Star One: Neutron Star

by Raymond L. Weil

  “I can handle that,” Karver replied with a crisp nod. “We can secure a large area of Florida around the cape with several marine divisions. We can also reinforce the marines with mechanized armor to respond rapidly to any type of situation. I can guarantee that we can protect the cape for as long as necessary.”

  “Fine,” responded President Kateland, looking around the group, weighing what she was about to say. “When I go on the air tomorrow night, I will declare a state of national emergency and impose martial law.”

  Everyone in the room looked uncomfortable with this. Martial law would be serious and extremely unpopular with the public. However, once the news about the neutron star was out, all hell would probably break loose. Many people would realize that their lives had suddenly became considerably shortened.

  “We will tell the people that the neutron star will adversely affect the Earth and that we will build new cities for the people deep in the bowels of the Earth,” President Kateland spoke with a look of sadness in her eyes.

  “Even using all the major cave systems and building as many deep bunkers as possible, we can only hope to put several hundred thousand people in those shelters,” commented Vice President Edwards, shaking his head. “At some point, the people will realize that there are no shelters for most of them.”

  “We will show the shelters being built on the media channels, hopefully this will buy us some time,” President Kateland added. “Even so, we don’t feel that we can keep the complete secret more than six months.”

  “All U.S. military units across the globe will be recalled immediately,” General Karver said. “Reserve and National Guard units will be activated and used to secure their home regions. We can expect massive desertions as the situation gets worse. Military personnel will want to be with their families toward the end.”

  “Our ability to control the country will eventually escape our grasp,” President Kateland spoke with a growing sadness in her eyes. “We will be looking at food shortages, power problems, and possibly diseases from the adverse living conditions as the neutron star nears. We will reach a point where we can’t cope with it.”

  “Once people realize what is going to happen, we can expect massive riots and possible human wave assaults on every installation on Earth that could mean survival,” General Karver continued in a serious tone. “Initially, the people will not want to believe that there is no hope; many will probably have a hard time believing the threat to begin with. At some point in time, most people will finally realize what is happening and what the future holds. We will end up having to defend our launch installations and underground facilities from attacks from our own people!”

  “What about other countries?” Steve asked, still hoping others could survive. “Will they be building underground shelters also?”

  “Some will,” Tim McPhryson replied. “Those that have the resources and the ability to build and protect them will undoubtedly try to construct what they can. Very few shelters will have a chance of survival. The earthquakes, tidal waves, and volcanic eruptions will destroy most if not all of them.”

  “What about Senator Farley?” asked Mase, looking at the president. “How are you going to handle him? I doubt that he is going to accept all of this.”

  “I will personally meet with the senator after the news conference, perhaps he can be persuaded not to resist us. If not, then we will just have to wait and see,” President Kateland responded with a heavy sigh of resignation. “Nothing must stand in our way of saving what we can of the human race!”

  “That’s why we wanted both of you to come down to Earth now,” Vice President Edwards said, looking over at Steve and Mase. “Once the two of you return to your respective commands, you are not to return to Earth under any circumstances!”

  “You expect it to get that bad?” asked Steve, looking at President Kateland.

  “Yes,” President Kateland replied. “Probably not at first, but it will later. Effective immediately, you two are now the permanent commanders of your respective facilities. No one may remove you from command. Do you both understand that?”

  “Yes,” Steve and Mase answered in unison.

  “There undoubtedly will be attempts to do just that,” Vice President Edwards spoke, his eyes looking at Mase and then at Steve. “You are not to allow that to happen. You are to do whatever is necessary to secure and defend your respective commands.”

  “I will ensure you have what you will need to protect your commands from attack,” General Karver added. “I will be getting back with both of you later on those details.”

  The group was silent lost in thought. Hearing the words spoken only reinforced the gravity of the situation. Tim McPhryson rose and handed Steve and Mase several small cases containing computer disks.

  “These disks contain in detail what we think is going to happen. The predicted stresses that the Earth will face and the consequences are there. In addition, what the Moon and Star One can expect as the neutron star comes closer. They also contain several courses of action obtained through the Super Crays. You both need to go over this data with your people and prepare accordingly. Anything you need will be furnished if possible. The entire shuttle fleet will be at your disposal for the duration of this emergency. Any supplies or equipment you think you may need, we will see that you get them.”

  “We also have four additional shuttles that are currently under construction,” Jane Kinsey spoke. “We are speeding up their construction schedule, and they should be available for use in two more months.”

  Steve and Mase took the computer disks both deep in thought. They were still in shock over the president’s revelations. They had known the situation was serious, but they hadn’t realized just how bad it was going to get. Both had believed that there would be some survivors on Earth. Now they knew there might be no one. The future had suddenly taken a very dismal and foreboding turn. They would both have a lot of work to do when they returned home. The survival of the human race had just been placed upon their shoulders.

  Chapter Eleven

  It was 06:30 hours and Christy was in Main Control monitoring the FarQuest. She had gotten very little sleep since going off duty the night before. She was too excited about the launch. She brushed her blonde hair back with her right hand and gazed attentively at the main viewscreen. The fingers on her right hand were tapping nervously on her command console.

  The first shift crew was on duty with a few of the late night shift staying on to help with checking readouts and instruments relaying data from the FarQuest. It had been a busy morning so far as the crew prepared to launch the ship. Everyone was excited about the launch, and a number of the late night crew planned to stay over and watch until the FarQuest was safely under way. Rumors had already spread across the station that the FarQuest was to be launched on a special mission.

  Crewmembers across the station were abuzz with questions about what was going on and why the ship was being launched. Many had seen some of the stories and rumors beginning to be broadcast on Earth media stations and wondered if this mission had anything to do with those. They all hoped that Commander Larson would make an announcement shortly as to what was going on.

  Many people on the massive space station were extremely apprehensive about the rumors they were hearing on the Earth media stations. Rumors were rapidly spreading about Farside discovering a serious danger to Earth coming in from deep space.

  Christy took a deep breath, wishing Steve were here to watch this launch. She knew how important this was, and that he had wanted to be a part of it. However, his shuttle had just launched a short time ago from Earth. She was also acutely aware of the rumors currently going around the station. Those would have to be addressed as soon as Steve returned. Crewmembers were beginning to ask questions, particularly since they heard the FarQuest was going to be launched again. Somehow it had leaked out that the ship was headed toward the outer reaches of the Solar System, which only gave the rumors floating about more cre
dence.

  On the main screen, the FarQuest lay dormant on the Space Platform, like a sleeping giant waiting to be awakened. Powerful spotlights lit up the ship, making it stand out in the darkness. They were 30 minutes from their launch window, and the entire crew in Main Control was tense, voices were subdued, and you could hear the low hum from the computers and the ventilation system.

  The new experimental SRBs would be fired on this launch and their performance could well determine the outcome of the mission. Worst-case scenario would be the FarQuest disappearing in a ball of expanding flame if the SRBs detonated. All simulations and tests indicated that the possibility of that was so minuscule that it was not even a serious concern.

  “This is Commander Erin,” Ty’s strong voice came smoothly over the com system. “All systems are go for launch; all crew members are in prelaunch positions, flight computer is online, continuing countdown.”

  “Confirmed,” responded Todd Williams. “All of our boards are green also. No amber or reds have shown up. Everything is proceeding smoothly. Standby FarQuest.”

  “Standing by,” Ty replied.

  “We would like you to check cryogenic temperatures in the argon fuel storage tanks during the SRB booster firing,” Todd requested. “We want to make sure there is no heat transfer through the hull. From previous tests with Luxen at high temps there shouldn’t be a problem, but we would like to confirm the readings anyway.”

  “I will have Mr. Archer monitor during boost. I assume you want to look for any pressure spikes or variation in temperature between the tanks?” Ty asked.

  “That’s affirmative,” Todd replied. “It’s just a safety precaution. Some of the scientists are curious about how the high temp burn of the SRBs might affect the Luxen.”

  “Scientific curiosity,” Ty replied over the com with a gentle laugh. “They never miss an opportunity.”

  Christy listened to the exchange between the two. She had talked briefly with Steve earlier just before his shuttle launched from the cape. The shuttle had been equipped with two powerful boosters to allow it to get back to the station quicker. Even so, it would be another twelve hours before Steve returned, and by then the FarQuest would be well on its way.

  In her left hand, Christy held the latest threatening communications dispatch from Senator Farley back on Earth. Margaret had handed it to her just a few minutes back with a shake of her head. Senator Farley was demanding to talk to Steve or her immediately or heads were going to roll. He had also sent a similar threatening message to Todd demanding that he remove Christy and Steve from command.

  Senator Farley knew that he was being put off, and he was demanding to know the reason why. He obviously suspected something was going on, but the senator wasn’t sure what. Christy knew that Senator Farley would be fuming once the FarQuest was launched again. She could just imagine his blood vessels standing out on his forehead with the anger he would be feeling. She put Senator Farley out of her mind. She had more urgent matters to worry about for now.

  -

  Down in one of the crowded observation rooms in the outer rim of the main wheel, Jennifer, Kathleen, and Julie sat with other crewmembers watching the view of the FarQuest on the large viewscreen on the wall. News had spread about the upcoming launch, which wasn’t that surprising. The ports were open with their Luxen shutters slid back, allowing an unobstructed view of the distant Space Platform and the stars. In the distance, the Moon was visible, lighting up the observation room with its reflected light.

  Many people were standing at the ports staring out excitedly toward the Space Platform. The Space Platform was too far away to be seen clearly. It was just a bright dot in the distance, almost invisible in the steady glow of the myriads of stars that seemed to surround it on all sides. They wouldn’t actually be able to see anything until the ship launched. The large viewscreen was currently showing a close up of the Space Platform and the FarQuest, which many people were watching.

  “I wonder how the ship’s crew feels about this mission?” asked Julie, looking around the room at the large number of people who had turned out to watch the launch.

  She knew that rumors were spreading, and people were extremely curious about the launch. She could hear people talking and speculating about what was going on. Several had asked her if she knew, and she had replied that Commander Larson would be making an announcement later.

  Julie wished that John were here. He would have been thrilled to be able to stand here and watch this launch with her. She had talked to Ty briefly the night before, wishing him good luck on his mission. Looking around the crowded observation room, she couldn’t remember ever seeing so many people in here at once.

  Many were standing around in small groups talking in subdued and excited tones. Julie knew that if she were going off into the unknown like this it would scare her to death. She felt a faint chill run down her back at just the thought. Ty was exceptionally brave to have accepted this mission, and she had told him that the night before. But that was Ty; he was one of the bravest and also one of the most softhearted people that she knew. She was worried about this flight and just prayed that Ty and his crew would make it back safely.

  John’s occasional shuttle flights to Earth and to the Moon still made her feel a little uneasy at night. When he was gone and she was lying alone in bed, she couldn’t help wondering if John was safe. There was always that little nagging worry in the back of her mind. She hadn’t slept too well the night before, with John gone and the FarQuest about to be launched. Sometimes she wished that John didn’t fly the shuttles, but they were the love of his life. Like the ecological habitats were her life’s work, the shuttles were John’s, and she would support him as he did her.

  “According to Ty, he has a good crew,” commented Jennifer, remembering their conversation from a few nights back. Captain Simpson and Lieutenant Strett had impressed her. They had both seemed courteous and professional. “If there are any problems, it would come from something they’re not prepared for, and from what I understand they are prepared for almost anything.”

  “Still,” added Kathleen, glancing over at Jennifer, knowing that Ty had finally met someone he was interested in. “I’m glad I’m not going. Ty is an excellent commander, and if anyone can bring that ship back, it’s him. Just imagine being cooped up with a small group of people for over six months. I don’t think I could stand it. Of course, throw in some energetic young bachelors and I might have to reconsider it.”

  Julie poked Kathleen in the side, rolling her eyes up. “Do you ever think of anything else besides men when you’re off duty?”

  “Not often,” Jennifer joined in, ribbing Kathleen. Winking at Julie, she went on, “She thinks men are her personal toys for her to entice and discard at her leisure. I’m just waiting for the day for her to fall head over heels in love with one.”

  “I wouldn’t quite say that,” Kathleen said defensively with an impish smile. “They can be a lot of fun if they’re the right ones, but I don’t know if I would ever want to settle down with someone long term.”

  On the large viewscreen, the FarQuest was still setting on the Space Platform, held securely in place by the magnetic grapples. There were no workers in evidence around the ship, and all the Centaur work vessels were out of sight. The women knew it was getting close to launch.

  “We should be able to see the drives and the boosters light from here,” Julie commented. She had watched John leave on several shuttle missions from this very observation room. “The big viewscreen will also show a close up of the ship as it launches.”

  “Just when things were getting interesting around here, Ty flies away on a long mission,” Kathleen mumbled, glancing at Jennifer with a friendly glint in her eye.

  Julie laughed and turned toward Jennifer. “I always get a little nervous when John leaves on a shuttle flight. I’m sure Ty and his crew will be fine.”

  “Let’s hope so,” Jennifer replied with a weak smile. This was still very new to her.<
br />
  Jennifer wondered what Ty was thinking. She knew that he had to be extremely busy with preflight operations. She also hoped and prayed that he made it back safely. She wouldn’t mind spending more quality time with Commander Erin in the future.

  She had found Ty to be interesting and fun to be around in the few times she had been with him. They still hadn’t shared a kiss, and Jennifer found herself wondering just what that would be like. It had been years since she had allowed herself to get this close to a man. Now that she had, he was flying off clear to the edge of the Solar System. She certainly knew how to pick one. With a sigh, she turned her attention back to Julie and Kathleen.

  -

  On the FarQuest, Ty had just finished his final prelaunch check. He was visually checking the viewscreens to make sure the crew were in their places and securely strapped down in their acceleration couches. This launch would be a little bit different since the SRBs would be used.

  In the back of his mind, he wondered if Jennifer was watching the launch. He didn’t know why, but he had found the young AI programmer to be extremely attractive and appealing. He wished he would have had time the previous night to see her again, but final launch preparations and equipment checks had lasted until late. He had just barely found the time to speak to Julie briefly. It was hard for him to believe that he had finally met an attractive woman that appealed to him the way Jennifer did. He took in a deep breath and shook his head slightly, turning his attention back to the FarQuest and away from Jennifer.

  “All environmental systems are functioning normally,” Lieutenant Strett reported. She carefully checked the readouts on her console. She could feel the excitement in the pit of her stomach. It was as if butterflies were fluttering around inside.

  “Fusion reactor and ion drive are in the green,” Added Winston Archer, checking his console for the hundredth time. He couldn’t wait to get the mission started.