by Ron S. Nolan
She looked up at the glowing planet Earth and swung Torch in a graceful dance step, then held him tight. "Torch, it’s so beautiful here!" Then she bent her knees into a crouch and launched over his head. "Look I can fly!"
Torch grabbed her waist and gently brought her back to the ground. "You have the perfect name for life here...my Astra. How come we never have a chance to be alone? Your mother or father always seems to be around."
She pulled back, smiling. "It is only natural. I'm from Brazil and there are traditions for courting a woman in my country."
Torch sputtered, "Courting?"
"Yes, you are trying to win my heart, no?" Before he could answer, she took his wrist and clicked off his radio, then did the same to hers. She brought her helmet forward to lightly touch his and stared lovingly into his eyes. As they silently embraced, Astra mouthed the words "I love you." Torch responded likewise. "I love you too, Astra."
Their romantic moment was interrupted when Sabien and Jasmine showed up. Sabien wore a standard regulation space suit, but Jasmine's outfit was far from the standard issue. Her lush head plumage now extended from head to toe forming a close-fitting robe of metallic-coated feathers. On her face was covered by a clear face-mask that connected to the neck of her robe.
As the sun rose, the mask darkened, but like Astra, she was having difficulty navigating in the low-g environment and her last step pitched her directly into Torch knocking him off his feet and landing on top of him. Everyone laughed as Sabien and Astra helped them to their feet. Torch asked Jasmine, "Aren't you cold? I don't see how you can survive without a space suit. How do you function in a vacuum?"
Sabien tried to explain. "She is a technological enigma. We learn something new about her every day. Even the docs in the lab are bewildered...none of us know what to expect next.”
Suddenly Jasmine lifted her arms and turned towards the sun transforming her robe into a living flower blossom. She said, "I love the sunlight. It is so invigorating. It is full of energy and makes me feel strong."
Astra quipped, "What would make me feel strong would be an old-fashioned hot chocolate with a shot of Kahlua. The lounge should be open by now, any takers?"
In turn they answered. "Me."
"Sounds Good."
"Me too, but with lots of water. I am very thirsty."
After thanking their escort and storing their space suits, they headed for the lounge. By the time that Torch cracked open the door and peeked in, Jasmine had reverted to her girlish look wearing her favorite jeans and t-shirt. The coast looked clear so Torch led his friends to the bar.
Genie welcomed them and while getting their drinks asked, "Have you heard what's going on back home? It's crazy, totally crazy."
She noticed an alert blinking on the vidscreen and turned up the volume. "We better see this. Everyone quiet please. There’s a news update about to start."
As images of a megacity on fire filled the screen, the news announcer provided commentary. "These are real-time clips of Beijing where hundreds are believed dead and thousands more injured as a result of a missile attack launched this morning by USACO."
The broadcast cut to President Ray. "I assure all USACO citizens that this was a very limited action. Only precision guided, conventional weapons were employed–no nuclear weapons were involved. We urge CHIRUS to immediately cease hostilities so we can restore peace to the planet."
The announcer shifted to a weather update. "USACO climatologists report that last month was the hottest on record, but government leaders continue to insist that we'll soon be back to normal again. However, they warn that we should be prepared for increases in fuel prices due to global uncertainty and the vulnerability of our infrastructure to terrorist attacks.”
An animated solar system filled the screen and the announcer continued, "In other news, the 'Doomsday Comet' continues to head our way, but, it is expected to miss Earth by a least one million miles. Still, the astronomers that we have spoken to consider this to be close call. The experts predict that the comet will return again in nineteen years, providing more spectacular light shows for future generations. Doomsday will actually come much closer to our moon, but so far there has been no plan announced to evacuate the one hundred and fifty lunar residents.”
Reverend Granger LeRoque, leader of the Seekers of Divine Light will be joining us shortly after the break."
The Reverend relished dramatic entrances and had choreographed his appearance on camera so that he was first inverted, then slowly rotated upright and floated in towards the camera for a close-up. A title appeared below his face, 'On board space vessel heading to lunar base’.
But the Reverend’s timing was unfortunate because he was suffering from severe space sickness and upchucked into a bag just as the announcer started to introduce him.
The Reverend said, "My apologies. It is quite apparent that I would much rather be on terra firma than flying weightless in space. But this is my sacrifice for every one of our treasured CREOS. My wife and I are on our way to the Deep Space Mining Company moonbase because we have confirmed evidence that the Ark is in the possession of the base commander. However, he has repeatedly refused our demands that the Ark and its contents be handed over to the SDL. The Doomsday Comet is a sign from God. The VIDAS harboring the Ark will soon regret their blasphemy."
When Genie cut the feed, the bar erupted into chaos as the patrons pushed and shoved their way to the exit.
Torch received a text message from his dad. “Stay put, security is on the way. They will take you and your friends to your quarters and stand guard. This is a very dangerous situation...make sure you dig out the laser pistol that I gave you as a graduation present. I will contact you soon. Call me if you have any problems. Take care, Son.”
-- CHAPTER 30 --
Word that Seekers of Divine Light Reverend LeRoque was en route spread throughout the base like the out of control wildfire that Sanders had been trying to avoid. He called his staff together to an emergency meeting and asked Miguel for a SITREP.
"Several laser rifles are missing from the weapons locker. I recommend that we conduct a base-wide search."
Sanders nodded. "What is LeRoque's ETA?"
"I hate to tell you this boss, but he could show up any minute! We don’t see anything yet on radar, but they could be jamming our signal.”
“How many guests should we expect?”
Miguel replayed the interview and surmised. “The ship looks like a cargo carrier from the Andromeda II orbiting factory. Limited capacity…say two crewmen and ten passengers all total. I've carefully reviewed my staff list and I am afraid that we only have a cadre of six long-timers that we can completely trust. I just don’t know about the rest of them. Apparently that troublemaker Jason Philips that works for SpeeZees security has been recruiting CREOS for the SDL base-wide. There's no telling home many of our staff he has brainwashed into helping him. Maybe we should consider taking him into custody?”
Suddenly an alarm sounded in the hangar bay as one of the Deep Space Mining shuttles towing a shipping container came to life and headed toward the departure ramp.
Sanders barked, “That’s one of ours! Miguel order them to halt and shutdown! We need to clear the ramp."
There was no response as the shuttle cleared the hangar and headed for the launch area.
Sanders grabbed a mic. "Shuttle DS760, you are not cleared for departure. Return to base." When there was no response he commanded, “Pilot…shuttle DS760 identify yourself!"
Sabien keyed his mic and replied, "Sanders, it's me Sabien. I don't like the looks of this. I'm taking a friend of ours for a ride until things calm down."
"Roger that. I understand and will inform Torch. Keep us posted. Good luck, you are cleared for launch."
Miguel jumped to his feet. "LeRoque's ship just appeared on the radar. Boss, there are two ships not just one! We are way out numbered. Try to stall them. Say we're closed for maintenance...anything you can think of to buy us some time. I
need to talk to Torch. I have an idea, but I will need his help."
Sanders thought for a minute, then keyed the mic. "All incoming vessels, be advised, you are not cleared to land at this facility. I repeat; you are not cleared to land. This is a private moonbase operated under the guidelines of World Nations Regulation 509, which clearly states that our organization has complete control of surrounding space within a radius vector of one hundred kilometers."
Sanders paused for a few seconds, but received no response so he continued. "If you need to refuel, use the orbiting station parked above lunar latitude 299 and longitude 371. Do you read me? Over."
Reverend LeRoque's face filled the COM screen. He shouted, "The Lord has granted me all the permission I need. We are coming to claim the Ark and take the Gene Demon back to Earth where she will be charged with her crimes. She has broken the USACO gener laws and must be punished."
The Reverend's wife took her husband's arm, lifted her veil and said something in her husband's ear. He nodded that he understood.
"That's right! We also demand that you turn over the retched hybrid plant-animal created by those devils in the SpeeZees Lab. I command you to meet us at the entrance bay and bring us the hybrid creature, the Ark and Astra Sturtevant. That is my direct order to you!"
Sanders replied, "Dr. Sturtevant and the being you refer to are under my protection. As you know, gener laws do not apply off planet. I warn you again, stay away. We will use force to protect this base."
The Reverend sneered and said, "We'll see about that," and cut the transmission.
Sanders unlocked his wall safe, retrieved a vintage Smith and Wesson .45 caliber pistol, and loaded it with ammo. He called Miguel to get an updated SITREP then sprinted down the corridor to head off the intruders.
******
The landing bay interlock was deserted as Miguel deployed his most trusted troops behind a hastily assembled barrier. He told them, "Hold this position and only fire if you are fired upon. Get ready, the pressure has equalized and the outer door is open."
Sanders stood, waiting alone in the middle of the bay as the SDL troops led by Reverend LeRoque filed in with rifles held at the ready. As the troops formed a line, Sanders raised his hand. "I warned you Reverend, you do not have permission to dock here. Go back to your vessels. You are on private property."
The Reverend tried to move past him, but Sanders blocked the way and shoved him back. The Reverend recovered his balance and fumed, "Where are Doctor Sturtevant, the blasted Ark…and that hybrid monster?"
Sanders pulled the pistol from his belt and stood his ground. "You are trespassing on private property. Lower your weapons and return to your vessels. I mean it!"
Miguel, Torch and the security team emerged out of the shadows armed with laser rifles which they aimed at the invaders. There sudden appearance frightened one of the SDL who fired a blast that ricocheted around the bay.
Sanders leaped behind the barrier just as a fierce firefight erupted. The base security forces were pinned down.
Miguel looked at Torch and held up his closed fist. Torch nodded and then issued a verbal command to his microcell. There was loud screech as Torch's herd of robotic cows stampeded into the bay, ramming, butting and kicking the SDL troops allowing the base forces time to escape into the reception area.
Soon the bay looked like a slaughterhouse with mechanical cow parts strewn everywhere. Torch sadly said, "Miguel, my cows deserved better."
When the last of the base troops and Torch were safely inside, Miguel punched a button, which slammed down the door locking out the SDL. But, it only took them a few minutes to blow the hatch.
Sanders signaled a retreat and the group started hustling down the corridor until they ran squarely into Phillips and a bunch of CREOS aiming weapons at them and blocking the hallway.
Phillips screamed, "Lower your weapons. Now!"
Sanders cursed then dropped his pistol and raised his hands in surrender. He nodded to Miguel and the rest of the base troops did the same. The Reverend, out of breath and bleeding from a deep slash on his cheek, pushed his way to the front of the pack.
Phillips moved forward, fell to one knee then kissed the Reverend's hand and choked, "I have always dreamed that someday I should have the honor of meeting you in person your holiness. Astra's brother Sabien has stashed the Ark in the SpeeZees Lab. I can take you to its hiding place."
The Reverend patted Phillips on the head. "You've done well Son, God will reward you. Now rise and take us to the Ark, I want to purge the world of this scourge.”
He turned to the SDL captain and ordered, "Organize a search for the Gene Demon, her brother Sabien and that hybrid monster." Then he took Phillips' arm. "Please lead the way."
Phillips took them to the SpeeZees Lab where Director Hiroshi stood guarding the entrance. He half-heartedly waved a scalpel at Phillips who quickly disarmed him and handed him off to an SDL who dragged him out of the lab.
Only moments later, Astra, struggling with all her might, was shoved into the lab by the SDL captain. She broke free and ran into Torch's arms. He cried, "Oh no, I thought that you were with Sabien."
"What? I've been locked in my quarters like I was told until these creeps broke in and brought me here. I haven't seen Sabien since our moonwalk."
The captain informed the Reverend that they were still searching the base but so far there was no sign of the hybrid.
The Reverend's response was short and to the point. "Keep looking!" He turned to Phillips and demanded. "Take us to the Ark. The time has come to put an end to all this."
Phillips led them to the back of the lab and pointed out the double locks on Sabien's cubicle. "The technician that installed the security system is one of our CREOS. She gave me the pass codes for the new security system that Sabien put in place so this should be fairly easy."
He entered the codes and the door slid open. They found a CryoVat, but it was lying on its side, empty. The Reverend looked at Phillips, "Did you already secure the contents?”
"No sir, this is the first time I have been in here. I don't understand; we have recent video footage of Sabien performing maintenance on this very unit and it seemed to be fully functional at the time. I don't know what could have happened to it."
The Reverend was furious. He grabbed Astra by her shoulders and gave her a vicious shake. She tried to pull away but the SDL captain forced her arms behind her back and held her tight while another trooper restrained Torch when he tried to come to her rescue.
The Reverend took the captain’s sidearm and aimed it at Astra's head. "Tell me where the Ark is Gene Demon, or I will finish you right now."
Astra struggled and cried, "Sabien made a new Ark that holds all the embryos. It was here a few days ago. I don't know what he did with it. Let me go. You're hurting me!"
The Reverend ripped open Astra’s jersey and hissed, "Your locket…where is the locket containing the microdisc that you hid in the Ark?” I have seen the video evidence. What have you down with your locket?”
Suddenly it all snapped into place for Astra. “So that’s what you have been after all this time. You and Horowitz–big shots that want to live forever and make fortunes selling anti-aging pills? All of your hysterical preaching about the dangers of the Ark was nothing but a smokescreen. You just want the genetic code that controls the aging clock. Well, I have news for you creeps; I have absolutely no idea who took the Ark and my locket. I just pray that you will never have it!”
The Reverend screamed, “Liar!" and pistol-whipped her on the forehead. Astra collapsed to the floor. The Reverend pointed his pistol at her head and was about to pull the trigger when his wife tugged his arm and stepped in front of the downed woman.
“No, Granger. This is not God's way. To kill a defenseless woman is also a blasphemy. I believe her when she says that she doesn't know where the Ark is. But perhaps the son of the Deep Space Mining Company’s CEO does?" Then she pointed at Torch.
The Reverend lowered his w
eapon. "You are right my love. So be it." He gestured at Torch, "Bring that man to me, but search him first."
The SDL captain patted Torch down and found the pod launch controller which he handed to the Reverend. The Reverend held it up to Torch, "What is this?"
Torch yelled, "It's a control unit for an experiment. Whatever you do, don't push that button!"
The Reverend looked at the writing on the tape attached to the back and read out loud, "Beware, whoever activates this device dares to have the power of God!"
"What is this, more blasphemy?" He viciously punched the red activation button, but nothing happened so he shook it and punched the button again. "Your experiment is a bust, nothing happened." With a grunt, he threw the unit at Torch.
Torch was speechless at first, and then sputtered, "You just made a terrible mistake. I need to call the President of USACO! Now!" As Torch tried to break away, the SDL captain clubbed him in the back of the head, knocking him out cold. Astra crawled to Torch's side and cradled his head. She glared at the Reverend and screamed, "You are a pathetic monster."
"Yes of course I am. That's pretty ironic coming from the actual Gene Demon herself!" He drew Phillips aside and told him he wanted to gather all the base residents into one place.
Phillips smiled, "I know just the place. It's called the Luna Lounge and it will be a snug fit, but everyone should be able to cram in. I'll pass the word and if you wish, I can take you and your wife there right now."
The Reverend's wife whispered, "I don't know about you, but I could use a stiff drink."
"Fine, just don't get plastered until this is all over."
-- CHAPTER 31 --
USACO Climate Lab
Arctic Tundra, Alaska
An ear piercing alarm signal awakened Lab Director Hamilton Redstone. He rushed outside and stared upwards in amazement; the entire night sky was filled with flashes and streaks of multi-hued light. He tried to make a call on his microcell, but it there was no signal.