SALIENT: Fast Paced SciFi Thriller

by Simon Rosser

  U.S. Ambassador Nicky Harker nodded to President Trent, who was seated next to her and observing the meeting, stood up, and started to address the assembly. “I have to admit I never considered that I would be addressing the assembly on this subject, but I must say it makes a nice break from discussing Syria, or indeed North Korea,” she said, dryly.

  The other four permanent members nodded their heads, agreeing to her sentiment.

  “As you all know, a post-detection protocol, a set of structured rules, standards, guidelines if you like, which government entities should ideally follow in the event of the detection of confirmed signals from extra-terrestrial civilizations has been drawn up. Though not formally adopted by any government, the U.S. position is that we should stick with the Declaration of Principles Concerning Activities Following the Detection of Extra-terrestrial Intelligence.” Ambassador Harker paused to take a sip of water, her mouth suddenly becoming unpleasantly dry.

  She put her glass down and continued her address. “The protocol was developed by the International Academy of Astronautics, with the support of the International Institute of Space Law, in conjunction with research from SETI, who as you all know detected the signal. METI, Messaging to Extra-terrestrial Intelligence, and CETI, Communication with Extra-terrestrial Intelligence were also involved.” Harker paused to make sure the members were still following what she was saying. They all were.

  She carried on. “Scientists studying this field have argued that the formulation of post-detection protocols can be guided by three main factors: Society’s readiness to accept the news that an alien signal has been detected; how the news of detection is released, and the comprehensibility of the message in the signal.”

  Russian Ambassador Victor Charski interrupted Ambassador Harker. “This is all very well, but as I understand it, we have no idea what this signal says yet, or indeed if it’s even genuine!”

  Harker nodded. “That is correct, but these protocols are the best framework we have at the moment and the U.S. position is that they be implemented and followed to the letter.”

  “We will see about that,” Charski responded, sitting back down.

  Harker nodded at the Russian ambassador, before continuing her lengthy address. “The council needs to consider the range of likely reactions from the press, various religious groups, political leaders, and the general public. The differences in reactions across the range of cultural and religious boundaries, as you might imagine, will be substantial. Press agencies all around the world are already getting hold of the story, and people are naturally starting to panic and they need answers to many and varied questions.”

  Chinese Ambassador Zing stood and addressed the council. “The Chinese position is that this contact, if indeed it is genuine, should be framed as a positive development that will benefit all humankind. Removal of extremist group websites and other forms of social media needs immediate address. Our fear is that such terrorist groups could start attacking this discovery as being evil or immoral. It is possible that this would spark attempts to terminate communication by interfering with the signal or targeting the detecting technology with cyber-attacks.” Ambassador Zing sat back down.

  “Thank you for that useful input,” Ambassador Harker said, smiling at Zing, before continuing her speech. “There is much we need to consider here today. The nature of a response, if any, once we have been able to decode the signal, needs consideration. We are aware that SETI is concerned with how humankind should carry out this communication, and whether a response should be with one collective voice, or if anyone with access to a transmitter should have the right to communicate.”

  “Clearly that would be inappropriate,” the Russian ambassador said.

  Harker nodded, acknowledging the objection. “Any response would need to be carefully crafted by the council, on behalf of all humankind. Several options exist, including a description of our species and planet, much like the discs that were sent out on the Voyager probes, a request for information for example. All this must be considered very quickly,” Harkin said, retaking her seat in front of President Trent.

  Ambassador James Horsey stood up. “May I say thank you to our American friends for such a concise briefing on this rather unusual situation we find ourselves in. From the British standpoint, when considering post-detection courses of action, we need to consider the relative technological capabilities both in relation to signal relay time and whether or not the senders of the signal are thought to pose a militaristic threat. If the transmission is coming from outside the solar system, which I understand it is, there will be a significant lag in time between transmission and receipt by either party, unless of course, some exotic or unknown technology is being used to transmit and receive the signals. The potential disparities in sophistication of weapons technology hold grave implications for how humankind should react. I believe the council will be aware of British theoretical physicist, Stephen Hawking’s view, which is that we can’t risk revealing the precise location of the Earth to alien civilizations who might want to destroy us.”

  Ambassador Harker rose to her feet again. “Yes, thank you, Ambassador Horsey. As the council appreciate, the United States take such a threat incredibly seriously, hence the reason why we already have a military presence on the ground on Mount Shasta, where the signal was first detected. Council members, it would appear that whoever is sending the signal, already knows we are here.”

  A hushed silence fell over the chamber at that point, the permanent members remained seated, transfixed to their computer monitors, which now revealed the latest information on the signal, live pictures of the Cobalt Ridge Glacier, together with info-graphics showing Mount Shasta and the region of the Moon where the signal appeared to terminate, and a representation of the second signal from the same location on the Moon, to star HR 8832 in the constellation of Cassiopeia.

  Ambassador Harker stood to address the assembly again. “The United States is happy to adopt the following principles drawn up by SETI,” she said, as a petite dark-haired female handed each of the members a manila envelope containing a number of documents.

  “The papers before you all have been endorsed by six international, professional space societies and they constitute an informal agreement proposing a set of nine post-detection protocols. I can summarise the important protocols as follows,” Harker said, reaching for her water again to lubricate her dry throat.

  She continued reading. “Consultations on whether a message should be sent, and its content, should take place within the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space of the United Nations. These consultations should be open to participation by all interested States and should be intended to lead to recommendations reflecting a consensus.” Ambassador Harker paused to allow the members to turn to the correct page in the document.

  She continued. “The United Nations General Assembly should consider making the decision on whether or not to send a message to the extra-terrestrial intelligence in the first place, and on what the content of that message should be, based on recommendations from the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and from governmental and non-governmental organisations. If a decision is made to send a message, it should be sent on behalf of all humankind, rather than from individual States,” she said, eying each of the members over the rim of her glasses.

  “The content of such a message should reflect a careful concern for the broad interests and wellbeing of humanity, and should be made available to the public in advance of transmission. No communication to extra-terrestrial intelligence should be sent by any State until appropriate international consultations have taken place. States should not cooperate with attempts to communicate with extra-terrestrial intelligence that do not conform to the principles of this declaration. And finally, States participating in this declaration and United Nations bodies should draw on the expertise of scientists, scholars, and other persons with relevant knowledge.”

  The Russian ambassador stood again
. “Thank you, Ambassador Harker for that detailed account of the position with regards to…to the unusual situation that is unfolding in northern California. May I just say that I think it important and prudent that we also put together a joint military unit, with representatives from all the five permanent members, to be deployed at ground zero in case something unexpected occurs. Heaven knows we have seen enough American science fiction movies to make us all a little concerned about what is happening,” he said, raising his eyebrows at the delegation before him, before retaking his seat.

  Ambassador Harker went to stand again, but President Trent placed his hand on her shoulders and stood himself.

  “Ambassador Charski, delegate members, I speak on behalf of the American nation here and on the very unnatural events currently taking place on American soil over in California. I can’t speak for our Hollywood friends, who have been in the entertainment business for the last century, but I can tell you that I am taking this very seriously. At the present time, I believe that our armed forces can handle any issue that arises over on the mountain, but I thank you for your suggestion Ambassador,” Trent said, retaking his seat.

  CHAPTER 22

  THE THREE OF them watched the streaming video of the UN Security Council meeting in silence, just a distant drip…drip…drip…echoed along the mineshaft as the video flickered and went blank.

  “Well that’s just great. They’re talking as if this thing is a genuine signal from aliens from outer space and we’re walking along a bloody tunnel right under the mountain from where the signal has been detected!” Jessica complained.

  Tom would be lying if he said he wasn’t also feeling a little afraid, but this could be the discovery of the century. He tried to think rationally about the events, but it wasn’t easy. Were the Bigfoot sightings/activity related to the mystery signal, or was it just coincidence? It was hard to believe that the two supernatural events weren’t somehow related, but how on earth could they be? “Well, it’s incredible for sure. Just think what it could mean for the human race if the signal were genuine. We’d have the chance to learn about the evolution of another species from another planet. We could be enriched with technological knowledge beyond our wildest dreams, maybe learn how to exist as a species without blowing ourselves up. Learn about other sentient beings in our galaxy, maybe even outside it. I mean it’s what dreams are made of,” Tom proclaimed, as the three of them set off again along the lightening tunnel.

  Jess rolled her eyes. “I can’t believe you think about all that rubbish,” she said.

  Bruce cleared his throat. “I don’t know dude, but it would make a great science fiction movie.”

  Tom checked the harpoon device in his backpack. The ultra-violet glow had all but faded. “It seems safe at least. Come on, let’s try find the cavern, check it out and get the hell out of here.”

  Jess smiled. “Now I like the sound of that!”

  Three-quarters of a mile behind, Armstrong and Alicia moved quickly along the mineshaft. “Boss,” Alicia said, her voice hoarse with fear, and her eyes bloodshot from lack of sleep and tears. “Do you think those things followed us in here?”

  Armstrong tried not to think of the possibility. He was still shocked over the way John and Doug had been yanked off their feet and pulled ferociously into the forest. And the trap set for the vehicles. Had it been prepared for them for when they returned back down the mountain? A shiver raced up his spine at the thought.

  “I bloody hope not. But don’t worry we have this,” he said, holding up the M14 he’d taken from the front of the Humvee.

  “Well just make sure something doesn’t sneak up behind us, like it did with poor John and Doug,” Alicia said, her voice shaky with emotion.

  Armstrong had to admit that he’d never felt quite so scared in his life, as they hurried along the dark mine shaft. He continuously checked the passage behind him using the M14’s night vision scope, which turned the blackness into an eerie green colour. So far, they remained alone.

  The wind was starting to pick up and blow clouds of frozen snow particles down the eastern face of Mount Shasta towards the Cobalt Ridge Glacier. The military team had just finished setting up a prefab hut, complete with computer and satellite transmitter for the task ahead. U.S army personnel from the second Humvee had moved crates of equipment from the vehicle and were now opening them under a weatherproof tarp they’d erected.

  Dr Lucy Davies and Professor Beck looked on from their position close to the glacial area where the signal was being transmitted, the hoods on their parkas pulled tight around their faces against the biting wind.

  Tom, Jess, and Bruce continued along the mineshaft, which was now almost light enough for them to walk along without a flashlight. “I can see something up ahead,” Tom said, pointing to a feature that appeared out of place in relation to the architecture of the tunnel they’d been walking along for the last mile or so.

  “What is it?” Jessica whispered.

  Tom turned his flashlight back on and directed it at the feature. The light from the torch washed over it and revealed the intersecting mineshaft shown on the internet map and on the old parchment.

  “I thought it looked odd, it’s the other tunnel that leads directly towards the cavern. According to the map it’s about another two-hundred feet farther along,” Tom explained.

  “It’s weird. I just don't understand how it’s getting lighter,” Jessica added.

  “The only explanation I have is that there is a natural light source coming from somewhere,” but even Tom wasn’t convinced about his idea.

  The three of them proceeded cautiously towards the intersection and when they reached it, Tom directed the flashlight away from the mountain and down the long, dark tunnel that intersected the tunnel they were in. It looked the same. To the right, however, the solid, rock walls appeared to be glistening from the mystery light source emanating from farther along the shaft.

  “Very unusual; It might be coming from the quartz crystals in the rock,” Tom suggested.

  “It’s beautiful,” Jess whispered, somewhat in awe.

  “Did you know that the Ancient Greeks referred to quartz as krustallos, derived from the Ancient Greek word, kruos which means icy cold. Some philosophers apparently believed the mineral to be a form of super-cooled ice,” Bruce said, matter-of-factly.

  “Nice little fact and kind of appropriate seeing as there’s tons of the stuff above our heads,” Tom said.

  “Now, how would you know something as useless as that?” Jess asked, shaking her head.

  “Read it online when I was searching about the mineshafts today,” Bruce smirked.

  “Are we good to go?” Tom asked, feeling impatient.

  Bruce nodded. “Let's do it.”

  “We’ve come this far. Let’s go and find out where the hell the light is coming from,” Jessica agreed.

  “I’m glad your sense of adventure has returned.” Tom checked the time. Thirty minutes had passed since the UN meeting in New York. “Come on, let’s go.”

  CHAPTER 23

  THE MOON

  September 20, 2 A.M., PT

  ASTRONAUTS COLONEL BRUCE Bannister and Commander William Scott carried out a series of pre-landing systems checks as the X40 approached the Moon at a velocity of 75,000 mph, almost three times the speed of the Apollo space craft almost fifty years earlier. The screen on the console in front of them confirmed they’d covered 215,000 miles, leaving just under 25,000 miles before reaching lunar orbit.

  “This is Groom Lake calling Odyssey. We hope you guys had a good trip up there. We are showing fifteen seconds to plasma engine brake and lunar orbit insertion,” Mission Flight Commander Ross Channing’s calm voice, sounded from the control panel.

  “Roger that. We have a spectacular view of our blue planet and all you guys back home. Acknowledge lunar orbit insertion. We are good for plasma engine brake,” Scott said.

  “Prepare for plasma drive deceleration in five…four…three…two…one
,” Bannister confirmed.

  “Coming up on the ten-thousand mile mark to target. Checking lunar entry and orbit configuration,” Scott replied.

  The X40’s plasma engine reverse thrusters fired, slowing the craft down from its cruising speed to a lunar orbit entry velocity of 15,000 mph.

  There was a brief pause before Channing’s voice sounded over the coms. “Roger that Odyssey. All systems are looking good from down here.”

  “Lunar orbit in thirty seconds,” Scott said, tapping the computer in front of him, and double checking the landing coordinates.

  “Lunar orbit insertion confirmed,” Bannister said.

  The X40’s plasma drive engines glowed blue as they kicked in once again to control the craft down as it approached the Moon.

  “All systems nominal, we are good to go for lunar orbit insertion.”

  “Roger that,” Channing confirmed.

  The X40’s conventional rocket thrusters fired, making the necessary adjustments, sending the craft on the correct descent trajectory for lunar orbit insertion.

  “Pitch and roll adjustment confirmed. We are entering lunar orbit in five…four…three…two…one.” As he said it, Scott peered out of craft’s small triangular window. “What a sight! Passing over the Sea of Tranquillity in…ten seconds.”

  “Roger that,” Channing confirmed, over the coms from Groom Lake base. “Do you have visual on the Moon’s surface? Can you see anything unusual up there?”

  “Negative,” Scott replied, after a few seconds.

  The X40’s video rolled as the craft passed over 00.67408° north latitude, 23.47297° east longitude at twelve thousand mph., the Mare Tranquillitatis region, better known as the Sea of Tranquillity, the landing site for the 1969 Apollo mission.