying? Where can we send him?'
'Right,' said Potts. 'Craggy. Go and see how the ground shooters are. Make sure they aren't trigger happy and go shooting down our ships.'
Cragg grinned. This sounded like something he could do. He saluted. 'Yes, Sir. On my way.'
As Cragg left the office, Potts shrugged and said, 'Hey. What harm can he do?'
Still with the helmet under his arm, Cragg marched outside. Two of Armour Dillow's security officers were fully armed, on duty outside, ready for any eventuality. They got Cragg, instead.
'Where the hell are you going?' one asked.
