by Don Viecelli
“Warning! Five minutes to self-destruct!”
“Okay. We better get the hell out of here. Everyone, back to the shuttle. Let’s hurry people!”
Jack picked up the guns lying on the floor. Ingrid grabbed the duffle bag lying beside Tom’s feet and followed Jack. Everyone raced back to the hanger as fast as they could. They were conscious of the seconds ticking away. Jack prayed the alarm warnings were accurate.
“Warning! Four minutes to self-destruct!”
Jack and Ingrid reached the police shuttle first and one of the marshals helped them get into their seats. Leroy and his men were right behind them. There was little room to spare. The police shuttle was fully loaded.
“Warning! Three minutes to self-destruct!”
Leroy and his men were scrambling now. They climbed aboard. The last man hit the emergency hangar door button. Tom was placed in a spare seat and strapped in. Leroy jumped into the pilot seat. The other men took their seats. Red warning lights were blinking in the hangar. The co-pilot had already started the engines. Leroy increased the thrust.
“Warning! Two minutes to self-destruct!”
The hangar door opened. Leroy taxed outside and lifted the police shuttle off the platform. He pushed the throttle forward to full speed. The passengers gripped their seats. Leroy checked his instruments. The shuttle was gaining speed. He turned on the rearview monitors. The space lab was one kilometer behind them with the distance increasing every second. He checked his watch. Two seconds. Time was up. He yelled, “Everyone hang on!” A large explosion flashed brilliantly behind them, followed by several smaller explosions. There were no sounds, just bright flashes of light all around them. The asteroid belt lit up like a meteor shower in every direction.
A large concussion wave hit and rocked the police shuttle back and forth. Instruments rattled, but there was no apparent damage. Leroy steadied the shuttle and rode it out. “That was close,” he commented to no one in particular. After a few moments they all knew they were safe. The space lab was gone. It had been blown into a thousand pieces. Whoever rigged the explosion had done a thorough job. Leroy knew they had found enough evidence on the lab to convict those arrested. It would make for a good day’s work. It was time to check in with his men and congratulate them.
Ingrid leaned on Jack’s shoulder and whispered in his ear, something about being glad they made it. He was exhausted and could barely concentrate. His whole body hurt. The adrenalin from the fight with Ivan was wearing off and the pain in his arm was throbbing intensely. Ingrid found the medicine kit on board, bandaged his arm and gave him a pain pill. Jack closed his eyes and tried to get some rest. He had just experienced enough excitement for one lifetime. His last thought before drifting asleep was whether Ivan had somehow escaped the explosion and if they would ever find him.
Chapter 29
Mars
A tall, distinguished-looking black man crossed the street to a small building with a sign that read ‘Good Samaritan Nursery Home’. He entered the front door and walked up to the lobby desk. The nurse on duty asked, “Can I help you?”
“Yes, I would like to see Mrs. Jones.”
“Are you related?”
“Yes, I am. My name is Robert Brown. I’m her grandson.”
The nurse looked surprised. “I didn’t know she had any relatives on Mars. No one has visited her since she was moved in here last month.”
“I just found out she was here. My parents asked me to look in on her.”
“Well, I’m sure she will be pleased, Mister Brown. Please sign here. Then follow me. I’ll show you to her room.”
Mr. Brown followed the nurse down the first floor hallway to the third room on the right. She opened the door. The light was dim and he could barely see the old woman lying in the bed. “I’m afraid she’s very sick. We’re doing the best we can for her. She may not recognize you. I’m sorry.” The nurse left him alone.
Mr. Brown stepped inside the room and closed the door. He walked over to the bed and kissed the woman on the cheek. She stirred from her sleep. “Hello, Mary.”
The woman opened her eyes. It took her a moment to realize where she was. A man was standing over her. She gasped in shock. She thought she was dreaming. Somewhere from the recesses of her mind, she recognized the face and the voice, but it was from a memory of a person she knew so long ago. “Is that you, Wilson?”
“Yes, Mary. It’s me. Don’t be afraid.”
“I don’t understand. You look so young. How…?”
“Don’t try to talk. Just listen. I’m sorry I couldn’t come sooner. I’m going to help you get well. Then we’re going to leave this place. But you have to trust me.”
“You know I do, Wilson?”
Judge Jones, alias Mr. Brown, pulled a vial from his pocket. It was the anti-aging drug. He removed the cap and poured the contents into a paper cup. “I want you to drink this, Mary.” He held her head up while she drank the blue liquid. Then he laid her head gently back down on the pillow.
“What is it?”
“It’s a new drug, Mary. It’ll cause your cells to regenerate. You’ll begin to feel better very soon. I have enough to make you look as young as me.”
“Is that possible?” She sounded unbelieving.
“Look at me, Mary. I’m as young as when we first met.”
Mary looked closely at his face. She prayed it was true. She wanted to believe him. “Will it really work?”
“Yes. In a few days you’ll feel strong enough to get out of bed. Then you should try to walk around. Don’t tell the nurses about the drug. I’ll call in a few days to see how you’re doing.
You should be able to leave in two weeks. I’ll make arrangements to pick you up.”
“All right. I’ll do as you say.”
“One more thing, Mary. I told the nurse I’m your grandson, Robert Brown. I’m in a bit of trouble and some people are looking for me. We must leave Mars as soon as we can.”
“What did you do?”
“I got mixed up in something I shouldn’t have. I’m so sorry, Mary, but we must change our identities and start over again somewhere else.”
Mary thought about that. Things hadn’t been so good for either of them lately. It sounded like a dream come true. “I love you, Wilson. I’ll go wherever you want.”
Wilson kissed her. “I love you too, Mary. I promise I’ll make up for everything that’s happened.” They talked quietly for a little while, and then Wilson kissed her goodbye. As he opened the door to leave, he looked back at his wife lying on the bed. Mary had tears in her eyes, but it wasn’t from sadness. It was from hope.
Chapter 30
Two days after the space marshals found Ivan Hellstrom’s space lab, the police commissioner entered the Mars Crime Division headquarters building at 7:00 a.m. in the morning as usual. He said “Hello, Bill,” to the security guard and took the elevator to the top floor where his office was located. The police commissioner was a grizzled old police veteran named Arnold Faulkner, Arnie to his friends, who rose up through the ranks of the SLEA Space Marshal Bureau in his younger days. He was an able commissioner and well respected in the Mars community. This was his second term of office and he wasn’t sure what his next step in political office would be. Maybe nothing, if he couldn’t sort out all that happened in the last two days.
Commissioner Faulkner picked up the preliminary report from Inspector Madison on police corruption in his own department, the murder of Captain Black, the disappearance of Ivan Hellstrom, the most powerful man on Mars, and the discovery of a new miracle drug some were calling “the fountain-of-youth”. The Mars news media was going crazy. Even Governorship Alan Stead, himself, was asking for a briefing. The Governorship had requested a meeting this morning to discuss the report and decide what to tell the media. Hell, he might even ask for my resignation, thought Faulkner. This didn’t look like a promising day.
Just then the deskcom buzzed. He answered, “Commissioner Faulkner.”
“Commissioner Faulkner, this is Judge Wilson Jones. We met once or twice before during your election campaigns.”
“Yes, Judge Jones. I remember you. What can I do for you?”
“I have some information for you. I sent a package by personal delivery. You should have it by 8:00 a.m. this morning. You will find it very informative.”
“I don’t understand, Judge. What kind of information?”
“It concerns the Doctor Johanson murder case. I know who was involved.”
“We know what happened, Judge. I have a report right here on my desk.”
“You know about Ivan Hellstrom. There are others involved, some very high level people. It’s all part of a major drug conspiracy.”
“What conspiracy? What are you trying to tell me?”
“The anti-aging drug that the doctors discovered—Ivan Hellstrom was trying to steal the patent. It wasn’t the first time he did this. Several of SpaceMed’s drug patents had been stolen from others. That’s how SpaceMed got so big. Ivan has some very important people helping him steal the patents. I know who they are.”
“Why are you telling me this now, Judge?”
“I’m afraid I was involved, but I didn’t know about the plan to kill the doctor or anyone else. That was Ivan’s doing. He was willing to do anything to gain control of the drug.”
“You better turn yourself in, Judge, if what you’re saying is true.”
“I’m afraid that wouldn’t be prudent, Commissioner. The people who are involved won’t be happy I’m confiding in you. Matter of fact, they would kill me.”
“Why are you doing this, Judge?”
“Let’s just say, I’m trying to make up for what’s happened. The package I’m sending you will identify those people involved. You need to be careful.”
“What do you want from me?”
“Nothing. I just want you to stop them, that’s all.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I’m going to start my life over again. I hope the information helps you. Good luck, Commissioner.” Judge Jones hung up.
Commissioner Faulkner looked at the clock. The package should arrive in thirty minutes. Maybe he would have something to say to Governorship Stead after all.
*****
Jack spent the first day after his return in the hospital where doctors tended his wound and removed the implanted microphone and transmitter chip. Jack’s right arm was in a sling from the laser blast he received from Ivan on the space lab. Ingrid had stayed at his side most of the day.
Jack and Ingrid spent the second day at the Mars Crime Division headquarter building explaining the circumstances of their involvement in the murder investigation of Ingrid’s father to several people from Mars Crime Division and the Federal Drug Bureau.
On the third day they were sitting in Police Commissioner Faulkner’s office going over the final police report and answering more questions. Leroy was also present. He was a good friend of the Police Commissioner and the prime reason why they were all meeting today.
Police commissioner Faulkner was sitting at his desk. He looked at Jack. “I heard you were wounded in the fighting? How are you?”
“I’m a little sore, but I’ll be fine.”
“Has the department cleared you of all involvement?”
“Yes. The warrant was thrown out yesterday. I’m back on the case.”
“Good.” Arnie turned to Leroy. “I read in the report you recovered Captain Black’s body in space. What evidence do we have against him?” Arnie spoke bluntly and was greatly offended that two of his own police officers were involved in this unfortunate murder incident.
“We have him on a memcard admitting his involvement with Ivan and planting evidence to frame Jack, Commissioner. He entered Jack’s apartment the day after the murders and planted the drugs. Captain Black received some of the stolen drugs from Ivan Hellstrom in payment for helping Wolfgang get the security pass he used to break into the doctor’s lab on Ares.”
“Do we know how Captain Black was killed?”
“Tom Wilkerson confessed that Ivan killed Captain Black because he tried to take the drugs and run.”
“What evidence do we have against Ivan Hellstrom?” Arnie asked Leroy.
“Ingrid is willing to testify that Hellstrom admitted killing her father after she was abducted by Wolfgang on Hellstrom’s orders. According to Tom Wilkerson, Hellstrom set the whole thing up with Captain Black’s help. Wolfgang carried it out. Jack found the missing memcards from Doctor Johanson’s lab and from the doctor’s home in Hellstrom’s possession. He also found the missing drugs stolen from the Ares lab. Jack originally took them from Hellstrom when he rescued Ingrid at Hellstrom’s canyon retreat home and fled to Earth. We let Jack bring the drug vials back to help catch Hellstrom. It was Jack’s idea to come back and use a hidden microphone. Jack also found three missing drug vials on Wolfgang’s body after he was killed on the space lab. We think Wolfgang sold the rest. Captain Black’s share, the three vials he placed in Jack’s apartment, are still locked in the evidence room waiting for trial. Hellstrom was planning to frame Jack, Ingrid, and possibly Captain Black, in the murder of her father.”
“Do you know Hellstrom’s motive?” Arnie asked. He already had collaborating evidence from the package Judge Jones had sent, but he could always use more.
Jack jumped in and answered this one. “Hellstrom wanted control of the anti-aging drug. It’s worth trillions on the open market. He wanted to break his agreement with the doctors and patent the rights to the discovery. When he couldn’t get what he wanted, he had Doctor Johanson killed. He kidnapped Ingrid because he couldn’t find the new formula he needed to speed up the production process, and because she had the only copy of the partnership agreement he signed earlier. When I met him at his apartment, Hellstrom had taken the drug. Ingrid says he was planning to disappear and change his identity. He was planning to fake his own death.”
“Do you think Hellstrom died on the space lab?” Arnie asked.
“There’s no evidence he made it off the space lab before the explosion, but I still have space marshals looking for him. We won’t quit looking until we’re certain,” Leroy answered.
“It’s hard for me to believe that this drug really works.” Arnie was still having a hard time believing in this fountain-of-youth concept.
“Ingrid has taken the drug. Look at her.” Jack smiled at the suggestion.
Commissioner Faulkner studied Ingrid for a moment and forced himself to realize she was really much older than she looked. He considered the implications and all he could say was, “Incredible.”
When Arnie paused, Leroy had more to add. “We found evidence on the space lab that Hellstrom was producing and selling several illegal drugs besides the anti-aging drug. And from Hellstrom’s computer, we have the locations of six other drug labs and a list of dealers. We’re pursuing the leads now.”
“What about Detective Wilkerson?” Arnie asked Leroy.
“He’s willing to testify against Captain Black, Ivan Hellstrom and Wolfgang Strossberg and others involved in the crime. He was on Hellstrom’s payroll the whole time. He was told to keep an eye on Captain Black and Jack. He claims he never knew about the plans to kill the security guard or the doctor or Hellstrom’s plan to kidnap Ingrid. He was only in it for the money. He’ll testify to that for a reduction in his sentence.”
“I can’t believe what they did to the force! It’s a disgrace,” Arnie complained bitterly. His only consolation was that some of them had already paid the ultimate penalty. Arnie turned to Leroy. “Did you tell them about the conspiracy, Leroy?”
“No, Commissioner. I thought you should tell them.”
“What conspiracy?” Ingrid asked.
“It seems Hellstrom and SpaceMed were in the business of stealing patents. He wanted your discovery, Ingrid. And he was willing to kill people to get it. There were others involved, and thanks to one of the conspirators, we know who they are. We�
��re in the process of arresting them now. This will effectively close down SpaceMed for good. You’ll see it all on the news today.”
Ingrid looked shocked. She squeezed Jack’s hand and tried not to get too emotional.
Arnie turned to Jack. “What are your plans now?”
“As soon as this case is over, I’m going to retire, sir. I’ve put in forty years. I’m ready to try something new.” He looked at Ingrid and smiled.
Arnie turned to Ingrid and said, “I’m sorry about your father, Ingrid. You must be very proud about what you both accomplished. Your discovery will be one of the greatest medical breakthroughs anyone has ever seen. And it will be great publicity for Mars.”
“Thank you, Commissioner. My father would be proud to hear you say that. We worked hard to make this discovery. Everybody will benefit from it,” Ingrid replied graciously.
“Well, unfortunately, I have another meeting I must attend. Please keep me informed on your progress, Leroy.” Arnie rose to leave. The meeting was over. They all shook hands. “Thank you for your help, Jack. I apologize for what this department tried to do to you. Everything will be cleared from your record, I promise.”
“Thank you, sir. I appreciate that.”
“Let me know if I can be of any help to either of you in the future,” Arnie said as he walked to the door. He paused and turned to Ingrid. “As you’ll soon find out, I plan to run for Governorship of Mars in the next election. Your father was on the commission to terraform Mars. Perhaps you’ll consider taking his place.”
“I’ll give it some thought and let you know,” Ingrid replied.
“Good luck to both of you,” Arnie said and walked out the door.
“Thank you, sir,” Jack and Ingrid said at the same time. Then he was gone.
“What now, Leroy?” Jack asked.
“That’s it. I really appreciate what you’ve done for us, Jack. Don’t worry about Ivan. If he’s still alive, we’ll find him. Please, call me if you need anything. Ingrid, I’m sure I’ll be reading all about your work soon. I imagine you’ll be quite famous before long. I’m not sure everyone is ready for this discovery, but I can’t wait to see what happens.”