by Cliff Deane
717 Days to Earth
28 March 2116
White House Oval Office
Washington, DC
Tessa Van Horn, President Eileen Greene’s Secretary, buzzed into the Oval Office.
“Yes?” answered the President.
“Madame President, the Chief of Staff, and Mr. Gordon Winters, the NASA Director, just called and asked if you might have five minutes available for an update on Operation HT.”
“When can he be here?” asked Eileen.
“Ma’am, they’re in the Chief’s Office, now.”
“Oh, I see, did he say it was urgent?”
“No, ma’am, Mr. Gordon just finished another meeting with the Chief of Staff, and they both thought you’d like the latest on the Holly Thorne mission.”
“All right, Tess, tell them to come on down, then move everything on the calendar forward by twenty minutes.”
“Yes, ma’am,” said Tessa.
Five minutes later both the COS, retired Lt. General Harry Wolfe, and the NASA Director, Gordon Winters were ushered into the Oval Office.
President Greene said, “Well, Harry, I hope you and Gordon have good news, because today, I can surely use some.”
Both men smiled and took the proffered seats before the President’s desk. General Wolfe said, “Actually ma’am, we have both good and possibly not so good news.”
“Oh, crap, come on, Harry, out with it, and don’t ask which I want first, good or bad, just spit it out. I still have a couple of nerves which are not completely frazzled this afternoon.”
The two men chuckled politely at the President’s humor before Harry said, “Okay, bad news first; at 1300 local time, the SRI-F (Sino-Russian-Indian Federation) launched three vessels on an apparent intercept of Holly Thorne from their orbiting Base Station. Wait, it gets worse. SRI-F says they plan to launch four more vessels for rendezvous with Holly Thorne.” The COS paused for effect, and President Greene asked, “Does it get worse?”
“Yes, ma’am, it does. All vessels are armed with rail guns and nuclear missiles.”
“Oh, hell. Harry, make an appointment with the SRI-F COS and see if you can learn anything about their intentions. If you get no satisfaction, then make an appointment with the SRI-F President so I can speak with him personally.”
“Yes, ma’am,” said, the COS, “I’ll get on it right after this meeting.”
“How long until they reach our mining ships?” asked Eileen.
“Their estimated time to HT intercept is November 15th of this year. Our flotilla will have only been pushing on Holly Thorne for about nine weeks. It will take a total of no less than ten months to push Holly safely outside the Lunar orbit.”
“Oh, joy,” quipped the President, “aren’t you just a ray of sunshine on this dreary day? Okay, is there anything else you have to report, General Buzz Kill?”
“No, nothing terrible, at least for the moment.
Gordon, your turn up to bat,” smiled the COS.
“Yes, sir, Madame President, I am happy to report that the launch of the three mining ships assigned to move Holly Thorne entered their Sleep Chambers, on schedule, and will be awakened on 28 August. This gives them a seven-day window to make final preparations to engage Holly. Plus, it allows sufficient time to reverse course and take station along the port side of the comet.
“We have successfully inserted a virus that we have named Thirty-Eight Protocol, into the computer drives. Once activated, Thirty-Eight Protocol will take complete control of the ship’s drive. The vessels will then be diverted to thirty-eight degrees from the ecliptic at maximum warp and placed on a course which will, in two years take the ships into the sun. Captain King will read his special orders concerning Holly Thorne when he is awakened from his Sleep Chamber on 28 August.”
“Tell me, Harry, will he do it?” asked President Greene.
“Ma’am, Sky King is old-time Space Navy. I have no doubt, whatsoever, that he will do his duty should the need arise. Now, having said that, we can also initiate the virus from Earth. Personally, my money is on Captain Sky King to do what needs to be done,” replied the COS.
“Thank you, gentlemen, for your appraisals and candor. It has only just occurred to me, but couldn’t China, et al., assist our ships in pushing Holly around?”
Gordon answered, saying, “Unfortunately, Madame President, their Space Forces, like ours, do not have the lasers necessary for the job. They also do not have the standoff armor of the Asteroid Mining Vessels.”
“Well, darn, it would have made things so much easier if they could have joined the effort as part of a coalition,” said Eileen. “Now, I suppose we’ll be forced to allow our SDF to join the parade, to protect the flotilla and prevent those three hammers from trying to put nuclear nails into Holly Thorne.”
The COS, General Wolfe said, “Ma’am, I have directed the seven SDF vessels now in orbit around Mars to be prepared to join Captain King. They are standing by for launch orders.”
“Well done, Harry. Go ahead and send ‘em out. Gentlemen, is there anything else?”
“Just one thing Madame President,” said Harry, “are you going to meet with the Space Force Congressional Committee, concerning these developments?”
“Yes, I don’t have any other choice, do I? I’ll have Tess call Congressman Melvin Norton. I’ll give him the rundown, oh, and both you and NASA need to be on hand, too. God, but I hate that man.”
The two men, realizing that they were being dismissed rose to leave. As NASA left the office, the COS shut the door and said, “Eileen, I have some concern that both of the remaining Captains of our flotilla are natives of the SRI-F. I’m not saying this means anything, but we must not lose sight of any rogue possibilities. I also want to Federalize all crew members of the mining ships and bring them into the SDF. I’d like to allow Captain King to decide whether he should keep the Russian and Chinese Captains on as Contract employees.”
“Thank you, Harry; take what precautions you feel are necessary to ensure their loyalty to the mission. Tell me, Harry, why do you always have to stir up so much crap?”
As he reached for the doorknob, a grinning COS said, “Like the old saying goes, I know, ma’am, it’s a dirty job, but somebody has to do it.”
Eileen just smiled and shook her head as Harry exited the Oval Office.
2116
Earth
Life continued unabated and generally unconcerned over the potential catastrophe hurtling toward the Earth. Most people saw the comet as too far away to pay much attention to its approach. News networks focused on the Politicians running for office during mid-term Legislative Elections, and how the balance of power in the US could change.
China, Russia, and India made up the Federation (SRI-F) that represented the primary rivals of the US, United Kingdom, and Germany Coalition (USUG-C). Each of these two Super Powers had a myriad of Vassal States that seemed to scurry about the skirts of these two rival powers.
The SRI-F had initially, tentatively agreed not to attack Holly Thorne, but then quickly sent ships carrying nuclear weapons, ostensibly to observe the progress of the USUG-C efforts to push the comet away from any possible collision course with Earth or Luna.
The internet, however, was a different matter as the Conspiracy Theorists were abuzz with several tales of woe. Some claimed unnamed authorities had learned that the comet was being guided by Aliens to destroy life on Earth unless all governments surrendered. Earth would become a non-space faring, agrarian society governed by an alien coalition determined to end the threat of Human expansion into the galaxy.
Others proclaimed that God was behind Holly Thorne’s approach. According to them, Mankind had until March 4th, 2118 to become worthy to receive God’s Grace. Failing to receive His Grace, the Rapture would occur on March 5th of 2118. God would then destroy the Earth on the following day.
Others claimed Satan had gained control and would begin the Tribulations. One conspiracy theorist actually hit the nail
directly on the head when he reported the Spanish Flu Pandemic of 1918 was the result of the Earth passing through the tail of a comet.
But, on the whole, life went on just as it always had.
Mount Weather and Cheyenne Mountain, however, quietly continued their preparations for Holly’s arrival.
29 March 2116
Church of the Light
Philadelphia, PA
The lights shining down on the Altar seemed just a bit dimmer than in previous services. The Choir sang soft, melodious hymns of bygone days. The air began to stir as the thousands in attendance began to sense something was about to happen; something wild, yet wonderful.
Pastor Elijah Wright sat silent and still in his chair after being announced for what seemed an eternal minute, raising the sense of drama. Finally, he arose and walked to center stage. He stood before his congregation of more than six-thousand. His message began slowly, almost in a whisper, yet building with each new phrase until he was shouting a venom-filled sermon. A sermon calling for everyone who was not currently seated in his church to be sent directly to the fiery lakes of Hell.
He ranted about God’s will and how man had turned against Him, rejecting His Grace and His love of man.”
Throwing his right arm toward the Heavens, his hand holding an old and worn Bible, Wright’s voice emoted confidence in his words, “Jehovah is a jealous God, and He has been unhappy for some time at mankind’s rejection. Now, He throws a cold, frozen and dirty snowball at us. A snowball that will bring fire and brimstone in its wake. My friends, we cannot avoid God’s wrath.”
His voice once again dropped to a conversational, yet deadly serious tone, saying, “We must accept the End Times message of Holly Thorne. My children, fellow believers, we must rally with protests in the streets, demanding that we must not further anger the Almighty by attempting to interfere with His comet which comes our way. If it is within our power, we demand that Holly Thorne is left alone to complete her mission.”
Wright’s voice revealed a growing passion as he said, “Oh, yes! I feel the presence of our Great God Jehovah. He is here among us on this day, at this very moment. He speaks to me. He says…”
At this point of Wright’s sermon, his body suddenly jerks frantically, and he falls to his knees. He screams, “Hallelujah, yes my Father I hear you!”
Several members of the assemblage and the Choir began to move to the Reverend, thinking he was in distress.
“Stand back,” he shouts, “for the Lord God is speaking to me! Yes, Father, I understand, and I will obey.”
The Altar lights begin to brighten, taking on a vague, golden hue. Wright then opened his eyes and slowly raised his head to the congregation. His now bright eyes sought the heavens, and his face was forever changed. He slowly raised himself to his feet, still seeking the face of God. Once he was fully standing, he looked at those gathered in His name, as though for the first time, and speaking in a calm, even voice, said, “My children, Reverend Wright has been taken by a Heavenly Chariot to receive his reward. He is now, as we speak meeting my Father. I am your Beloved Lord and Savior, Yeshua. This was my name during my time on Earth, as I walked among men. You know me through the translation of Yeshua, from Aramaic to Jesus Christ, in English.”
Several women fell to their knees and shouted Hallelujah, praise God.
Ushers stood on each side of the Chapel doors, and when one man rose to leave, he was stopped when Wright raised his hand, and the Chapel doors slammed shut. The Ushers jumped from the startling thunderclap of sound as the two doors slammed shut. They fell to their knees in supplication.
“Be seated, my son,” said Wright, in a warm and forgiving lilt, “for I have come to deliver great and joyous news to the righteous among you. I say unto you that you must act in accordance with my Father’s divine and moral law. You must remain free from guilt or sin. I bring you the morally right and justifiable path you must undertake to prepare for the Jubilee of my return to Earth. I have been sent by my Father, your God, Jehovah, not as a Prince of Peace, but as a Warrior Prince.
“You are called upon to pave the way to Paradise; as it is written in 1st Thessalonians 4:17. Then we, which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord, FOR THE RAPTURE OF THE LORD IS NIGH! I HAVE RETURNED! AND YE SHALL REJOICE, FOR YE ARE IN THE ONE TRUE CHURCH OF THE LIGHT! Brothers and Sisters in the Choir, please sing We Shall Arise.”
At this point the Choir and church members erupted into song, and delight, as their Savior walked among them, touching them, healing their hearts and minds.
The Choir sang;
We shall arise to meet in the sky
When Gabriel blows his trumpet loud,
No more the grave will us enshroud
There will be no sorrow,
there on that glad morrow
Yes, when the trumpet shall sound, we shall arise…
As the music ended Wright said, “Brother Emmanuel, recite this Psalm.” Wright again raised his arm, palm outward, directed to the Deacon named Emmanuel. The Deacon reeled back as though struck by the hand of Jesus. Upon recovery, and without being told which Psalm to recite he began, “Yea, though I walk…”
The Congregation was now in a fever-pitched state of rapturous joy. Several women swooned or fainted. Some said it was mostly his glowing eyes that seemed to have changed, while other swore it was his face which took on a glow of righteousness. His stride was straight and strong, his voice clear and pure. This Assemblage would never doubt, or deny, their Messiah. What he demanded, they would provide.
Later, over brandy and cigars, Wright and his Inner Circle laughed as he said, “These people are morons. All it took was a little lighting, slamming doors, contacts, a little makeup, and some good acting on our part to make them believe I am Jesus. Gentlemen, I give you the first recruits of a new army which will sweep the world…LaVonne, go ahead and release the video.”
CHAPTER FOUR
7 Days to Ship’s Rendezvous with Holly Thorne
28 August 2116, 0700
Aboard the Astrid
The crews were awakened, and the men and women of the flotilla began stretching to relieve stiffened muscles and joints. A common discussion among the crews when they were released from their Sleep Chambers was, “Did you dream?” Some said yes, while most had no memory of any dreams. Quickly, the ship's personnel scheduled for the first watch were heading to their stations.
Even a week away, Holly Thorne was clearly visible, and as the two forces drew closer, the immensity of the job of pushing this behemoth would be more difficult than initially thought. Holly Thorne’s axis rotation was not what was expected. Her rotation was forty-five degrees from the ecliptic, and she wobbled erratically.
This combination of forces caused Holly to throw off debris in every conceivable direction. The hope had been for a nice level rotation which would throw the predominance of Holly Thorne’s excretions to starboard, in relation to the orbit around Sol. Had this been the case, the three ships planned to place themselves alongside the comet on the Port side, keeping them in relative safety.
Captain King held a holographic meeting with Putin and Chen. “Gentlemen, this is going to be a bit more of an opportunity to excel than we had hoped. I know that I am glad that we are so well armored because it will be impossible for us to avoid all of Holly’s knuckleballs.”
Captains Putin and Chen now had grave misgivings about the possibility of success. Captain King agreed but reminded them that grave misgivings meant nothing, as the mission must be successfully completed.
“Gentlemen, we will stand off from this monster at a distance of fifty-thousand miles. This should give us an hour to make adjustments for any large rocks she throws at us.”
The discussion lasted another ten minutes but became a bull shit session after five. King let them chat on for another five minutes before ending the mission brief.
“Well, Al, t
he die is cast, so let’s get to work. Get us positioned at fifty-thousand miles from Miss Holly Thorne on the port side. I want this job underway as soon as we come on-station, Roger?”
“Yes, sir,” said the XO, “Roger that.”
The three ships were beehives of activity over the next seven days, checking and rechecking every piece of equipment on board. Off-duty time was spent around several video rooms where the approach of Holly Thorne was constantly streamed. Holly was growing on the video screens at an impressive rate.
The comet’s Tail stretched well beyond the orbit of Saturn. On 4 September 2116, the three vessels attained portside station with Holly Thorne. Four days before meeting Holly Thorne, the three ships of Earth’s Flotilla put on the brakes and began to reverse course, matching the comet.
0 Days to Ship’s Rendezvous with Holly Thorne
4 September 2116, 0700
50,000 miles off the port side of the Comet
Aboard the Astrid
Klaxons sounded throughout the ship, “Captain to the Bridge!” came the call from Astrid’s Communication Station. Captain King leaped to his feet and opened his Ready Room door and onto the Bridge.
“Captain on the Bridge!” shouted the XO.
Taking the Bridge Captain’s chair, King said, “Status, XO.”
“Captain, we are on station and ready to commence operations. However, seven ships are approaching, nearly two days behind us. They have identified themselves as USSDF vessels, and our Foof (Friend or Foe) Transponder concurs, sir.”
“I see, now I wonder why we have received such an impressive escort. XO, this can only mean that Sino-Russia-India Federation (SRI-F) armed vessels are also on the way.”
“Yes, sir, that is exactly what I believe to be true. Your orders, Captain?”
King thought for a moment before saying, “Contact the SDF vessels and tell them to lay off at a distance of seventy-thousand miles from the comet. Contact Putin and Chen to make them aware of the SDF presence.”