The Secret - Book One of the Marcus II Series

by Bonnie Somerville

  The Secret – Book One of the Marcus II Series

  By: BJ Somerville

  Text Copyright @2012 by BJ Somerville

  All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever.

  This book was written and produced in Canada

  Cover Art Image provided by: Shutterstock.com

  Cover Design by Bonkers

  First Edition

  This book is published by Chicagirl Publications

  ISBN 978-0-9916881-2-8

  Prologue

  “I’m telling you right now Conrad, those bastards are not going to highjack this project. It was conceived by us, it has been planned by us and we will not give up our autonomy to any of those damn talking heads, not now, not ever. Their threat to withdraw funding or deny access to state of the art equipment will not deter us. They want to turn Marcus II into their own personal bank account. If we make a deal with them they will strip that planet of its minerals, forests and anything else they can sell to make a profit. Marcus II will become a wasteland and future explorers will think it’s a twin to Terra. You can see with your own eyes what the result will be if they have any hand in this project… My project. They will not have the opportunity to exploit the resources of that planet.” Moira Murray ranted. This particular argument was ongoing, this was the tenth time the government had tried to force the researchers into playing the game of politics.

  Special interest groups were owed a favor and they wanted the Government to grant them exclusive rights to any and all of the resources on Marcus II and they weren’t against using the threat of removal of funding to get their way. “Moira please don’t upset yourself, I’m asking you to be practical we need that money!” Conrad Drummond proclaimed. “There is no project without a vast influx of capital, you know that as well as I do and you know how to play the game.” Conrad continued.

  “I know how it has been in the past! Researchers have had to prostitute themselves to be able to follow their projects through to the end. The original proposal was clear, it stated unequivocally that every aspect of this colonization, every decision was ours to make, Period! Now they think they can change the rules. That won’t happen this time Conrad, do you understand me? That’s one thing I will not compromise on!” Moira stated adamantly.

  Conrad paced back and forth. He knew there was no changing her mind, not about this. He struggled to find a way to salvage the project, six years had already been invested into its planning. Possibly thousands of man hours would be wasted if they couldn’t secure the funds necessary, and this latest stunt of the governing body overseeing the allocation of funding was disastrous. Moira went over to Conrad and gently patted him on the shoulder. “Don’t worry Conrad. Have I ever let you down? I didn’t come into this with my eyes closed. I was well aware they might try to take over and I have always had an alternative plan. We’ll get to Marcus II and we’ll have our colony the way we want it.” Moira said with a slight smirk. ~

  Months later on the transport vessel Moira paced the bridge as they neared Marcus II. “Dr. Murray, there seems to have been some sort of cock up with the original survey of Marcus II. The science vessel Audra surveyed the five planets in this sector and they concluded that Marcus I and Marcus II were possible sites for a human settlement. Both have moderate climates, thick vegetation and several sites suitable for settlements. Marcus I is an M Class planet that has a primate species with the potential for evolving into a humanoid life form. Or at least it did Ma’am.” The extremely young looking Technical Officer of the transport ship informed Moira. That sentence caught Moira’s attention and her head snapped around.

  “It looks like Marcus I has had a significant impact Ma’am. It looks bad.” He concluded. “Could you show me on the large viewer?” Moira asked. The Tech looked to the Captain for confirmation, the Captain nodded. The viewer came to life showing the enormous crater similar in size to the Barringer Crater in Arizona. Moira moved closer to examine the image. “Can we get a better resolution on that image?” She said squinting at the screen. “No ma’am… Our equipment isn’t sensitive enough. This is just a transport vessel… We only carry an outdated first generation THEMIS Imaging System. That’s the best image we have, I’m sorry.” The scruffy haired Tech looked away embarrassed. Moira tried to reconcile what such a significant impact might mean to her project. Granted it wasn’t on Marcus II but it could have significant repercussions. She turned to the tech and noticed a sheepish look on his face. “What are you not saying young man?” Moira asked. After taking a deep breath he replied. “The data sent in the original reports were somehow transposed, it’s almost impossible to separate the two. Images and data from Marcus I were in the Marcus II report and vice versa.” The tech concluded. “Damn damn damn.” Moira said under her breath while resisting the urge to slam her hand down on the console. She had to find a way to salvage this mission. There was no turning back now. Everyone had given everything they had, gathered their families and even brought genetic material to grow their own livestock. This colony was their dream and it had to happen there was no other option. Moira had assembled some of the most brilliant minds she knew and they would have to utilize their combined intellect to make this colonization a success. Moira rubbed her forehead and turned to the Captain. “Captain, could I use your conference room please?” She asked. “Yes Doctor of course.” He said motioning to her toward the doorway to his ready room. “And Captain if it’s not too much trouble could I have any information your people can pick up of the Planet sent there please?” The Captain smiled and nodded encouragingly. He had become quite fond of Dr. Murray in their time together and wanted to help in any way he could. ~

  In the Captains’ conference room the scientists were gathered and were engaged in a heated discussion about what would be the best way to proceed. After reviewing the new data the majority believed the expedition could continue with a slightly modified plan. A small but very vocal group on the other hand wanted to pack it in and return to Terra. “I don’t think we can cavalierly make such a serious decision. I brought my entire family here and I’m not going to put them in jeopardy.” Dr. Sharma proclaimed. “Then you should return to Terra after the rest of us go down to the planet. It’s entirely your decision.” Dr. Morgan commented with barely disguised contempt. “Dr. Suzuki, is there any animal life on either of the planets that will make settlement impossible or dangerous?” Moira asked. “The survey that we now know was a complete shambles shows what appear to be large primates on Marcus I. There are large mammals detected…” Dr. Suzuki started but was interrupted by Dr. Dunkin “We can’t use any of that data! It’s been corrupted and we don’t have the time to do a complete survey of our own. We have to start fresh with the equipment we have and hope that’s enough.” Dr. Dunkin stated.

  The new Planetary Survey was distributed to all the scientists. It would take time to analyze all this new information. After two days the council was reconvened and the decision was made to proceed, minus Dr. Sharma and his family. They had decided to return to Terra. The word was sent out to begin the disembarkation protocols for the rest of the scientists and their families. They were proceeding as planned and the THEMIS Imaging System had located a suitable site for their colony that had all the ingredients needed for their endeavor. The scientists dispersed to carry out their assigned duties for preparation to make landfall. Moira sifted through the copious amount of new data that continued to come in. She had a slight headache and leaned back in her chair massaging her temples.

  Dr. Conrad Drummond came up behind her cautiously trying not to startle her. Before he had a chance
to say anything Moira asked. “What is it now Conrad, it better not be any more bad news!” Conrad shuffled his feet and waited briefly before he leaned down and whispered in her ear. “I’m sorry Moira it’s worse than that. Can I speak with you in private?” This day was going from bad to worse. There was so much they didn’t know. She motioned for the others still mingling in the room to leave and close the door. “What is it?” She said impatiently.

  “It’s about the original survey ma’am. There’s evidence that the mix up wasn’t an accident. It looks like the data was deliberately scrambled by someone. The question is if it was done to deliberately sabotage us specifically or someone just being a prat.” Conrad said. Moira spun around in her chair. “You have got to be kidding me!” Moira exclaimed. By the look on Conrads’ face she knew instinctively that was’nt all. She made a circular movement with her hand motioning him to proceed.

  “I have indisputable evidence that this so called mix up was not only known by Bellinger but was ordered by him. He wanted us to fail so he could swoop in and take Marcus II away from us.” Conrad said as his eyes met Moira’s squinting glare. “That little bastard!.. I’d like to wring his frigging neck. If he were here now I would. He said he would sink this project and it appears he’s made his best effort.” She said. Conrad looked like he was going to have a coronary. Moira stood and put her hand on his shoulder and gave it a firm reassuring squeeze.

  “Don’t worry Conrad, that asshole has made his biggest mistake ever. He’s greatly underestimated me. We will continue with our plan, this changes nothing.” Moira said turning her attention back to the analysis reports. “Moira, there’s one more thing I would like to discuss with you. It’s about the impact on Marcus I. It has caused considerable stress on the primate species we discussed earlier as well as two or three other species in the immediate vicinity of the crater. They would be considered endangered at this point. I have only been able to identify approximately one-thousand individuals. I would hate to see such a unique and promising species become extinct.” Conrad explained. “Fine Conrad, what are you proposing?” Moira looked intrigued. “I would like to lead a team to relocate a number of representatives from those species and have them brought to Marcus II.” He said. Moira breathed out heavily. “If you can get a consensus and some volunteers without our schedule being affected you have my ok.” Moira said. She trusted this man and colleague because he was brilliant but most of all he had integrity. ~

  “How did the collection process go Conrad, do you have enough numbers to create a viable seed population?” Moira questioned a few days later. “Yes Moira. I’m confident we have enough individuals as well as sufficiently diverse genetic material to support my plans for rehabilitation and reintroduction. We already have the crio-units for storage of human genetic material brought from Terra. There is plenty of room for those specimens as well. The only consideration at this time is that we use them in plenty of time before their internal power sources run out. If those units fail not only will we lose the specimens from Marcus I but our own samples as well.” He explained. “Conrad, we have numerous units but let’s not take any chances. Let’s evenly distribute the specimens among several units as there is always the possibility of the crio-cylinders failing.” Moira suggested. “Good thinking Moira. I’ll get right on it. See you on the planet.”

  “Oh and Conrad… could you please ask Dr. Sharma to join me in the conference room? I need to speak with him before we depart.” She asked. Conrad nodded before turning and exiting. Shortly Dr. Sharma arrived. “You wished to see me Dr. Murray?” Dr. Sharma inquired. Moira turned in her chair and took the measure of the man in front of her. She had assembled and handpicked these scientists for their skill and expertise. He was highly regarded by everyone who knew him and she mourned the loss of such an important member of her team but it couldn’t be helped. “Yes Dr. Sharma we will be disembarking within the hour and I would like to take my leave of you.” She said standing to look at him squarely. “If this is about my returning to Terra Dr. Murray my mind is made up I’m afraid.” Dr. Sharma said sternly. “No no Doctor, I respect your decision and wish you luck in your future endeavors. I’ve asked you here on a completely different matter. I need a favor and you’re the only one I trust.” Moira continued. Dr. Sharma looked confused. “If there is anything I can do for you Dr. Murray all you have to do is name it.” He said. Handing him a memory storage device she asked. “I need you to contact Commodore Fitzgerald as soon as you return to Terra and give him this. It’s very important and confidential.” Dr. Sharma looked at the device and slipped it into his pocket. “Yes Doctor you can count on me, you have my word.” He promised. “Very good Dr. Sharma, Bon Voyage.” Moira said hoping she was doing the right thing. Dr. Sharma bent at the waist in a low bow and left the conference room. Moira sat down heavily in her chair. The fun was just about to begin and as she was gathering her belongings the Captain entered to wish her good luck and escort her to the last shuttle.

  “Hello Dr. Murray, are you ready to depart?” He enquired smiling broadly. “As ready as I’ll ever be thank you Captain.” Moira replied. "I'm going to miss you and your team. It’s been a pleasure having you aboard. I think I’ll especially miss you Doctor I consider you a friend.” The Captain looked at her with a sheepish grin. He had been good-naturedly flirting with Moira at almost every opportunity. She smiled genuinely at him. “I’ll miss you as well. There is one thing you can do for me if it’s not too much trouble. Could you take this report to my Uncle… Commodore Fitzgerald and give it to him personally when you return to Terra. It would set my mind at ease.” She asked. He took the storage device. “It would be my pleasure Doctor… Moira, good luck again.” He said correcting himself at the last moment. With that they went to the hanger deck for departure to Marcus II. Moira wasn’t taking any chances with this project, her insurance policy had been successfully delivered and now it was time to begin the work. ~

  The journey to the planet went without a hitch. It had been a dream of Moiras to find a planet to do her research. Her Father had planted that dream and she would be the one who would finally fulfill it. Before leaving the bridge of the Artimus for the last time she had taken the time to observe their new home from orbit. Marcus II was in some ways very much like Terra with an atmosphere highly suitable for humans. Terra was the home of her ancestors but in her soul she knew that Marcus II would become the home of her children and grandchildren.

  The sphere that filled the view screen was massive and spectacular and the sheer magnitude of the challenge was a little daunting but she and her people were up for it. Its sea green oceans dotted with islands and continents, mountain ranges and mighty rivers. The atmosphere was as strange as it was beautiful. Her heart raced knowing all their hard work was finally coming to fruition. Her heart felt as though it might jump out of her chest. It was like a teenager seeing the sight of their lovers’ naked form for the first time… it was beautiful and inspiring and captivating. She stood there a long time unmoving until she realized she had been holding her breath.

  Planet side Moira and the team stood mesmerized. Her lungs ached after having only breathed recycled air for so long. The atmosphere on Marcus II was much more dense, her head felt light and she had to steady herself. She was invigorated… this planet was so much more than she had imagined. She sat down for a moment trying to catch her breath. She reached down and took a handful of soil in her hand… her smile irrepressible. The soil was warm and its smell pungent, its texture luxurious.

  All her senses were overloaded being almost more than she could bear. She suspected there weren’t even names for the colors she was seeing. The vivid greens, golds and reds of the foliage, the sea green color of the water almost like the glacier fed lakes on Terra. The colors of the sky were pinks and purples and again so numerous she didn’t even know if there were words in the human vocabulary to describe them. The sheer beauty of the sight in front of her overwhelmed every sense she had and even some she d
idn’t even know she possessed. Still sitting Moira scanned the area nearest to her, her senses were completely overloaded. The teams’ doctor approached and ran her portable medical scanning device over her. “Stay seated Dr. Murray until you regain your equilibrium. There doesn’t seem to be anything physically wrong with us, we just have a case of sensory overload.” The Doctor said as she squeezed Moira’s shoulder and gave her a reassuring smile. Moira smiled and nodded.

  Moira eventually stood once more trying to absorb all of her surroundings. The colors she saw seemed almost too much for her brain to analyze, the colors so vivid she had to squint. Not from the actual images before her but the feeling she had deep within her brain as though they had turned on circuits not normally in use. The smell of the air and vegetation, the sound of the rushing water, birds and animals, they all seemed to awaken previously unrealized portions of her being. She suspected that there were not words for what her and her crew was experiencing except possibly ecstasy in its purest form. A feeling of an altered state of consciousness, rapture or exaltation were the only terms she could think of to properly describe what they were going through.

  This was so much more than she had expected, more than she had experienced previously on other colony planets she’d visited. She couldn’t seem to wipe the stupid grin off her face.

  When she looked around everyone in her landing party had the same look on their face. She chuckled to herself as she turned her attention to the river. What was living in the depths of that river, or in the forest? She finally recovered sufficiently when she remembered they had a lot of work to do before nightfall and they had better get cracking. She clapped her hands to get their attention. “People I know this is all a little overwhelming but we need to get to work on the basics of survival, shelter, fire and water. You know what you’re supposed to be doing, let’s get to it shall we! The sooner we have those things sorted the sooner we can explore our new home.” She ordered.