When Jeff awoke, he could see the ship sustained major damage. Two of the bridge's crew members were dead from machinery that fell on them. Some of the systems functioned, but it was obvious they weren't going anywhere soon. Luckily, life support, communications and gravitational control were still operable. Barva unstrapped himself, and helped the
others to their feet as they each awoke. Jeff helped Lori to consciousness. Smoke filled the bridge, but the fire system extinguished it quickly.
"Are you okay?" he asked her.
"Yea, a little dizzy," she said. "But otherwise, I'm all right."
"Where and when the hell are we?" Jeff asked Barva.
"I'm not sure," Barva said. "Some of the systems have been severely damaged, including sensory control."
"Lori, check for radio signals," Jeff commanded.
"I'm getting faint signals from probes near one of the planets."
"Are we in Sol's solar system, at least?"
"Yes, although we're quite a ways out, near Jupiter," Batar answered. "The probes are coming from Mars; two rovers, and three orbiters."
"Any signals relaying from Earth?" Jeff asked.
"Yes, Sir," Lori answered. "They're coming from an underground installation in Colorado."
"Mars probes weren't developed until the late 1990's," Wilson said. "The first Mars base wasn't built until 2070's, after Avery left."
"Is there any indication of fallout on the surface of Earth?"
"Too hard to tell from out here," Barva answered. "With sensors and navigational out, we're flying in the dark. I warned you this might happen. If we float at the present state, we will eventually drift towards the gravitational pull of Jupiter. And we'll run out of oxygen in about three months."
"Any suggestions?" Jeff asked.
"There are two scout ships below capable of interplanetary travel," Barva said. "We can use those to escape, but they have less oxygen, and Mars isn't suitable for life at this time period."
"What's the nearest suitable moon?" Wilson asked.
"There wasn't one in this solar system," Batar stated. "Not one suitable for life. Titan's atmosphere is Methane based, and Europa is too cold and unstable."
"So in other words," Lori said. "We're as good as dead."
"How long before Jupiter pulls us into its gravity?"
"Not for a while," Barva answered. "Maybe about three to four months."
"Let's try to make it to Mars," Jeff ordered. "At least there is water in the soil and ice. We can use this ship as a home base if we have to. There isn't any severe damage to the hull structure, is there?"
"No," Barva answered. "The metal we use is the most non-corrosive, lightweight, durable metal in any universe. Although there is some
damage on board, we're mostly intact."
"Barva, you take the Varcon to Mars and land there," Jeff ordered. "I'll take one of the scout ships and head towards Earth."
"You can't pilot it by yourself," Lori said.
"You, Batar and Wilson will come with me. I'll need you and Batar to pilot it, and Wilson to come with me. I have an idea."
"What's that?" Lori asked.
"Are you getting any signals from the International Space Station?"
"The what?" she asked.
"It was a space station built in the 1990's which orbited the Earth." Batar explained.
"And if I'm correct, there was an escape craft or module of some sort," Jeff surmised.
"Usually payloads came by liquid fuel rockets, but when the astronauts were on board, there were return modules." Batar said. "There was, however, a return payload module as well."
"If you guys can get me near it, I could get inside, and pilot it back to the Earth."
"Assuming you can get on board," Batar continued. "How are you going to land it? It's not like flying a scout ship; most of the systems are operated manually, such as the parachute control, and the retro rockets."
"Wilson had some training on the earlier systems. She can coach me through it from onboard the station. How hard could it be?"
"What if NASA detects you? They'll launch missiles at us."
"Then we'll deal with it. Don't worry about us."
"It's probably your best bet," Barva said. "They would never suspect you were from the future if you came back in a module."
"Exactly," Jeff said. "
"The signals you're getting from Earth; is there any indication of the year from them?"
"No," Lori said. "Most of it is just telemetry to and from the probes and rovers."
"Well, we know Curiosity stopped working in 2057, and Pathfinder long before that." Jeff said. "So that does give us some idea."
"Well, Barva, is there any possibility of turning this ship around and heading toward Mars?" Jeff asked.
"I might be able to salvage the fusion drive, but warp capability is out of the question. I told you we might not get back. If we can generate enough power, I can pull us away from Jupiter. It wouldn't take much."
"We'll get back," Jeff said. "One way or another."
"I admire your confidence," Batar said. "How would you like to be head of the Republic's Galactic Intelligence when this is all over? I could put a word in at the council?"
"No thanks," Jeff said. "After this is all over, I just want to go home." Lori smiled at her husband's remark, knowing all too well even he was getting tired of chasing aliens around the galaxy.
The small crew of four prepared their small scout vessel for liftoff. It
was a flat, triangular wedge-shaped craft, much like the old stealth fighters of Earth, and operated on Hydrogen fusion propulsion. It would take them about seven weeks from their present position to get there. There were enough supplies on board to last them at least a year, so they weren't worried about the basics. What they were worried about was time.
They weren't sure when Varloo came through the portal into the past, or if he even got through at all, and this whole mission was a big mistake. It all seemed like such a gamble to Jeff; but it was a gamble they had to take to save mankind, the Republic, and the Talokians.
Batar was in charge of navigation, being the only one who could remotely pilot the craft in case of an emergency. Jeff operated fusion systems before, but none as advanced, and Lori was right when she said he couldn't handle it alone.
They drew closer to Mars, about three weeks later, and Lori was trying to decipher the endless treasure trove of the Rover Curiosity's telemetry; trying to get any information as to what was going on back on Earth. She drew a blank; most of it was just photographic, atmospheric, geological and surface information, and no actual transmissions between humans. She decided another approach by trying to lock in on the International Space Station.
When she did, she found a faint signal coming from the ground near Colorado, as she did before. She amplified it to a suitable volume so they all could hear it.
"ISS, this is NASA Denver ground base, do you read?"
"Loud and clear, Denver," a voice answered.
"What was your ETA on that bogie up there?" Ground control asked.
"About four weeks at its present speed," ISS said.
"We'll send a couple of interceptor missiles up there if they get too
close."
"It seems similar to the one that came by thirty five years ago, although not as big. We'll keep an eye on it. Out."
Lori turned to Jeff. "I think we're too late," she cried.
"Not necessarily," Batar said. "As Jeff stated before, we may be able to change the future yet. We can't change whatever Varloo has set in motion, but we know now that it's after 2030, and Dr. Louis Avery was stationed at the Denver base."
"Unfortunately, the ISS is occupied," Lori said.
"I'll have to find a way to take the module by itself," Jeff said. "Is there any way you can tap into Avery's mind on Earth?"
"I can try, but I can't make any guarantees," Batar replied. "If Varloo has tampered with his mind to prevent me somehow, I won't be successfu
l. But I could influence the minds of the ISS occupants, while you do what you have to do."
"Give it your best shot," Jeff ordered. "In the meantime, Wilson, I think you better give me a refresher course on liquid fuel propulsion systems."
"I'll need a refresher of the layout myself before I can give you a lesson. Barva, are there schematics available of the station on your computer?"
"Yes," he said, engaging the viewing screen. "The computers were able to assimilate that information, even after we passed through."
"There is only one airlock that I'm aware of used for space walks and such; that is located here, next to the unity module," Wilson said. "The other port locks are used for spacecraft and the cargo craft. If you can get in through that airlock, you can go back here towards the storage area. Most of the living quarters and laboratories on either end of the station, so you'll have to keep a look out. But you won't be able to jettison the craft from inside the module without someone pressing the button."
"That will have to be you, Wilson." Jeff said. "Batar, how long can you distract the crew of the space station?"
"About a half hour at tops. After that, it causes my mental functions to disorientate. But I won't be able to pilot the ship. It will be up to Lori."
"But I've never piloted a fusion powered ship on my own, just as a copilot!" Lori cried. "My specialty is communications.
"You've had more than enough practice with me," Jeff reminded her. "Even though it's more advanced, they're all basically the same."
"The escape module vehicles are here, just before the storage area, and here, just behind the service module; providing they are both currently
being used," Wilson continued. "I'll have to reach the US Lab module, which is next to the airlock here. That controls the ISS systems, including the jettison controls for the escape modules."
"After you do this, Wilson, you must immediately get back to the ship," Batar said. "If the crew has any indication there was anyone on board, Ground control will get the message, and fire upon us."
"What about the ground radar?" Jeff asked.
"If we use the light refraction system on board, they won't see us,"
Batar said. "It's currently off, but we'll turn it on once we're closer to our target."
"Is there anything else we've overlooked?" Jeff asked.
"Other than the fact that you'll have to keep your suit on until you reach the installation entrance," Batar said. "They'll probably come to pick you up, and transport you there. The world is still unsuitable for life, although it's cooled considerably from the nuclear explosions. The radioactivity is much lower, but still dangerous if you're in it longer than an hour, even with the suit on."
"The descent module is on a preprogrammed trajectory, and can't be altered, so if it runs off course, who knows where you'll end up," Wilson said. "That's unlikely to happen, however; there have only been two or three malfunctions in more than one thousand descents.
"Well then the odds are in my favor," Jeff replied. "How long does the descent take?"
"Fifty five minutes."
"Really?" Jeff asked. "That long?"
"Yes, and during that time you'll have no control of the vehicle. I'll talk you through it as long as I can, before I have to go."
"Well, it looks like we got our work cut out for us," Jeff said. "Lori, open communications to the Varcon."
"Yes, Sir," she said, as her mind generated the panel to perform the function.
"Varcon, this is Scout One, do you read?"
"We read you, Captain Walker," Barva answered.
"We're about three weeks out from Earth," Jeff answered. "All systems are go at this point. We've devised a plan of action, and are proceeding as scheduled."
"Affirmative," Barva answered. "We're still working on the fusion drive. I should have it up and running in about sixteen hours, then we'll head to Mars. Sensors should also be up by then as well."
"Very well," Jeff said. "Good luck, we'll see you when we return.
Although I don't know how."
"You'll have to find your own way back," Barva answered. "Maybe there is a ship of some kind to return to the scout ship."
"If I'm right, there should be two, that are capable of traveling through wormholes." Jeff said. "Batar will keep you informed of our progress in my absence."
"Very good," Barva said. "Good luck, Captain Walker."
"Thanks, Barva. Out."
"Those ships may travel through wormholes," Lori reminded him. "But they're not capable of traveling through time. And neither is this one. How will we manage that?"
"That's where we'll need Avery's help," Jeff said.
"But even Avery didn't achieve this," Batar said. "He only came through at the point he left from."
"If we can reach faster than light speed, we can eliminate the need for a wormhole," Jeff said.
"That's impossible," Batar said. "The speed which you need to reach would be astronomical. It can't be done."
"Maybe with Barva's help, it can be done," Jeff replied. "And if I don't make it back, then you guys can return to Earth."
"So they can dissect me?" Batar said. "No thank you. No offense, but if things get tricky, I'm taking the ship out of there."
"Isn't there any way I could go with you?" Lori said. "I'm afraid I'll never see you again."
"Not this time," Jeff said. "I have to do this alone."
"Well, we better get started preparing," Batar said. "We don't want them to think they're seeing another 'bogie' when we get there!"
The ship passed through the vastness of space between Mars and Earth, and the crew grew increasingly nervous about their arrival to the ISS. Even though the Earthlings of the time were primitive compared to their technology, they knew even one nuclear missile could inflict major damage if it reached contact.
After the three weeks in space passed and the moon came into view, Jeff stared at the once blue world, which was now a barren gray color, and remembered the legacy his ancestors left for them. They opened a whole world of space travel for humans, and a new world of exploration as well.
The thought he would actually get the chance to witness it first hand just made him even more anxious to meet the late great Dr. Louis Avery all
over again.
CHAPTER FIVE
The scout ship passed the far side of the moon, and the International Space Station came into full view. It was in space for over fifty years now, and although it was starting to show its age, repairs were kept up on it regularly. Lori monitored the scrambled radio transmissions between the ground base and the station, which described their ship in full detail.
"Denver, this Captain Raleigh, do you read?'
"Roger, ISS, this is Denver. Are you spotting any unknown craft on your radar screens?"
"Affirmative," Raleigh answered. "The Bogie is out of nuclear range. It is in viewing range, however."
"Can you describe it?"
"Yes. It's a large, gray triangular craft, about eighty feet across, and fifty feet long, It has four pulsating blue lights across its lower section. It appears to be heading toward us."
"Once it comes within range, investigate. If it has hostile intentions, we'll fire missiles at it. What's your ETA?"
"About twenty minutes."
"Roger that. Keep us posted. Out."
Jeff turned towards Batar. "As soon as we're within range, turn on the light refraction device, and take evasive action," he ordered. "But don't fire full thrusters. Just give us enough push to avoid the missiles, and still keep up with the station. How fast is that thing traveling anyway?"
"Much slower than us. About 17,150 mph to be exact," Batar stated.
"Well, keep us at that speed so we can at least stay with it," Jeff said.
"Once I begin the mind control of the crew, you'll need to stay as close as you can to the station without hitting it. This ship isn't designed to dock, so you'll have to space walk to the airlock."
"Are you sure we can do th
is?" Wilson asked. "If we're an inch too close, we could collide with it, and we'll all be dead.'
"You guys are making me extremely nervous," Lori said.
"I'll pilot the craft into position," Batar said. "All you have to do is hold it there, while they're inside. The ship will be totally invisible to the crew anyway."
"After I leave the ISS, I want you to take the ship to the dark side of the moon, and stay there until you here from me," Jeff said.
"And how are we going to hear from you?" Lori asked.
"By radio, of course," he answered. "Just keep the communications
open at all times."
"Jeff, I'm afraid," Lori said, as she walked over and put her hand on his shoulder.
"Don't be," Jeff answered, as he hugged her. "If I don't return, at least you'll know I'll be safe. These people won't kill me."
"Don't be too sure of that," Batar said. "Even though you're human, they have no way of knowing that until they examine you. And NASA during this time period was notorious for their thorough UFO investigating."
"Thanks for the encouragement," Lori sniped.
"Relax," Jeff said. "I can take care of myself."
"Yea," Lori said. "Just like you took care of the Vanatu on Zacharas?"
"I was outnumbered, and under-armed."
Batar turned toward his companions. "We're coming up on the ISS now," he said.
"Ground control!" a voice on the radio cried. "Do you see the Bogie? It should be on your radar now."
"Yes," Ground control answered. "We're positioning and locking the missiles on it now. Firing in three, two, one, firing!"
"Deflector shields on," Batar said. "Turning on light refraction device-now!"
"We've lost it," the ISS reported. "It's disappeared!"
"The missiles are heading toward us," Batar said. "Estimated time-65 seconds."
"Evasive action, now!" Jeff said. "Avert forty eight degrees."
The ship slowly veered to the right, as the two launched missiles passed by them into open space.
"Whatever it was, it's gone," Ground control said. "If it returns, let us know."
Dimension Lapse III: Dimensional Breakdown (Dimension Lapse Series Book 3) Page 5