The Progenitor Project

by Bob Cooper

  “That’s okay. You’re here early,” she said.

  “I thought I might be of some help to you,” he said sheepishly.

  Acey smiled back at him.

  “Well, you can review my presentation. There’s really not much to say, so I assume this will be a short meeting.”

  Acey and Tim walked into the meeting room a few seconds ahead of Bressa, Nafeez and Captain James.

  Acey looked for Raina but did not see her.

  “Let’s get started. I know you have a lot of questions,” she said.

  “All of you received a copy of the cease and desist order from the IIA. They have ordered all mining operations and archeological exploration by the JPG Interstellar Mining Company to stop immediately. They provided no specific reason, just a reference to national security.”

  “But they cannot do this! It is not right! We have done nothing wrong!” Jose’ shouted.

  All eyes shifted to him. Ignacio grabbed his arm, gently urging him to sit down. Acey was about to speak again when Raina and Robert walked in.

  “Let me introduce our attorneys—Raina Welch, my sister, and her colleague, Robert EagleFeather.

  Making their way to the front next to Acey, Raina spoke first. “We have been retained by Ignacio and Jose’ Gonzalez to represent the JPG Interstellar Mining Company in this matter,” she began, nodding at the Brothers. “To date, this is what we found. The Interplanetary Intelligence Agency, better known as the IIA, initiated a communiqué to the Security Council requesting the shutdown of all mining and archaeology activities on Eris. We were given a copy of the communiqué, which did not contain any specific details. The Security Council concurred, and the cease and desist order was mandated. Whatever Acey discovered at the archaeological site is obviously at the heart of this issue.”

  “But why did they shut down all of our operations—not only on Eris—but all the other mining activities we are planning?” asked Jose’.

  “That is a good question,” Robert said, standing next to Raina. “We plan to challenge that aspect in court. They have no right to stop all commerce of the company,” Robert continued.

  “So does this mean our expedition is canceled?” Captain James asked.

  “I’m afraid it is. At least for the time being,” Bressa said.

  “We have a court date set for early next week where we plan to file a motion to lift the ban on mining operations. We’ll keep Acey informed of our progress,” Raina said.

  Acey fumbled through her presentation notes. Not much use in going through these, she thought. Everything has already been said. Everyone waited for her to speak. Her face filled with disappointment. So much for my first expedition, she thought.

  She forced a smile and addressed the group. “I will keep you informed. We have work to do analyzing what I found. That should keep us busy for a while. Sorry, but that’s all I have to say for now.”

  5

  A idan sipped coffee at the old coffee shop across from the Citizen Guard Headquarters. Although he had been a regular there for many years, no one seemed to recognize him out of uniform. Returning home definitely felt strange. At first, it seemed everyone and everything had changed, but he slowly realized the change occurred inside of him. Starting over wasn’t going to be easy, but he decided to put the past behind him and move forward.

  Without a definite plan, he stumbled through and was now ready to accept whatever fate would bring. Doing so was foreign to him. Aidan always had a strong sense of self—he knew where he was heading, and he always had a plan to get there. But, as he found out the hard way, it doesn’t matter how good your plan is, life happens. Finishing his second cup of coffee, he glanced at his watch. Tom was late. He pulled out his com link but then saw Tom walking out of the building across the street towards the coffee shop.

  “Hi, Tom. It’s been a while,” Aidan said, standing up and shaking Tom’s hand.

  “I almost didn’t recognize you with all that facial hair. So how have you been?”

  Aidan gave him the short version as they chatted for a while. Tom and Aidan graduated together from the Citizen Guard Training Academy, and Tom was now a sergeant in the Guard.

  “I have a favor to ask, Aidan said.

  “Shoot. What do you need?” Tom replied.

  “An attorney hired me to look into a matter which involves the IIA,” Aidan said.

  “Whoa, that sounds like heavy stuff. What do you need?” Tom asked again.

  Aidan showed Tom a copy of the communiqué and explained about the artifact on Eris. “I need to get more information about why the artifacts found on Eris have national security implications,” Aidan continued.

  “Jeez, Aidan. You know the Guard, and the IIA don’t play nice together. I really want to help you, but I’m not sure I can.”

  Aidan knew he was asking a lot. Sharing information between the two agencies always proved difficult at best.

  “Hey, whatever you can do, I appreciate it.”

  They chatted for a while more before Tom left. Aidan finished his coffee and stared out the window.

  ***

  The Brothers anxiously sat patiently on Acey’s sofa as she poured over the books to determine the financial impact of the cease-and-desist order on the company. Joe was also there. Jose’ finally broke the silence.

  “So what is the bottom line? Are we going to stay solvent?” he asked, fidgeting.

  “Let her finish,” Ignacio replied angrily.

  Acey paid no attention to either of them as the financial numbers churned. The overhead monitor solidified into a cash flow analysis with a lot of red numbers popping up. The reports didn’t need much explanation.

  “We will have enough income to pay our expenses and meet payroll for the next three months. After that, we’re in the red. And that doesn’t include the legal expenses for any lawsuit that we initiate.”

  Ignacio looked at Jose’.

  “We are screwed. How can they do this to us?

  No one answered him.

  “Okay, so why not halt our operation on Eris and let us continue elsewhere,” Ignacio said.

  “I have a hunch. Joe, can you get a copy of the planned mining applications you sent to the mining bureau?” asked Acey.

  ***

  Aidan announced to the receptionist that he had an appointment with Dirk Saunders. Dressed in a black business suit, sporting a new haircut and a clean-shaven face, he took a seat and clutched a leather briefcase.

  “Mr. Saunders will see you now,” she announced.

  Aidan walked into the office where Dirk met him with a handshake and a firm embrace.

  “It’s so good to see you. How have you been? Dirk asked.

  “Good,” he lied. “I’m back in town. Things are going good,” Aidan replied, reluctant to go into too much detail.

  Dirk was forever grateful to Aidan for believing him and helping him to find the evidence needed to clear him from false murder charges. In the process, Aidan was dishonorably discharged from the Citizen Guard. Then there was Acey. He decided to let Aidan broach that topic when he was ready.

  “So what can I do for you?” Dirk asked.

  “Well, Raina hired me to do some investigative work for the case involving the mining company. She asked me to find out about why the IIA shut down Acey’s expedition and all other mining operations. I have some good friends at the Guard, and they were able to get some information for me from their contacts at the IIA,” Aidan said, taking out a folder from his briefcase.

  “Shouldn’t you be discussing this with Raina?”

  “After reading the information I received, I thought it best that I talk to you first. What Acey stumbled into is a highly classified initiative called the Progenitor Project. The details I have are very sketchy, but if Raina pursues the lawsuit and brings focus on this project, she and Acey can be in serious trouble. I would like your take on how to proceed with this,” Aidan said, handing the folder the Dirk.

  “Yes, I see your point,”
Dirk said, after skimming the file briefly. I’ll see what I can find out and get back to you.”

  Aidan didn’t stay very long. He made up an excuse that he was late for a meeting. Dirk sensed Aidan wasn’t ready to talk about the past year, but he left the door open to him.

  “We should talk more when you have the time,” he said, as Aidan got up to leave.

  “Thanks. We will.”

  He waited for Aidan to leave and then activated his com link.

  “Give me General Coburn’s Office, please. Yes, Dirk Saunders. Thanks, I’ll hold.”

  “Hi, Blair. We have to talk. They know about the Progenitor Project.”

  ***

  Tim and Acey reviewed the application made by the mining company.

  “This is the only application we have outstanding,” Joe said.

  “Dysnomia is one of Eris’s moons and has the same mineral properties as Eris,” he added.

  “Was there any preliminary onsite investigation done?” Tim asked.

  “No. We are waiting for approval, but we did a fly-by and sent probes to the surface. The prospects looked promising, so we made an application.”

  Acey studied the probe’s data displayed on the monitor. Dysnomia held the same geologic features as Eris, including an extensive cave system. She zoomed in on several of the larger cave systems.

  “Are you thinking that these artifacts might also exist on Dysnomia?” Tim asked.

  “Why else did they halt all further mining expeditions? I would like to go there to see for myself,” Acey replied.

  “And how are you going to do that?” Joe asked.

  “Don’t know yet. But I will get out there.”

  Tim waited patiently for Joe to leave. Pretending to respond to a com link message, he watched as Joe chatted with Acey while helping her pack up. Finally, Joe left. He caught Acey struggling to pick up her overloaded satchel.

  “Here, let me help you with that,” he said, easing the strap over her shoulder.

  “Thanks. I’ve got to learn to travel more lightly,” she said, somewhat self-consciously.

  “I was thinking we might stop for some lunch and discuss how I can help with getting us to Dysnomia.”

  Acey looked at him, not sure what to say.

  “I, uh, I have another appointment….”

  “We won’t have to take long. We’ll get some fast food and talk about how we can pull this off.”

  Acey didn’t like the “we” comment, but really had no idea how she would get back to Eris or Dysnomia. She was upset with herself for suggesting aloud that this would be a good thing to do, knowing full well how much trouble she could bring upon herself and the others.

  “Look, I really don’t think this would be….”

  “Oh, come on — just a quick lunch. You can hear me out, and if you don’t think I can help, I’ll say no more,” Tim pleaded.

  Acey really didn’t want to have lunch with him, but she wanted to hear what he had to say.

  “Okay,” she relented, but no more than thirty minutes.”

  ***

  Dirk read the report Aidan gave to him. It was sketchy, at best, and didn’t reveal much. If the Brothers pursued the lawsuit, this would end careers and possibly put lives in jeopardy. He contacted Raina and Robert for a meeting to discuss Aidan’s discovery.

  The next morning, they assembled in Dirk’s office. Raina asked Aidan to come along.

  “Where’s Acey?” Raina asked.

  “I didn’t invite her. I wanted to discuss this matter with all of you first,” Dirk replied.

  Raina looked puzzled.

  “Look, I’ll come right to the point. I contacted a colleague of mine who is working on this Progenitor Project. She is sworn to secrecy but told me that the artifacts Acey uncovered on Eris were the tip of the iceberg. She implied these artifacts have significant implications regarding the beginnings of life on Earth and possibly throughout the galaxy. I don’t need to tell you how this would impact our society and religious structures. That was probably more than she should have told me. The IIA will do anything it needs to keep this a secret.

  That is why I did not invite Acey to this meeting. You all know her. You don’t think that this setback is going to stop her from thoroughly researching these artifacts. Besides, this was to be her first expedition; she’s probably planning some way to get there as we speak.”

  ***

  In thirty seconds, the food replication machines produced two burgers, tofu fries, and some fortified red juice. Sitting outside in the less populated section of the fast-food restaurant, Tim took out his com link and accessed pictures of his last expedition. It was a group picture of the entire team in front of an M-Class Star Cruiser. He showed it to Acey.

  Acey looked at the picture and then at Tim.

  “Looks like a well-staffed group,” Acey said, recognizing some of the scientists in the picture.

  “No. Look behind the people,” he said.

  Acey saw the Star Cruiser and then looked at him.

  “I know where to get one of those,” he said before Acey could say anything.

  “How do you propose to do that?” she asked.

  “Let’s say I know people who are also very interested in knowing more about the artifacts and would be willing to lend us a Star Cruiser.”

  “Who are these people?”

  “I’m not at liberty to divulge their identity at present, but trust me when I say they are completely above board.”

  Acey finished the last bite of her burger not sure whether to trust Tim or not. His bright eyes and wide grin helped put her at ease.

  “I’ll have to think about it. I’ll call you later,” she said, getting up and walking away.

  “No problem. I’ll pick you up at eight tonight, and we can discuss it over dinner.”

  Acey stopped and turned to refuse the offer, but Tim was already out of the restaurant and on the street.

  ***

  Hillary locked up the Gallery and waited for Billy to pull the brand new, black land cruiser around. They bought it two days ago. It was the latest model with a quiet, transverse, hydrogen engine that could move effortlessly on land as well as the air lanes above the road system. As the vehicle pulled up, the metallic purple and green exterior glittered in the moonlight. The Gallery logos were emblazoned on the hood, and on the sides and back of the vehicle. The door swung up, and Hillary got in. The interior went dark for a second before a 360-degree, panoramic view of the surroundings painted the entire interior.

  At first, it was really freaky, and it took some getting used to for the couple. It was like gliding down the street without feeling or seeing the confines of the vehicle. The soft, classical music calmed her as Billy pulled away from the Gallery. He put the land cruiser on autopilot and leaned over to kiss Hillary.

  “Are you hungry?” he asked.

  “A little, but mostly tired. Let’s go home,” she said yawning. The vehicle lifted into the air lanes and sailed through the night sky. Billy pushed a button, and the cooler unit popped out and opened. “I had the deli make up sandwiches for us. There should be a bottle of Champagne and two glasses in there too,” he said.

  She looked at him, trying to figure out what he had planned. The vehicle swooped down onto the road lanes that led to a scenic overlook on a desert mountainside beyond the town. The city lights below twinkled, and the stars blended into the horizon.

  “What in god’s name are we doing here?” Hillary said, getting annoyed.

  Billy fumbled in his pocket and pulled out a small red box. As he opened it, the sparkle from the gemstone made it look as if it were on fire.

  “Will you marry me?” he said, showing her the ring.

  ***

  Raina watched nervously out her office window as Acey approached. Robert, Aidan, and the Brothers waited in the conference room as Raina greeted Acey at the front desk.

  “Hey, how are you doing?” Raina asked, giving Acey a hug.

  “Well, I
’ve been better,” Acey replied.

  Entering into the conference room, Acey stopped suddenly at the sight of Aidan. Raina gently ushered her in while she explained his presence. “I hired Aiden to do some investigative work on this case.”

  Acey smiled politely and took a seat at the opposite end of the table.

  Trying to eliminate any awkward dead air, Robert started his summary of Aidan’s findings. “Thanks to Mr. Aidan Carter, we now have some clues as to why the IIA wants to halt your mining operations,” Robert said, looking at Jose’ and Ignacio. “It seems the artifacts are part of a highly classified project known as the Progenitor Project. We also found these artifacts scattered across other planetoids in our solar system. Most likely they exist on Dysnomia, and that’s why your permit to mine there was canceled,” Robert continued.

  Acey seethed with unresolved emotion as she stared at Aidan, finding it hard to focus on what Robert was saying. Aidan could feel her piercing look and kept his eyes on the monitor.

  “We were told if we file this lawsuit and bring attention to this classified project, we can all be tried for violating national security laws. So you all know, the maximum sentence is thirty years of incarceration and loss of citizenship. So, we recommend dropping the suit,” Robert concluded.

  “So we are screwed! By the time we find new areas to mine, our creditors will put us out of business,” Ignacio said.

  The room went silent before Acey pounded her fist on the table, spilling several coffee cups. Startled, everyone looked at her as she stood up, kicking the chair out from behind her.

  “I absolutely do not agree. Just because we have some sketchy information from some questionable source about some classified project doesn’t mean we have to run and hide from these bullies,” she screamed, looking directly at Aidan.

  She looked at the Brothers. Do you want your company to fail?”