Zeke bounded to the gap and out into another gully. The dark blinded him.
“Ow!”
He’d run headlong into a slab of jutting rock. He fell back, clutching his forehead.
More slowly he pushed on, feeling his way by hand, using the snaking curves of the rock as a guide.
His foot stubbed against a small boulder.
A glimpse of something ghostly pale flickered in the distance. Zeke stared hard, but saw nothing. Was it the mariner’s white uniform or just his imagination?
Zeke cursed his idiocy. Why didn’t he try telepathy?
Mariner Chinook Sir! Don’t kill the rat. It’s got a family. Babies!
But he had no way of knowing whether the teacher could hear him. He pressed on through the labyrinth. The way forked, and forked again.
You’re lost! wailed the little voice at the back of his head.
Should he shout for help? But Chinook had ordered him to keep quiet. He might disturb the mar-rat as Chinook was approaching and cause an attack. He didn’t want either of them to get hurt.
Zeke leaned against a crag, wondering what to do next.
A noise!
Something was shuffling and slithering. Something close. There! It was coming back up the gully behind him, emerging from the night. Crawling.
Could it be the mar-rat?
But Zeke already knew the rat walked on two legs, like a man.
Zeke’s eyes strained to see under the faint light of Deimos.
It was the rag creature! The thing from his nightmare, a mess of tattered clothing and bedraggled hair. But surely, dreams couldn’t cross over into reality?
“Stay back!” Zeke shrieked.
It inched nearer. He felt a scream rising up inside his chest. The monster was a few feet away now. It lifted a rotting head.
Professor Tiberius Magma!
The scream exploded from Zeke’s throat. He wheeled round, desperate to get away from someone he knew to be dead. And crashed into a shape. He struggled and kicked and yelled.
“Hailey!”
Bobby Chinook’s voice snapped Zeke from his panic like a bucket of cold water.
“Sir, Sir, back there.”
Zeke pointed back down the murky ravine. Nothing.
The teacher grinned, “You’ve got an overactive imagination, buddy.”
With a swift movement Chinook placed his enormous hand on Zeke’s skull.
They were nowhere. They were everywhere. They were between atoms and outside dimensions. They were translocating. Zeke’s heart skipped a beat.
They were standing outside the gully, beside Zeke’s mountain bike. Mariners Valley was as black as coal. Albie, detecting their presence, switched on the bike lamps, but the glow was paltry in the Martian night. Zeke’s breath turned cloudy as icy air seeped down from the highlands.
“Sir, there was a man in there. Tiberius Magma.”
Even Chinook’s impassive face couldn’t hide his disbelief.
“The missing archaeologist? You know him?”
The need for caution stirred Zeke’s thoughts.
“Um, well, I saw him lecture at the school. You’re right. I was seeing things.”
Neither spoke for a moment. Chinook stared into Zeke’s eyes. Then Zeke remembered the baby mar-rats.
“No boy. The male is safe. I had him in my sights when I heard your mental shout. You saved him, and his brood I s’pose. Hope you’re happy. I’d kill them all. Vermin. But it was your call.”
Zeke nodded, but he didn’t feel very cheerful.
“You’ve got quite a loud thought-voice, you know. You’re good at hiding thoughts too. So don’t worry, I won’t pry into your brain. In any case uninvited mind-reading is against the rules!”
Zeke tried to think of something to say. The teacher frowned for a moment and then said. “One day I’ll tell you why I didn’t go Deep Side. And it wasn’t out of cowardice.”
Oh, I know now you’re no coward, Zeke thought. Instantly he worried that the teacher could hear him, but Bobby Chinook’s face was inscrutable once more.
“Let’s go home.”
Chinook slung his gear over his shoulder, placed one hand on the bike and the other on Zeke. The man, the boy and the bicycle faded into nothing.
Chapter Fifteen
The Night View
“Sheesh!” Scuff leaned back on his chair, clutching a glass of Craterade. He, Pin-mei and Zeke were sitting in the Cranny, beside the panoramic vista. Far beneath them lay an abyss of black. Overhead the Milky Way twinkled in the velvet sky.
“Let me get this right,” Scuff went on. “You hunted a Neanderthal rat with Nanook of the North, then got chased by the ghost of Professor Magma?”
Zeke glanced between his two friends and said nothing. On arriving back at the school he was way too excited to turn in. His first choice had been Fitch. But there was no answer from the moon boy’s room, so Zeke had invited Scuff and Pin-mei for sodas.
Pin-mei chewed anxiously on her straw.
“This is really frightening Zeke. Do you think it might have been a figuration of your imagination?”
“Figment, and no it wasn’t.”
“But was it real?”
Zeke drew a deep breath.
“Well it can’t be real, so therefore, it has to be some kind of hallucination.”
Scuff scratched his double chin.
“But then you’ve had visions before, haven’t you? Ever since that Martian orb downloaded their lingo into that nugget of yours.”
“I’m beginning to think it did other things to me, as well”
“Such as?” Scuff prompted.
“Made me sensitive. To things that aren’t there.”
Scuff scratched his head.
“That makes about as much sense as the Schrodinger’s cat theory.”
“Supposing Magma isn’t dead? Nor anyone else that the Spiral absorbed. Somehow they live on, inside its consciousness.”
“Bit of a wild theory, how did you come up with all that?” Scuff asked.
Zeke shrugged.
“Maybe I can sense them, thanks to the orb. Even though they’re on the other side of a dimensional wall.”
“But there’s no way of that wall breaking down, is there?” Scuff asked, tightening his grip upon his glass.
Zeke paused to think.
“Well, everyone says it’s impossible, but the Hesperians found a way. Maybe one day our technology will be as good.”
“There’s something about the Hesperians I don’t understand,” Pin-mei piped in.
Zeke and Scuff turned to her.
“The Engraving told you that the ancient Martians let the Spiral in and it destroyed them. So why isn’t the Spiral already here?”
“No, no,” Zeke replied. “That’s not it at all. Yes, it entered our universe two billion years ago. I don’t know how exactly, but it must have been something to do with Hesperian technology.”
“Like the Infinity Trap?” Scuff said.
“Exactly. But before it could destroy them, they found away of stopping it, pushing it back into its own realm. But I don’t know how.”
“Then what happened to the Hesperians? What wiped them out?” Pin-mei asked.
A deep frown spread across Zeke’s forehead. He gazed out at the ancient canyon.
“I wish I knew.”
“Anymore beverages, young Sirs?” asked a drinksomac, trundling past on caterpillar tracks. They all shook their heads.
Scuff raised his eyes at Pin-mei. She mirrored the gesture.
“Zeke, there’s something we want to talk to you about?”
Zeke pushed his bottom lip out.
“Why do I have the feeling I’m not going to like this?”
Scuff cleared his throat.
“It’s the new guy. Fitch Crawley. A lot of the other students don’t like him.”
Zeke’s face hardened into a steely glare.
“Folks are saying bad things about him. He’s abusing his
psychic skills. He’s creepy.”
“You’re just jealous.” Zeke snapped, his temper rising.
“Of what?” Scuff snapped back, equally angry.
“Everything. Fitch’s talent. Our special friendship. Helping find my Dad.”
“Special friendship? Invite me to the wedding, why don’t you?”
Smack!
A hand slapped Scuff across the cheek. Zeke’s hand. Zeke was too stunned to speak. Why had he done that?
“Not interrupting anything, am I?”
It was Fitch, sauntering towards them and grinning like a monkey.
Zeke saw the red mark on Scuff’s face.
“I-I…”
“I’ve been looking all over for you, Zeke. Didn’t you get my brain-mails?”
“Seeing as Zeke’s got no psychic powers, I don’t suppose he did,” Scuff snarled, nursing his cheek.
Fitch stared at Scuff as though the Canadian was a particularly repulsive bug.
“Actually, Zeke just needs his potential tapping. If you ask me, you two have been holding him back.”
Pin-mei’s mouth dropped. Scuff went an even deeper red.
“Maybe you’re right, there,” Zeke heard himself say.
Fitch opened his mouth to speak but thought better of it. Instead he focused his attention on Zeke. At that moment ideas flooded Zeke’s mind like a dam bursting. It was all so obvious. Scuff was a bossy, spoilt, rich kid. A loser and a loner who had no friends other than Zeke. Pin-mei was sweet enough but too young for him, immature and naïve, out of her depth. The mariners should never have sent such a young child to Mars. He stood up.
“Scuff, I’m sorry I lashed out, but you can be really irritating, you know.”
“Bro, where the hell do you—”
“I’ve been meaning to tell you this for ages. Basically, I don’t think we three should hang out anymore.”
“What!” Pin-mei gasped.
“We were all thrown together at the beginning of term and it was fun, but I’ve outgrown all that now. We just don’t have anything in common.”
Tears were forming in Pin-mei’s eyes. Scuff was looking suspiciously at Fitch. Zeke paused, waiting for more feelings to pop into his head.
“I think a lot of people would agree,” Fitch said softly. “Trixie always says you could do better, Zeke.”
“Oh right, Trixie Cutter the school-psycho,” Scuff snorted.
Fitch lifted his hand, the knuckle of his index finger aimed at Scuff.
“This is getting old,” Zeke said. “Come on, Fitch. Let’s go.”
At the auto-door Zeke glanced over his shoulder. Pin-mei was sobbing. Scuff was attempting to console her with a hug. Perhaps he’d overreacted? He’d better go back and apologise.
“Hurry up Zeke, I’ve got a surprise,” Fitch remarked, and pushed Zeke through the door.
~~~
Zeke and Fitch crossed the gravel in silence. Zeke felt the cold darkness of the Martian night pressing down upon him, like a huge, endless ocean that could sweep you away forever. Then, as the School loomed out of the black, Fitch changed direction.
“Where are we going?” Zeke asked.
Fitch handed him an electrocard. Zeke held its neon text up to his eyes and read it aloud.
“I, Henrietta Lutz, Principal of the Ophir Chasma School for Psychic Endeavour, hereby permit Zeke Hailey, first year student, an absence of no more than thirty days from all classes. Hailey is due to report back to my office on 19.17.2259 Martian Calendar.”
“Neat huh?”
“Fitch I don’t under…”
Zeke’s voice trailed off as headlamps flashed. A solar-powered engine clicked into ignition and purred. They were heading towards a car, a shiny new Mars-Utility-Vehicle. It looked like a cross between a tank and a limousine.
“We’re taking a little time out, Zeke. We’re going to grill this Cusp fellow for all he knows about your missing father. Then we’ll track down this Gshnodaa thingummy. And when we’ve done all that, we’ll save Mankind.”
“B-but we’re going now? At this hour?”
The side window of the car swished down. Trixie Cutter poked out her beautiful, spiteful face.
“Bicycles on the back, even Zippo’s.”
“Zeke’s, you mean,” Fitch replied crossly.
“Whatever,” she smirked and the side window closed again.
Zeke put his hands in the air.
“But I haven’t packed, I haven’t spoken with the teachers.”
“So?” Fitch asked chirpily. “Are you going to be a loser like the two stooges back there, or are you going to seize the opportunity of a lifetime?”
“B-b-but…” Zeke stammered.
“Trixie’s supplied everything you’ll need. Clothes, toiletries, rations. Let’s go.”
Zeke frantically tried to think of a good reason to stay. Nothing came to mind. He took one last look at the ancient towers and candlelit windows of the Chasm.
Fitch placed one hand on Zeke’s back while opening the rear door with the other.
“Don’t worry, Zeke. I’m going to take very good care of you.”
The two boys clambered in. The MUV revved its engine and in a flurry of dust accelerated into the night.
Part Two
Chapter Sixteen
Twenty Klicks South
The MUV sped across a dead world. Rocks appeared from the dark, caught in the tungsten glare of the headlamps. In the half-light they resembled shapeless monsters, struggling to break free. As the vehicle whistled past, they faded back into the night.
The dashboard matrix was switched to automatic chauffeur. The steering wheel turned as though driven by an invisible man. Trixie Cutter, in the front passenger seat, listened to her M-pod, tapping her fingers. Zeke sat with Fitch in the rear. Zeke was frowning.
“Can we go back? I ought to apologise.”
Fitch put an arm round his friend.
“Forget about those rejects.”
As he spoke his eyes glowed softly.
“You’re right,” Zeke replied, staring deeply into Fitch’s glacier-blue gaze. “Forget about them.”
He sat forward.
“Neat set of wheels, Trixie, where did you get it?”
The bully princess pulled out an earpiece.
“Sweet isn’t it. The latest brand of luxury utility vehicle. This one’s on loan from a diplomat in Tithonium Central. Owes me a favour.”
“Tell Zeke about its special features,” Fitch said.
Trixie swivelled round to face them.
“Titanium wheel spikes, hover suspension, radar, six month batteries, anti-gravity braking, nanobit carburettor, regenerating shell, in-drive holo-entertainment.”
“Don’t forget the cup holders.”
“And diamond encrusted drink holders. Push that button.”
She pointed to the back of her seat. Zeke obliged and a glittering drawer slid open, complete with steaming coffee.
Zeke took a sip.
“Let’s upgrade it with Albie. His disc is in my bike.”
“No way!” Trixie snapped.
“But he improves efficiency in all transportation systems. And gives them extra capabilities.”
“And puts the vehicle in your sole control, Hailey. I’m not having that.”
Fitch scratched his ear.
“And this Albie was left behind by your father?”
Zeke nodded.
“Hmm, you must show me later.”
Zeke looked out at the crags and cliffs.
“So what’s the plan again?”
Fitch grinned.
“First stop Yuri-Gagarin Freetown. Interrogate this Ptolemy Cusp character and find out all we need to know about your father. Then drive onto the Beagle Research Station and get our hands on whatever the Gshnodaa is. This will locate Gravity’s Eye. Last stop will be there, to acquire the power of transubstantiation.”
“And then?”
“Oh, save the solar system.”
“You, shut it,” Fitch snarled.
“Watch it buddy,” Trixie spat. “Or you’ll be walking to Freetown.”
Trixie and Fitch glared at each other with sparks dancing from their eyes-sockets.
“Come on, arguing won’t help any of us,” Zeke said.
They looked at him.
“Zippo’s got a point,” Trixie said. “We’re tired, let’s set up camp.”
~~
Unusually for Mars, the night passed without incident. Even Zeke’s dreams were free of cataclysms and monsters. He woke the next day in his inflatable tent and tried to recall those dreams. Something about Pin-mei and he on flying geckos over a purple-coloured jungle.
“No chance of that coming true,” he mumbled unzipping the canvas and letting in the dry air. Outside, the terracotta-coloured canyon soared dizzily from the morning mists. Nothing but rock in every direction. Sometimes Zeke missed Earth’s greenery.
The metallic odour of basalt seeped into the tent, then gave way to a much more appetizing smell. Martian sausages!
Zeke scrambled out of the tent. Cutter was standing over a mac the size of computer. She wore an immaculate pink hiking outfit, with matching ribbons in her ponytail.
“Ready!” pinged the cookomac, a portable robotic cooker, and popped out its grill.
“Morning, Zeke.”
Zeke twisted to see Fitch sitting under a crop of six-foot toadstools, munching his way through a plate of toast, sausage and eggs. The toadstool caps fanned out like leathery parasols.
Zeke wolf-whistled.
“Were those things there last night?”
Fitch swallowed a mouthful.
“No, I think they grew overnight. Amazing eh?”
“I read on the Mars-Wide-Web that people are arriving all the time covered in fungal spores. What with the radiation and low gravity, the spores end up mutating into stuff like this.”
“They’re beautiful,” Fitch replied. “Mars is a tropical paradise compared to the Moon.”
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