‘How is that even possible?’ Hilt asked him.
‘Well, we know Sanctuary is far deeper than Steadfast, due to the duration of the journey from the surface in the elevator,’ Goodwin said at last. ‘Couple that with the steady slope through the cave system and we must be about five or six miles down, maybe more.’
‘Shouldn’t we be experiencing some kind of heat issues this far below ground?’
‘Well, yes, you’re quite right,’ Goodwin said, impressed at the Darklight man’s knowledge. ‘At this depth it should be reaching around one hundred degrees Celsius. The continental crust ranges from twenty to thirty miles thick and where it meets the mantle, temperatures will exceed four hundred degrees.’
‘So how are we not toast?’
Goodwin considered the question. It was a good one. ‘There must be something beneath shielding us from the heat. That’s the only explanation I can think of that makes any sense.’
‘And does the GMRC have that kind of capability?’
‘To protect against one hundred degrees C, on this scale? No, not even close, no one does. And the chamber size, an impossibility with current technology.’
‘So this place, it isn’t—’ Hilt said, not knowing how to finish the sentence.
Goodwin held his gaze. ‘Made by us? No.’
‘Then who …?’
‘Perhaps that tomb was more important than we first thought.’
Hilt nodded mutely as they moved past a huge opening to one of the towers, the size of the doorway mirroring the building it provided an entrance to. The whole place seemed ominous and more than a little spooky as ghostly edifices loomed around them, hemming them in from all sides, even though the widths of the avenues between them were also immense.
Rather than move any deeper into the eerie metropolis, they decided to make camp and sent out larger Darklight teams to map out the terrain and surrounding area. The three main recon units were given the task of searching the closest structure.
As they settled in, Goodwin’s phone sounded an alert signal. Considering they weren’t in the vicinity of any transmission relay stations, he thought this odd to say the least. Withdrawing it from his pocket he looked at the screen.
It was a video message from the professor.
Selecting it, he moved away to a more secluded area on the edge of their temporary base to ensure he had some privacy. Against the backdrop of the powerful lanterns that the Darklight forces had erected, Goodwin opened out the phone’s larger screen and pressed play.
Professor Steiner’s face appeared in front of him.
‘Richard, if you’re watching this video it means you’ve reached Sanctuary. I will have told you that a message awaits you in my office at the base; however that was to misinform any unwanted eavesdroppers on our conversation. This is the message I want you to hear and I will embed it in the access programme I will be transferring to your phone shortly. The file was set to alert you to its presence when you reached a certain depth, which can only be achieved at Sanctuary.’
Steiner’s face became grave as he paused before continuing. ‘Richard,’ he said, hesitating again, adding to Goodwin’s mounting tension. ‘What I am about to tell you is well beyond top secret and is far above your clearance level, but given the new circumstances forced upon us by Malcolm Joiner I feel full disclosure is very necessary at this point. When the asteroid 2011 AG5 was first discovered twenty-nine years ago, NASA had already begun testing a new high Earth orbit deep space detection array. This system was categorised as an unacknowledged Special Access Programme – or black project, as we call them – due to its unique capabilities, which included satellite disruption technology that was to be utilised against enemies of the United States, as required.
‘During its first year of full operation, the array surveyed large swathes of space. In 2012 this new system revealed an extremely disturbing image. Following in the same trajectory as AG5 were six other asteroids. The first four of the six will be impacting Earth in 2042, the last two in 2045.
‘The asteroids striking in 2042 are a variety of sizes. The smallest is half that of AG5, while the largest is five times as big. Considering the predicted fallout from AG5, this next wave will utterly destroy the fragile order that is human civilisation. Any remnants of human life that survive past 2042 will then be faced with the final asteroids in 2045, the largest of which is forty times the size of AG5 and is classed as a world ender. No complex life on the planet’s surface or oceans will survive its arrival.
‘The reason these objects are so staggered is due to the speed they are travelling at. Over the millennia, varying velocities have ensured the distances between them have been amplified. This stagger is also the reason that the Mount Lemmon Survey that discovered AG5 did not pick up on the presence of the further six objects. Once it was confirmed that the telemetry from the deep space array was correct, it was decided, in the utmost secrecy, to inform other major nations around the world in order for humanity to prepare for the defence of its existence on this planet. Thus the GMRC was born and many subterranean facilities were subsequently designed and built.
‘During numerous summits it was agreed, rightly or wrongly, that these powerful governments would keep this terrible truth hidden from the rest of the world in order to maintain stability. Without a well-oiled and performing world economy, the task of creating these underground bases would have been nigh on impossible. Technologies had to be created and advanced in order to ensure our survival; if word had got out then a breakdown in civilisation would have severely hindered our goals.
‘You may be wondering how, over the years, these new threats haven’t been spotted by the many observatories around the globe. The answer is quite simple; with the world’s greatest powers behind you it is easy to subvert and control many things and those we couldn’t influence we forced closed. As we also controlled the media, any that slipped through the net were muffled and silenced. Unfortunately when your entire race is under threat of extinction, difficult and sometimes abhorrent decisions must be made.
‘After AG5’s arrival the dust cloud will ensure the general population doesn’t get any forewarning of what is to come, thus ensuring normality continues, at least for a time. This is important as while the GMRC and the world’s subterranean bases are ready for the arrival of the next wave of asteroids, there are still many final preparations to make. These preparations might not be as critical as our immediate survival, but they are still extremely important to our continued existence; such tasks include the relocation and protection of as many animals and as much plant life as possible. The placing of as many of humanity’s greatest works of art, structures and objects in our B Class subterranean bases, including U.S.S.B. Washington and U.S.S.B. Haven, are still ongoing. With a breakdown of law and order these tasks, and many others, would be much harder to complete.
‘The other sad fact is that it is in the interests of the majority of the world’s populace that people do not know what is to come. Chaos, disorder and lawlessness would only serve to make everyone’s remaining days a living nightmare. It will be hard for you to accept that over ninety-nine point nine per cent of the world’s current surface population has less than five years to live. Due to the first wave of asteroids that will arrive in 2042, many of these have under two years of life remaining.
‘The truth is,’ – Professor Steiner clenched his jaw as he fought to keep a hold of his emotions – ‘difficult to hear, I know. When I first found out, I refused to believe it, I wouldn’t believe it. Why couldn’t we deflect them, blow them up? Anything to prevent their arrival. Believe me, it was attempted, but the distances and speeds involved are beyond immense. For this reason, among others, plans were set in motion for a multi-tiered response to the threats we faced. If we were unable to prevent the arrival of the seven asteroids, we would build subterranean facilities all over the world in order to preserve our species and all other life on the planet.
‘While these monumenta
l construction projects began, the world’s major space capable nations pooled resources and expertise to tackle the asteroids head on. Under the guise of exploration and communications improvements, over one hundred missions were sent up with varying degrees of success. Many fell short of even landing on 2011 AG5, which was deemed the best trial target since it was the closest to Earth. The few that were able to reach AG5 within mission parameters failed to affect its trajectory, although two came close. Due to further failures and unforeseen complications, it became apparent our resources were being ill-used and the majority of space missions were wound down and finally mothballed in 2035, leaving the subterranean response as humanity’s last and only hope.’
Steiner hesitated before proceeding and looked up to see if his captors approached. Satisfied, he carried on. ‘Richard, I appreciate this will be a lot for you to take in and I hope you can accept my apologies for not telling you previously. My hands were firmly tied, as they have been for many years. You may be wondering why I ordered the evacuation of Steadfast and why Joiner sought to prevent me from doing so. I realised Steadfast had to be abandoned after I gleaned some sensitive information from General Ellwood, information our beloved Director of Intelligence sorely wanted to keep secret, even from me.
‘What I discovered was that one of the asteroids due in 2042 will impact in the immediate vicinity of Steadfast. Such a strike will significantly damage, if not completely destroy, the whole base. At the very least, all subterranean to surface shafts will be catastrophically damaged, ensuring the entombment of everyone below. Joiner must have realised that I had found out about his cover up and launched a pre-emptive strike to head off an evacuation to Sanctuary, the only base with the capacity to take that many people. His reasons I can only guess at, but the man’s paranoia and lack of human compassion leads me to think that he didn’t want to risk exposure of the GMRC’s subterranean program to the public, even though this threat would have been negligible.
‘Once he’d launched his attack on the Command Centre my hand was forced, so I issued the evacuation alert in the hope that I could save as many people as possible. It is also my belief that our gifted Steadfast personnel will be able to provide Sanctuary with an excellent pool of workers from which to draw for the good of the base. In my opinion, they will also increase Sanctuary’s odds for long term success.’
A noise sounded in the background and the image went dark, accompanied by a rustling noise as Steiner must have slipped the computer phone into his pocket. Some muffled voices could be heard for a while and then the phone was taken back out again and Professor Steiner reappeared in view.
‘Sorry about that, one of my guards checking up on me. Anyway, where was I? Sanctuary – right, by now you will have realised that Sanctuary isn’t like Steadfast or any other project the GMRC operates. Unbelievably, it has long been known by certain powers in Europe that humanity wasn’t the first species to forge an advanced civilisation on Earth. A human cousin had evolved long before us, over nine hundred thousand years ago. The reason this fact is unheard of is mainly due to work carried out by the Catholic Church who, for over a millennia, sought to accrue, destroy and hide all evidence of this ancient dynasty. Why? To preserve their religious doctrine and to retain their power over the masses.
‘Their job had been done well. The known sites for this race were located primarily in Europe and South America. Those finds that were outside of these areas were minimal and either discredited or destroyed by nefarious means. To this day, we would have been none the wiser except for a phenomenal discovery made in the United States in the seventeen hundreds. An ancient tomb was found in the Nevada desert, by happenstance. Word spread and it was eventually looked into and covered up by the government of the day. Many years later, one of our presidents stumbled across the secret and decided to set up a special team to investigate the site further. Many more artefacts, bones and structures were unearthed, culminating in the greatest discovery in the history of mankind, Sanctuary itself. Make no mistake, the base in which you now stand is but a tiny part of an underground complex that reaches for well over two hundred miles in length, one hundred miles in width and perhaps twenty miles in depth. Due to its size, over ninety-eight per cent of it is still uncharted.
‘What we know about this race is that they were far more advanced than us in many ways. They were also physically much larger and yet their numbers on the surface as far as we can tell were not great. Many mysteries about them remain unanswered, including why they died out. One thing we do know, however, is that our human ancestors knew of their existence. Some speculate that there may have even been direct contact with these human cousins.
‘While the Vatican tried to destroy all knowledge of these giants they were unable to wipe them completely from history. Myths and legends woven into our culture live on and even the Bible itself has references to this most ancient of races. Other cultures, including the Egyptians, Babylonians and Mayans, amongst others, also hint at the existence of this lost ancestor. There are scientific and many other names given to this race, although perhaps with more than a little irony we refer to them as they were known in the Bible, the Anakim. Obviously all this information is known by only a select few outside of Sanctuary itself. The existence of the ancient underground structure has also not been disclosed to any other government, including that of Mexico, which believes the base is merely a manmade expansion of a naturally occurring cave system.’
Steiner paused for breath and then continued once more. ‘I imagine you will watch this message more than once, as I would, too, in your position; please ensure, though, that no one else sees it, as this information is extremely powerful and dangerous in the wrong hands.’ Steiner looked around his small room. ‘Considering my current position and Joiner’s quest for power, it appears I may not see you again or be able to help progress Sanctuary in the future; this job I now leave up to you. You must try to gain control of the base or at least be included in its management and direction. I have long admired your expertise and management skills, but what I prize most highly is your duty of care to those who you work to protect. Sanctuary, much to my disapproval, is run by the U.S. military and that means Joiner will essentially have control; this status quo cannot be left to stand and civilian governance must be established, as humanity’s future may very well rest upon it.’
Steiner looked up from the camera once more and then back again. ‘I must go, Richard. Be careful, good luck and Godspeed.’
And then the display went black. A blue screen followed and the writing END OF VIDEO appeared. Goodwin stared at the blue image for a long time before eventually pressing the replay button.
Epilogue
Sarah Morgan struggled against the two U.S. soldiers marching her down a long corridor lined on both sides with reinforced metal doors.
‘Where are you taking me?!’ she said, unable to keep the fear from her voice.
The sound of their echoing footsteps was her only answer as the men remained tight-lipped.
‘Where are my friends?!’ Sarah leant back against their grasp, forcing them to slow.
One of her captors gave a growl and she was hauled forwards.
‘I’m a British citizen; you have no right to do this!’ Terrified, Sarah fought to escape, but the soldiers dragged her on, their powerful grips tightening around her arms.
They finally reached the end of the corridor and a heavy metal door was opened.
Sarah looked into the tiny cell in horror and planted her feet in desperation as they forced her forward. She jammed her foot against the door jamb, stopping her momentum, but a heavy shod boot kicked it away and she was thrown inside.
Sarah staggered forward, then spun round and surged back to the opening just as the door to the cell slammed shut with a resounding boom!
The sound of keys rattling, a lock clicking and metal bolts sliding into place preceded two sets of receding footsteps as the men retreated back the way they’d come.
Sarah screamed and hammered on the door. ‘NO!! Where are you going?! You can’t do this, I have rights! YOU CAN’T DO THIS!!
Outside the cell door her screams and shouts fell on deaf ears as the soldiers disappeared around the far end of the now empty corridor.
Sarah Morgan’s quest was at an end, and only her despairing cries for freedom echoing along the desolate halls of a top-secret facility, hidden deep underground, were testament to her ever having existed at all.
‘NO! Let me out!!’
The further down the hallway, the quieter her calls became.
‘You can’t do this … where are my friends … where are you going?! LET ME OUT!!!’
♦
‘Are the other two secure?’
The corporal gave a nod.
‘And their belongings?’
The second soldier handed a transparent plastic bag to his commanding officer.
The sergeant emptied the contents into a cardboard carton and peered inside, then poked around at the different items on display, the most interesting of which included a metallic tablet, parchments and a couple of pentagonal pendants.
He dismissed his colleagues and then sealed the box with red tape before writing some numbers on a white label on its side, and the words FOR ANALYSIS on the lid with a black marker pen.
He passed through an office, opened a door at the back of the room and entered a huge unlit storage facility containing row upon row of shelving housing boxes similar to the one he held. Under the dim light streaming in through the now open doorway, he walked down one of the aisles, his footfalls tip-tapping through the deserted area. Eventually he stopped and pulled across a ladder connected to a set of rails, then climbed up to the fifth level of ten and slid the box into an empty space alongside its fellows. Having deposited his cargo, he climbed back down and returned to his office, the sounds of his passage fading away to silence before he closed the door behind him, plunging the warehouse back into darkness.
Revelations Page 38