ESCAPE FROM MARS

by G. T. Appleton

  “Suit up,” Derek said.

  Adam gave him a nervous glance. “What?”

  “We cannot let them come through.”

  “Then why do you want us to suit up?”

  Derek smiled. “We’re taking the EMP to them.”

  Paul’s mouth dropped open. “Are you crazy?”

  Derek shrugged. “If we wait until they’ve come through the door, they’ll kill us. My robots have only one shot inside this enclosed area. The pulse will short them out, too.”

  “Exactly how do you think we can take the weapon to them? If we open the door, it’s no different than them coming through on us. They’ll kill us,” Adam said.

  “Not if we plow through the door with one of these Caterpillar dump trucks. You two get into the cab of that truck and crash through the door. The impact should flatten the robots pounding on the door. It won’t destroy them. It probably won’t even dent them, but it should knock them down.”

  “Then what good will it do?” Adam asked.

  “I’ll back that flatbed truck through the door with my robots and the EMP on the bed and hope for the best.”

  Paul shook his head. “It’s suicide.”

  “So is waiting.”

  Adam nodded. “That’s true. Let’s suit up then. I’d rather die fighting than running.”

  “Me, too,” Derek said.

  Gary stood with his back pressed against the wall as he eased open the door that led to the doctors’ offices. He tapped his earpiece. “Jonas?”

  “Yes?”

  “Matthews is in the infirmary.”

  “You’re certain?”

  “Affirmative. Heading back to where the receptionist said he was.”

  “Wait for backup.”

  “He’s cornered where the doctors have their offices.”

  “On my way.”

  Gary glanced down the narrow hallway. Three doors were on both sides of the hall. Examination rooms. He guessed the doctors’ offices were at the far end of the hall and to the left. At least that was what he determined by the shape of the hallway.

  Six rooms didn’t seem like a lot for the number of people on Mars, but since the prisoners weren’t able to voice their injuries, they seldom were examined. Most guards and staff members only suffered from one common ailment and that was usually a mild to severe hangover.

  As Gary neared the first door, he wished he had asked Cindy if there were any patients in the rooms. The doors were open, but he didn’t hear any sounds that indicated people were waiting inside. One room at a time, he edged to the door and quickly turned with his gun aimed into the room. He found no one, so he pressed himself against the wall at the end of the hallway and listened.

  Soft voices spoke around the corner.

  He took a deep breath and dared a slight glance around the corner. One desk was visible but no one stood nearby. The name plaque on the desk displayed: Dr. Lee. The end of the shorter hall seemed to open into a larger room, so he wondered if another desk or office was outside his immediate view. He hated not knowing the layout of the office because that meant he was approaching blind. One misjudgment in his estimate could be a fatal mistake.

  Gary was halfway down the short hall when footsteps scuffed the floor behind him. He turned and aimed. It was another guard. Carlton Baxter. Gary placed an index finger to his lips. Carlton nodded.

  Gary motioned a finger above his head, indicating for the guard to head to the wall across the hallway. As he stepped into the open and slid against the far wall, Gary stepped from his hidden point as well.

  Matthews noticed them, drew his gun, and grabbed Dr. Sheung from behind, placing the gun to her temple. Matthews shook his head. “Lower your weapons and back away.”

  “You bastard,” Sheung seethed.

  “Matthews,” Gary said. “Put your gun down and surrender. You don’t have any way out.”

  Dr. Lee cowered to the floor, covering the sides of his head with his arms, and he whimpered like a frightened pup.

  “Back away,” Matthews said. “Or I kill both of them.”

  Lee burst into tears, sobbing aloud.

  “Matthews,” Gary said. “This can be settled in a civil manner. It does no one any good if you kill the only two medical doctors we have on Mars.”

  “Then do as I said.”

  “We cannot do that.”

  Jonas eased into the hallway with his gun aimed toward Matthews. Boony was only a few feet behind him with her gun drawn.

  Matthews smiled. “Ah, welcome Jonas! Just the man I was hoping to see.”

  “You might rethink your enthusiasm,” Jonas said.

  “Grayson’s marionette has a long set of strings.” Matthews laughed. “Your reputation certainly precedes you, even on Mars. I’ve heard so many splendid details of your work with the CIA. Never thought a man with your background could become a hired hand of one of the most notorious men on Earth.”

  “It’s a job, not a love affair.”

  Matthews smiled and nodded. “Nicely put, Jonas. As I understand it, Grayson has padded your wallet quite well over the years. Surely you’d like to take that money and simply . . . retire? Rest those weary old bones of yours.”

  “And what? Leave Olympus Mons in your hands?”

  “That’s a good trade. I can see the benefits for both of us.”

  “For a lot of good it will do you,” Jonas said.

  Matthews tilted his head to the side and cocked a brow. He grinned like a spoiled child. “Now, see, that’s where you’re wrong. Taking Olympus Mons for myself would be for the greater good.”

  “How do you figure?”

  “Grayson has more money than he could ever use.”

  “He’s earned it.”

  Matthews shook his head slowly. “Are you so blind to the obvious, Jonas? Grayson is corrupt to the core.”

  “Your list of transgressions is quite high, too.”

  “Yeah . . . I’ve not always been the notable, God-fearing Boy Scout that most mothers favor. But hey, who’s perfect, right? Here you are on Mars, as the grand overseer of all these wonderful slaves that Grayson has tricked the US government into handing over into his care. Slaves in the 21st Century. My, how that would make the perfect news headlines back on Earth?” He paused to chuckle and give another smug smile. He raised his free hand and tapped the air to emphasize each word of the predictive title. “Ex-CIA Agent Oversees Corrupt Tycoon’s Mining Plantation on Mars. You think that headline would snap the attention of every civil liberties and rights activist in the world? Of course it would. Never mind that these men are ruthless psychopaths unable to conceive the slightest notion of a conscience. You know how the media runs with things? You’ve seen it. They’d have a field day with this. And you’re reputation would become as stained as Grayson’s already is in society’s view.”

  “I don’t agree with how he’s setting up Mars,” Jonas replied.

  “And yet, here you are. I doubt that you’re rejecting those wonderful monetary deposits into your bank account.” Matthews released a slow, gentle laugh. “But looking around, where will you spend it all? Such a barren wasteland, isn’t it? No steakhouse establishments. You like steak. Oh, a porterhouse would be lovely this evening. It’s a shame that there aren’t any cows on Mars.”

  Jonas eyed Matthews sternly. “By your narcissistic attitude, I’d swear you and Grayson were twin brothers.”

  “Dashing out insults now?” Matthews’ eyebrows rose. “There’s no way I find that comparison flattering.”

  “No, it’s not meant to be an insult. It’s merely my observation,” Jonas replied. “I’ve worked for Grayson for many years. I see great resemblance in the two of you. Your report lists you as a pompous bastard.”

  “Does it now?”

  Boony nodded. “Word for word.”

  “Well, I must take the time to read that. I’m sure Grayson has added all sorts of exaggerated animating details. Perhaps a wee bit of editing on my part could summarize my profil
e better.”

  Boony shook her head. “No, I think it’s quite accurate like it is.”

  Matthews laughed. “My, aren’t you a feisty one? Much like the lovely Dr. Sheung here. Powerful women definitely bring life to the workforce, don’t they? Why just look how crumpled Dr. Lee is sitting on the floor.”

  Gary frowned. “Yeah, he’s afraid you’re going to kill him.”

  “Nonsense, he was like this when I first arrived. The moment Dr. Sheung and I began talking, he started shaking. You can see his fear of her whenever she approaches him, which means she’s one powerhouse of a woman.”

  “She’s a bitch!” Dr. Lee said, staring at the floor with his head between his knees.

  Matthews tilted his head back in a hearty laugh. “This lovely lady? Really, Dr. Lee?”

  Dr. Lee frowned. His jaw tightened, but he refused to look up. “She is. Always hostile. Makes work environment intolerable. She’s a hate-filled bitch.”

  “Seems the job evaluations have come a bit early this year and not so favorable for you, my dear,” Matthews said, staring at her. He glanced at Jonas. “Perhaps, Jonas, we should come to terms, hmm? I’m tired of this useless standoff. Dr. Sheung is probably getting a nasty ache in her back and neck. So, what do you say? Can we reach some kind of truce? An agreement? Something you find favorable. Something I find favorable, and poor Dr. Sheung can stretch out those achy neck muscles. What do you say?”

  49

  Jonas held his gun aimed at Matthews but was hesitant to fire. Gary was, too. For a few moments, Boony wondered why. From the distance they stood, accuracy wasn’t guaranteed without laser sights. And even though Matthews was taller than Dr. Sheung, he held her at such an angle and swayed with her that he prevented an easily targeted shot.

  “What do you have in mind?” Jonas asked.

  Matthews shrugged. “I believe I’ve mentioned that I want to be the man in charge of Olympus Mons. Nothing less will suit me at the moment.”

  “Why should we hand Mars over to you?”

  “There has to be balance in the world, Jonas. I suppose now we’d have to say ‘within our universe.’ Wouldn’t you agree? Nonetheless, you could call us both giants. Grayson is one on Earth, and once I take the reins here, I’ll be the giant who opposes him.”

  Jonas shook his head.

  “You don’t like that analogy?” Matthews asked.

  “Giants have been slain in the past.”

  “Must you always spoil the fun? Didn’t you have dreams, aspirations?”

  Jonas opened his mouth to reply, but Matthews cut him off.

  “Of course you have. We all have. But Grayson failed to understand when he and I worked together how everything in life has a delicate balance. For a yin, there must be a yang. Where there’s light, darkness soon follows. Good, evil. You see where I’m going with this?”

  “You really like to hear yourself talk, don’t you?” Boony asked.

  “Oh, I suppose I do. It has been a long time, after all, since I’ve held such a captive audience.” He glanced down into Sheung’s eyes when he said it. He kissed her the top of her head and the soured expression on her face wrinkled even deeper. “So forgive me if I over embellish due to your indulgence.”

  Boony glanced at Jonas and whispered, “Either reach an agreement with him or I’m going to shoot myself. I can’t handle much more of this.”

  “As much as I dislike Grayson,” Jonas said, “I cannot justify handing over Olympus Mons to you.”

  “I had the feeling that might be your answer, so I’ll throw out one more detail that I was holding back. Quite a surprise actually. You like surprises?” Matthews reached into his guard uniform pocket and pulled out a CAM-L. “You’re familiar with these devices. As warden and overseer, I’m sure you are.”

  Jonas nodded.

  “Without going into all the boring details,” Matthews said.

  “Thank you!” Boony said.

  Matthews narrowed his eyes. He released an agitated sigh and continued. “On my journey to Mars, after I released myself from the Sleeper Chip’s hold—”

  “How’d you do that?” Boony asked.

  “Look at you? Now you want details? Sorry, but that’s a secret I won’t bother boring you with.” He glanced back at Jonas. “Anyway, back to this. I spent a lot of time on my journey researching every aspect of these interesting devices, and I discovered a code that no one else probably ever noticed.”

  Jonas said, “What code?”

  “A master code, if you’ll pardon the poor pun, which overrides all of the CAM-Ls, including yours. By typing in a few numbers, I can release every prisoner from his or her control.”

  “That’s absurd.”

  “It works. Want to see?”

  Jonas shook his head. “I don’t doubt that it works. But if you release these prisoners, they’ll kill everyne, including yourself.”

  “Perhaps,” Matthews said, tilting his head to the side and nodding. “But I’m not so certain they’ll kill the man who has liberated them. Even criminals can hold some allegiance, especially if they know I can reclaim them with the simple touch of a button.”

  “Okay,” Jonas said. “All you’ve told us is something that benefits only you and not the rest of us. What’s in it for us?”

  “Are you really going to negotiate with him,” Boony whispered.

  Jonas ignored her.

  “My proposal, which lasts only a few minutes before I release the prisoners, is for you to choose ten people to return to Earth with you on the next passenger shuttle out. Only ten.”

  “Ten?” Boony asked. “Why not all of us?”

  Matthews burst into fierce laughter. “That’s too foolish a question to even consider answering, but I’ll humor you. I can’t possibly do everything here. I will need staff and guards to keep operations running properly. Jonas can choose ten people to return to Earth. No more.”

  “That will cause a riot,” Jonas replied.

  “Only if you make a public announcement, which isn’t advisable given the current circumstances. I’m sure you and the young lady that you’re fond of can take a few moments to discuss it. As to the guards beside you, I’ll double their earnings if they decide to stay and work for me.”

  Gary glanced wide-eyed toward Carlton.

  Boony placed a hand on Jonas’ elbow, but he kept his attention on Matthews.

  “How can we know you won’t kill us after we’ve let you go?” Jonas asked.

  Matthews grinned. “I’ll give you an hour or so to gather your belongings, board the shuttle in the landing bay, and we’ll shuttle you out. Two hours should suffice.”

  “That’s not a guarantee.”

  “Jonas, I’m a scientist and a businessman, not a murderer.”

  Boony looked at Dr. Sheung. The doctor’s face contorted with rage. “And what about your threat on her life?”

  “Simply a means of negotiation. I’m sure you can appreciate how a desperate man might resort to any means to be heard? Ah, no matter, a detail that might be missing in Grayson’s file on me is how I’ve tried to use science to help the less fortunate. Before he attempted to have me killed I had been working on a genetic rejuvenation drug capable of prolonging life and healing people of their ailments. Is that in there?”

  Boony shook her head.

  “Of course it isn’t.” Matthews sighed. “See? Grayson cannot stand someone else outperforming him. He won’t share the limelight if it threatens to diminish his supposed prominence. Time’s a wasting. Give me your decision.”

  “If we don’t agree with you, you’re going to release the prisoners?” Boony asked.

  Matthews nodded.

  “And yet, you’re not a murderer?”

  He smiled. “Consequences. But I won’t be the one spilling blood. They will. Tick-tock.”

  “Sounds more like blackmail to me,” she replied.

  “Must you delay your decision over semantics?” Matthews said.

  Jonas turned and
faced Boony.

  “What are you going to do?” she asked.

  Jonas looked fatigued. “Concede.”

  Her eyes widened. “Seriously?”

  “You said earlier that you want to go back to Earth?”

  “Yes, but not like this,” she replied.

  Compassion reflected in his eyes when he looked at her, like a father’s affection for a daughter. Her heart quickened.

  “Look at what’s happening on Mars, Boony. Grayson has set so much contention on Earth that the Chinese have sent killing robots to slaughter us. The steel wall the guards are building won’t contain the insect hive. Those insects crave blood. Who knows what else we will face?”

  “You’re certain the wall won’t hold them?”

  “Boony, this is a volcano. Fissures are everywhere. It’s like setting sail on a ship made from Swiss cheese and trying to plug all the holes before it sinks. It’s impossible. Eventually, the insects will find another way out or we’ll accidentally drill another hole into their massive hive or perhaps into an entirely different one.”

  “But what about Grayson?” After she asked it, she couldn’t believe she had even said it.

  “What about us?”

  His question made Boony flinch at the possible implications. He seemed to notice her uneasiness so he redirected his answer for clarification.

  “You, me, Derek, and Gary. What about us?” Jonas asked. “Are you really concerned with Grayson keeping his hold on Mars more than our own lives?”

  “No. Not really, but we’ll be handing over these prisoners and miners to another tyrant.”

  “True, but then it becomes Grayson’s battle, not ours. And honestly, I cannot take much more stress. Interrogating Cain had me seconds from a heart attack or major stroke, not to mention—murder. I’ve not been that angry and worked up in years. But there’s so much more than that. I came here to work, but not to die defending this gem-mining industry. Did you sign a work contract to sacrifice your own life for this corporation?”

  She shook her head, but she wanted to say that essentially she had. All of them had because their contracts allowed Grayson to treat them like they were his property.

  “Well, neither did I. Boony, I almost lost Derek this week. He could have died. And I brought him here because I thought we’d be safer. It was almost a costly mistake.”