2041 Sanctuary (Let There Be Light)

by Robert Storey

  Chapter Seventy Four

  Steiner took a deep breath. ‘The only way we can revive the Space Programme is with a superpower’s resources.’

  ‘You told us that already,’ Eric said.

  ‘And not just any superpower,’ Steiner continued, unperturbed, ‘but one we stand a chance of influencing. Which means we need to stop the first asteroid due in 2042, specifically the one destined to impact the United States. This will also buy us some time and potentially open up a conduit to NASA’s Mission Command.’ He shook his head. ‘Although don’t ask me how, this is all hypothetical.’

  Jessica looked confused. ‘But the Space Programme is the only thing that can stop the asteroids. It’s catch twenty-two,’ she glanced round at the others, ‘isn’t it?’

  Steiner tapped his nose and smiled. ‘You’d think, wouldn’t you? But having been with the GMRC from the beginning I have seen and heard all manner of measures proposed to stop these distant threats. Most have been trialled, all have failed. But when I chose to save USSB Steadfast, I had more than one idea up my sleeve. Steadfast is no more,’ his expression grew grim, ‘but the USA remains and there is a way to extend its lifespan, at least until 2045 when the final two asteroids arrive. Although whether this would be time enough to reinstall the intercept missions to deflect next year’s largest asteroids is anyone’s guess.’ Steiner shifted in his seat to make himself more comfortable. ‘Please bear in mind the idea I am about to suggest is fraught with danger and the chance of pulling it off is slim, the chances of it working slimmer still.’

  ‘Just tell us,’ Eric said, growing frustrated.

  ‘The theory is that a tactical assault on an asteroid would be able to break it up in low Earth orbit prior to impact.’

  ‘A tactical assault,’ Jessica said, ‘you’re talking about nuclear weapons?’

  Steiner nodded. ‘Not just nuclear weapons, all nuclear weapons. Mathematical models indicated that staged nuclear explosions would be able to create a percussive force that would vibrate and shatter an asteroid to pieces. The warheads would be detonated in such a way to produce shockwave after shockwave, layer after layer of energy; the resulting blasts would literally shake the rock apart. If you can imagine, it would almost be like creating atmospheric density in space, except this density would provide far more resistance than that offered by the Earth’s natural shield.’

  ‘It sounds feasible,’ Jessica said, ‘but why didn’t they use this method to stop AG5, or the rest for that matter?’

  ‘It was not considered a viable option for various reasons, a main one being that the world’s nuclear arsenal wasn’t big enough to cope with more than one asteroid. In fact, many said it wasn’t big enough to cope with one. Furthermore, the computer models also indicated the method would not work for six of the seven asteroids, including AG5, which only leaves one, the smallest, AG5–C, the rock due to hit the United States next year. This asteroid is half the size of AG5 itself but, as I’ve said before, its impact will still be devastating.

  ‘Some scientists also warned the nuclear explosions could affect the space stations and in turn the intercept missions. There was also another problem with the idea, a pretty major one. None of the nations would agree to leaving themselves vulnerable to attack by another power, as for the assault to work the rockets would need to be fired simultaneously. This meant that if one nation held back at the final moment, they would become the only power on the planet with nuclear weapons. And, as has been the case for decades, China and Russia didn’t trust the West, and the West didn’t trust China or Russia. And no one trusted North Korea.’

  ‘And this is all theory,’ Jessica said.

  ‘Yes, but the science is sound.’

  Steiner heard Brett give a derisive snort from her seat in the back.

  ‘There’s one big problem,’ Eric said. ‘How the hell are we supposed to get access to all those nuclear weapons?’

  Jessica slumped back in her seat. ‘We’d have to convince all those nations to help us; it’s impossible.’

  ‘It is not impossible, Jessica Klein,’ Bic said, ‘but you’re right in thinking it would not be easy to achieve. Is there no other way, Professor Steiner?’

  ‘No, that’s it. If we want to save the surface that’s the first thing of many we need to do.’

  Silence ensued as everyone computed the information they’d just received.

  Steiner had an idea and cleared his throat. ‘There might be one way to pull it off.’

  ‘And that is?’ Jessica said, when Steiner failed to elaborate.

  ‘You’re not going to like it, Brett especially.’

  They all looked at the FBI agent.

  ‘I don’t give two shits what you’re planning. I want no part in it.’

  ‘You’re part of this now, Brett Taylor,’ Bic said, ‘whether you like it or not.’

  ‘So,’ Jessica said, turning back to Steiner, ‘how are we going to choreograph the world’s biggest nuclear attack?’

  ‘If we get to one man we might have a chance.’

  ‘And that man is?’

  ‘The same man that condemned me as a terrorist and a symptom of the GMRC’s corruption,’ Steiner said. ‘A man that said I deserved the death penalty for my crimes, and one of the most protected men on the planet. His name is John Harrison Henry, and he’s the next President of the United States.’

  Chapter Seventy Five

  Jessica couldn’t help but laugh, the sound verging on the hysterical. ‘This is insanity!’

  ‘I don’t think so,’ Bic said, ‘Professor Steiner may be onto something. The President would have the contacts and the power to launch a nuclear strike, it is not implausible.’

  ‘But why would he listen to us?’ Jessica said. ‘As far as he’s concerned we’re a bunch of terrorists led by the world’s most wanted and a convicted mass murderer … no offence, Professor.’

  ‘None taken. But you’re right; convincing the man will be difficult. However, if we want this to work we’ll need to find a way.’

  ‘Won’t the president be in with the GMRC?’ Eric said. ‘As soon as we get near him he’ll rat us out.’

  ‘The man hates the GMRC,’ Brett said, stirring from her malaise. ‘I saw his speech on TV; he’d do anything to bring them down.’

  ‘Then that’s in our favour,’ Steiner said, ‘as is the fact he is part of the transitional government.’

  Eric scratched his head. ‘Transitional government?’

  ‘It’s the switchover of power,’ Steiner said. ‘As the old world awaits its fate, the new world and its governments will be starting anew below ground. Those left on the surface will have no knowledge of what is to come, nor of the subterranean bases that shelter those beneath.’

  ‘That’s awful,’ Jessica said, ‘you’ll just leave them to fend for themselves, at the time when they need you most?’

  ‘Not me, the GMRC. But yes, to my shame, I agreed it was the only way. In order to protect the underground bases a cut off point had to be made.’

  ‘I thought it was too good to be true,’ Brett said.

  Jessica glanced at the FBI agent. ‘What was?’

  ‘I wondered how an independent managed to get into the White House; now I know.’

  ‘Won’t the GMRC be watching him?’ Eric asked.

  ‘They will,’ Steiner said, ‘very closely. He may be a transitional politician, but he will still have power, and both the GMRC and the new – or perhaps that should be real – U.S. government that has been installed to manage the U.S. underground bases will continue to manipulate and control him from afar. Unless we are successful, John Henry will be the last president of the United States of America and yet he also represents our best hope of saving the surface. If he invokes his special powers he can seize control of the U.S. military and launch against the asteroid.’

  ‘But that won’t be enough, will it?’ Jessica said. ‘We’ll need the other nations to join with us.’

  ‘He n
ever said it would be easy, Jessica Klein,’ Bic said.

  ‘That sounds like the tagline of my life.’

  Steiner gave her a fatherly smile and put a hand on hers. ‘All is not lost, my dear, we may yet find a way.’

  Jessica felt her despair lift a little.

  The portable touchscreen beeped. ‘Eric,’ Bic said, ‘we need to keep moving, the U.S. military have found the drone, our secret is out.’

  Eric swore and got them moving again.

  The rattle and squeak of the Peruvian police vehicle returned as they lurched forward over rough terrain. Behind, in the far distance, tiny white lights cleaved through the cold air, the illuminations giving away the position of the UAVs which hunted the ground for signs of their prey.

  ‘I have to leave you for a while,’ Bic said. ‘I need to manipulate the signals of the drones that are searching for us.’ The hacker’s image disappeared to be replaced by a map which had a red line marked on it. ‘Follow this route; it will lead you to safety.’

  ‘Good luck,’ Jessica said, but Bic had already gone.

  Some time passed in silence before Steiner said, ‘Can he be trusted? He holds the fate of the whole world in his hands.’

  Jessica looked at him. ‘I would like to say yes, but I don’t know, all I know is he’s our only hope.’

  Steiner nodded and stared out of the window, deep in thought.

  Jessica watched him for a moment before sending out a silent prayer to anyone or anything that would listen. Please keep my family safe and bring them back to me, they’re all I have. I’ll do anything you ask, just grant me that one wish. She paused before adding, and let Bic be the man I pray that he is, for all our sakes, for without him all is lost. A host of overwhelming emotion sought to break her resolve, but Jessica knew she had to remain strong for those that waited for her return.

  It seemed like decades since she’d left her normal life behind. So much has happened, she thought as her eyes drifted down to look at her grubby hands. The dirt-encrusted nails were a far cry from the clean, manicured perfection she had once tried so hard to maintain. I’m not the same woman that left London all those weeks ago, that’s for sure. She gave a rueful smile before a splash of dried blood on her sleeve caught her eye. Jessica frowned and rubbed at the mark. It failed to come off. She licked her finger and rubbed harder, but the stain remained. Harder and faster she scraped at the cloth, her nails digging deep and fingertips burning, but try as she might the discolouration refused to budge.

  The four-by-four carried on into the dark, heading towards the mountains beyond, while Jessica’s heartfelt plea drifted into the ether of time and space, unheard by those at her side, but perhaps – as some would like to think – acknowledged by a greater power beyond. As the stolen vehicle continued its journey, few could guess at the importance of the passengers within. They were the only people on the planet who could avert the apocalypse to come, and yet amongst them there was one who contemplated treachery. The future of the surface hung in the balance and never had the lives of so many rested on the deeds of so few. The days of reckoning approached like the asteroids in the heavens above, and nothing and no one could stop their advance.

  Chapter Seventy Six

  The President-elect, John Harrison Henry, stood at the window of his New York apartment and gazed out at the floodlit city skyline. I’ve made it, he thought, I can’t believe I’ve actually made it. Who said an independent couldn’t become president? If my parents could only see me now. He sighed. They’d be as condescending and negative as they’d been in life. A deep sense of loss touched his heart, a yearning for the loving home he’d never had. ‘Stop pitying yourself,’ he said out loud, ‘you’ve achieved the impossible. You can finally make a difference, a real difference.’

  ‘You know talking to yourself is the first sign of madness, don’t you?’

  He turned round to see his personal assistant enter the room. She was dressed in only a bathrobe and left a trail of wet footprints on the wooden floor behind her.

  He smiled. ‘I always thought it represented inner strength.’

  The woman walked towards him and into his open arms. Wrapping her in an embrace, he brushed back a lock of her damp hair with a finger.

  ‘So, Mr. President,’ she said, ‘how are we going to make the world a better place?’

  He kissed her neck with soft lips. ‘First, I’m going to eject the GMRC from the United States.’

  She unbuttoned his shirt. ‘And second?’

  ‘Then I’m going to secure our borders.’ He tugged loose the knot that held her robe closed.

  ‘And then?’ she said, dropping her garment to the floor to reveal her smooth, soft flesh.

  ‘And then I’m going to bring peace and prosperity to the people.’ He kissed her shoulder and ran his hands down her back.

  She moved her hands lower. ‘And then?’ she said, biting his lip.

  He let out a groan of pleasure. ‘And then I’m going to change the world.’ Unable to contain himself any longer, he scooped her up and carried her into the adjoining bedroom, the trappings of power and the politics of the day forgotten like the white robe that lay discarded in a crumpled heap on the floor.

  ♦

  A GMRC operative adjusted the camera angle to follow the first couple into their bedroom.

  Another man entered the room and placed two cups of steaming coffee on the desk. ‘How’s she doing?’

  ‘She’s with him now.’

  ‘Poor bastard, he has no idea what’s to come. He thinks he’s going to bring in some kind of revolution.’

  The other man gave a sniff as he watched the rise and fall of the entwined lovers. ‘He doesn’t look that poor to me.’

  ‘She enjoys her work, I give her that.’

  ‘It’s a shame she can’t come with us, such a waste.’

  ‘She’s been well paid to do as instructed. Who are we to question the Directorate?’

  The man sipped his drink and his brow furrowed. ‘I hate not being allowed outside the building. I think I’m getting cabin fever.’

  ‘That’s the price of knowledge, my friend. Would you rather be running around out there when the time comes?’

  The man made a face. ‘When do we relocate?’

  ‘I got the order yesterday; the tenth protocol is going into effect any day now.’

  ‘Have we found out what it’s called yet?’

  ‘USSB New York.’

  ‘Nice, bring on the U.N.Y.’

  ‘Amen to that.’

  The two men continued to watch the screen.

  ‘Did you get the donuts?’

  Without taking his eyes off the show, the second man held up a paper bag. ‘Last batch.’

  Ensconced in the GMRC’s massive HQ building on Manhattan’s Ninth Avenue, the two men munched down on their sugary feast and settled in for the nightshift. Times were changing and excitement was in the air, but there was still much work to be done and the GMRC would continue its duties on schedule as only it knew how. The countdown to zero hour had begun.

  Chapter Seventy Seven

  Richard Goodwin stared into the black, the lights from his diving helmet illuminating shadowy steps that led down into a place so sacrosanct, so gloriously protected, that even the Anakim must have rarely crossed its threshold. When he’d activated the golden throne by aligning the constellations to match the pewter frieze, he couldn’t have dreamt of a better result. That the three statues of the Anakim women, who knelt before him now, had moved to their current position was amazing enough. But to reveal this hidden passageway was a true gift from the gods.

  The beautiful female sculptures had each settled onto one giant knee, the arms of the central Anakim resting outstretched hands on her two sisters’ considerable shoulders. Motionless, heads bowed as if in prayer, the mysterious forms created a semi-circle around the pentagram’s central pentagon and the stairwell beneath.

  This must be it, Goodwin thought, the way to the surface
is within reach. Everything has led me here. The frieze in the city, the carvings that revealed the lake’s secret, the dark abyss beneath the water and then the riddle of the Sphinx. It was almost too good to be true. If it hadn’t cost him his freedom, leadership and probably his relationship with Kara, he might have believed it was. But he knew if he could get everyone to the surface it all would have been worth it. I brought everyone here, I put everyone’s life in jeopardy, and it is long past time to repay their faith in me.

  ‘What I don’t understand is,’ Rebecca said, breaking the silence, ‘how can the biblical texts be the key to what’s down here?’

  Goodwin couldn’t tear his gaze away from the entrance before him. ‘It just means some of the ancient legends may have more truth to them than we thought.’

  ‘Our myths and tales are the Anakim’s reality?’

  ‘Why not?’ Goodwin said, turning to face her. ‘If they interacted with humans it stands to reason knowledge would have passed from one species to the other.’

  ‘I suppose,’ Rebecca said. ‘For all we know Neanderthals could have taught humans art, or how to hunt in the colds of the north.’

  Goodwin nodded and resumed his study of the Anakim portal. He went to take a step down onto the stairs but Manaus held him back.

  ‘I’ll go first, sir.’ The Darklight officer moved past without waiting for his reply.

  Goodwin felt a rush of anger at her taking the lead, followed by a sense of shame. The woman isn’t trying to steal my limelight; she’s trying to protect me from whatever may lurk beneath. His agitation remained, however, despite this thought. I found this place; I should be the one to learn its secrets first. Trying to keep a hold on his impatience, he followed Manaus down into the Anakim passage, while those behind filed in after them.

  At the bottom of the oversized stairs, some hundred steps down, the passage levelled out and shallow water lapped at their feet. The surrounding rock changed from smooth, polished stone to a porous substrate full of tiny holes. Goodwin reached out a hand as he splashed through the waterlogged tunnel and touched the pockmarked surface that glistened wet in the light. Despite the fluid running down its walls it felt rough, like sandpaper or stony coral.