The Mars Frontier Box Set, page 67
part #1 of Mars Frontier Series
Without warning, the particle accelerator exploded spectacularly, sending a shower of molten glass into the air. Georgia looked at the sad remains of the weapon and sank to her knees with a sense of abject misery. She'd failed. The weapon had been mankind's final hope and it had destructed in the most dramatic way possible. It was now nothing more than a smouldering mangle of metal and wires. The irony was she had been so close to destroying the Arethusan beacon. But that counted for nothing. The human race was now doomed.
As she despaired at her predicament, a movement out of the corner of her eyes quickly caught her attention. Anna was moving her arm. Georgia watched in amazement as Anna sat up, looking confused and dazed. Molloy, did the same, raising one hand quickly to his helmet.
Georgia rose to her feet and walked to the edge of swamp where she could see the Arethusan beacon was now nothing more than molten pile of metal. She watched in awe as metal slowly ran down into the sand before solidifying. Wisps of smoke rose into the air, giving a strange spooky appearance under liberty's spotlights.
"You did it," exclaimed Mancuso who had also recovered and was sitting up. "You destroyed the beacon."
Georgia couldn't believe her eyes. Had she really succeeded? A flurry of sparks from the remnants of the beacon were confirmation that the threat really was over.
But to be absolutely, sure she turned to Grant. "Can you check if the beacon is still functioning?"
After quickly conferring with Falmas via his comms device, Grant said, "we can't detect any signals emanating from the beacon. It was close but you managed to neutralize it."
Georgia's relief was short-lived as the image of Megan's severed arm flashed through her mind. "Alpha Base, please respond. Megan are you okay?"
After ten seconds of silence that felt like an eternity, Georgia worriedly tried again to make contact. Still nothing. She saw Anna and Molloy looking nervously in her direction.
Moments later, the tension was released as Megan's voice came through their headsets. "Sorry for the delay. I had to deal with Colonel Byrne before he hit the destruct button. I take it you succeeded."
Georgia could only cry tears of joy at hearing her friend's voice. Composing herself, she was able to say. "The beacon is destroyed. Inform Ground Control that the area has been made safe. The human race isn't going to be wiped out today."
Chapter 38
Falmas was resting in his ship's medical room still waiting for his leg to become fully operational. Georgia followed Grant into the room, immediately recognizing it as the same room in which she had encountered the Sentinels. The irony of the role reversal didn't escape her attention.
Falmas lifted his head and gave her a friendly smile. "Congratulation are in order, Georgia Pyke. You've saved the lives of your people."
"Thank you Falmas, but we both know that we wouldn't be in this situation if I hadn't foolishly attempted to discover the properties of that beacon. My blind desperation to seek you out almost caused a catastrophe. I escaped by the skin of my teeth. It could have been such a different result. It almost doesn't bear thinking about."
"That is true," acknowledged Falmas. "But if you hadn't found the beacon then someone else would have done eventually. And they may not have been so resourceful as you. The beacon is a relic from a different time in our history. The Arethusans wanted it to be found so that they could sow discord and disharmony. The probes they sent across the galaxy were designed to be irresistible to intelligent life. It is likely that its artificial intelligence was already in your brain before you knew it was there. It was there, influencing your decisions."
Georgia shook her head. "The decision was mine alone. I take full responsibility. Tell me though, is the human race safe?"
Falmas frowned and thought carefully before he answered. "From itself? Definitely not. From the Arethusans? I honestly don't know. Destroying the beacon has given you a good chance. The Arethusans will pick up the beacon's signal and will know of your existence. But, because you prevented signal lock, they won't have your exact location or know a great deal about your species. They may decide to not take the risk of commencing a campaign against the Earth. My guess is they will send more probes to this region of the galaxy in the hope of pinpointing your home planet."
Georgia wasn't sure if she should feel reassured by the news. Falmas' words seemed to indicate that the Arethusans could still come to conquer Earth. It was therefore imperative that Earth's leaders unite. "Surely the Confederacy must help us now. They wouldn't want an enemy to destroy us and strip the solar system of all its resources."
"I wouldn't count on it," said Grant, who had been listening carefully to the conversation. "I've experienced the Confederacy. They're leaders have been in power for centuries and do not like change. After thousands of years of peace, they've become soft and complacent. Passively observing new species suits them perfectively. And they don't permit new members to the Confederacy unless those members are prepared to uphold those ancient values."
"Views are changing," Falmas admitted. "There are rumors of small conflicts on our furthest borders. It is believed that some of our enemies are testing the Confederacy's taste for war."
"Okay, I get it," said Georgia. "You have your problems to deal with and we're on our own for now. That means I need to escalate the matter with my president as well as other government leaders. Maybe finally they'll see there is a threat to our very existence. And, just maybe, they'll do something about it."
"I think you're what your colleagues would regard as a dreamer. You have noble ambitions, Georgia Pyke but you have a mountain to climb. I which you luck."
Georgia shrugged. "I prefer to see myself as a visionary. But I do accept that I need to control my enthusiasm if I want to keep humanity safe. I now know what damage one bad decision by one person can do."
"You had me worried for a while," admitted Falmas. "Especially when you were all taken by the probe. I wasn't sure if you'd be able to escape. I cannot tell you the feelings I had when I saw that you and Grant had found a way."
"What can I say? We're both very ingenious. But that does remind me that have to thank you for saving Grant. I wasn't sure you'd be able to heal his injuries. He was in such a mess. However, you kept to your word and I can’t tell you how good it is to have him back looking so healthy. I can't wait to have his knowledge and skill back at Alpha Base."
Falmas and Grant exchanged knowing glances. "I can't return," said Grant, quietly. "Look at me. I'm seventy-five percent alien technology. My presence would make it impossible to deny the existence of advanced alien civilizations. It would only take one leaked message or accidental photo for the public to discover the truth. And can you imagine how many scientists and engineers would want to get their hands on my components? Don't try to persuade me otherwise, Georgia. It's taken me a long time to realize it, but the Earth is better off without me... for now."
Georgia was crestfallen. She'd found Grant, only for him to be snatched from her grasp. "It's my fault again. Jumping to conclusions. When I saw you earlier, I assumed you would also be resuming your time with us. We need you."
"No, you don't," he replied, holding her hand and looking softly into her eyes. "You have more abilities than you give yourself credit for and you'll be able to carry on without me. I was so lonely following my accident but Falmas has taught me that I have a place in the Universe. I think I've found it. I truly believe you're close to finding your own place. And I won't be far away. We're assigned to study Earth and humanity for the foreseeable future. I'm sure our paths will cross again."
"I think you're wrong but thank you for attempting to ease the pain. I don't know that the knowledge you're both close will help me. Perhaps in time. I'd much rather have you by my side. The information you've learned, and your enhanced body would make so much difference to the base and to achieving my dreams."
Falmas sat up. "Georgia, there's something you should know. We've held this information and I probably shouldn't be sharing with you. We think you're different. When we healed you, our nanobots may have altered some of your DNA. It was unintentional and we're not sure of the side effects. However, it may explain how you were able to overcome the Arethusan trap and escape the beacon's containment field. Have you noticed any changes over the last few weeks and months?"
Georgia didn't know what to say. Falmas could just have resolved the mystery of her extraordinary healing abilities "Are you telling me I may not be human?"
"You're still human, Georgia. There just may be parts of you that are beyond the standard human physiology."
Georgia looked at Grant. "Did you know about this?"
"Only recently," he admitted. "But it's purely hypothetical at the moment. The Sentinels carried out some computer modeling of what they did to you. They discovered several interesting scenarios."
"Should I be worried? Are there any long lasting effects?"
"We don't know," said Falmas. "We will need to conduct some tests on you to determine what changes, if any, have been made and whether your body has accepted those alterations. This is a whole new field of research for us. Our scientists are very excited about the prospects."
"I can't say I'm very enthusiastic at the prospect of being the subject of medical experiments by alien scientists. Am I able to say no?"
"We won't force you to do anything you don't want to. But the tests won't be invasive or painful. Just some scans and some analysis by our chief researcher. We think this could be an important step in human evolution."
"Because you've made me different? I need to let that sink in before deciding what to do."
"Georgia, you can trust them,” Grant said. "I'm living proof of what is possible. And I've not made it easy for them."
"I understand your concerns," added Falmas. " You have time to let the information sink in. For now, you must return to your base and re-join your colleagues."
She knew Falmas was right. But standing there, with Grant and the Sentinel that saved both their lives, she wanted nothing more than remain on the alien vessel.
Reading her thoughts, Grant said, "Georgia, you won't help your cause by staying here. Go back and start converting the crew and then the people of Earth. Have faith."
"I've never been great at goodbyes," she replied, before bursting into tears.
Chapter 39
Libby Selznick handed in her resignation at eight A.M. the following morning. She'd had a sleepless night thinking about how close she had come to losing personnel. She had worked her way up the ranks in NASA because of her zest for knowledge and exploration. During her career she had always felt she was making a positive impact. She couldn't say the same now when she looked at her reflection in the mirror.
But everything had changed over the past week. She knew in her heart that she was no longer cut out for the role. She hated to admit it, but Colonel Byrne was correct. Earth was now facing a war and impossible decisions would have to be made. She knew she would never be able to make the life or deaths calls that Byrne seemed so easy to order.
She called Byrne to her office at thirty minutes later to inform him of her decision. Sitting at her desk, staring at the various photos of space rockets and astronauts on the walls, when felt at peace with her decision. She had no idea what she would do next but was sure that private companies would be lining up for her services once they discovered she was available.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door as the colonel walked into her office. Now that the immediate emergency was over he seemed less sure of himself; a shell of the decisive man of action he'd been less than twenty-four hours earlier. "Thanks for coming over, Eugene," she said with a genuine smile. "Take a seat."
"Thank you, Libby. You look as if you had as much sleep as I did. If you were wanting to see my latest report, it will be with you shortly. I've got one of the tech guys running some numbers. However, it appears as if the emergency has passed. The Alpha crew have reported no alien visions overnight. Some of them are still shaken up by the whole experience but that's to be expected and we will be arranging counseling for those individuals."
"Thanks Eugene. Actually, I wanted to let you know I've resigned my post. It's been a tough few days and I think it's time I stepped aside for someone better qualified to take NASA into the future."
The colonel's face remained neutral as she shared her news. "Has this got anything to do with your sister's story this morning? The discovery of the relic is across all media sources this morning. I did wonder how she knew so much detail."
"I don't know what you mean, colonel. I'm sure that Evelynn has a vast network of sources for all of her stories. There are so many ways she could have got hold of the information. And she knows better than to approach me when I've dedicated my life to space exploration."
"Okay, have it your way," replied Byrne. "I'm sure the government will be publishing denial stories and the matter will be forgotten within a few days as another conspiracy theory. It's the one thing the government is very good at. Nothing will have changed as far as the public will be concerned."
Selznick managed to keep a straight face. She was going to make sure that the news remained in the public space. And the photos her sister had published online had not come from her. Evelynn had another high level source who wanted the truth to be shared. That thought was exhilarating. Byrne and the government were going to have their work cut out for them over the coming months.
***
Mancuso managed a smoother landing of Liberty close to Alpha Base causing a cheer from Molloy, Anna and Georgia. They'd spent the night in the craft, next to the swamp. It was a relief to be back at what they called home. Now that she was here, Georgia knew it was where she needed to be. Amongst her closest friends and brother.
The crew had gathered in the common room to welcome them back. A few of the crew looked ragged and agitated from their harrowing experience. Georgia felt a pang of guilt at what she'd put them through. She hoped that they would forgive her as she promised herself to never make the same mistake again. She would definitely think of others before acting recklessly.
Once the immediate celebrations were over, Commander Dunn ushered Georgia into a corner for a private conversation. "I have some mixed news for you. The good news is that Colonel Byrne has seen sense and is reviewing your status. None of you are under arrest for the time being and are you're free to carry on your duties. However, I am to remain base commander pending full inquiries of what occurred."
"Thanks Ashley, I'm happy with that," Georgia replied, "You've shown superb leadership under very trying circumstances and you have my full support. What's the bad news?"
"I've just received word that Libby Selznick has resigned her post. Rumors are that Byrne will be stepping in to cover her role until a replacement is found."
"Yes, that's not good for us or the program. If the colonel gets hold of power, he's not going to relinquish it. And that spells disaster for me."
"I understand it's not what you wanted to hear," said Dunn. "I thought you ought to know."
Jackson must have spotted the two of them because her strolled up behind Georgia. "Hey sis, there's no need to look so glum," he said, wrapping his arms tightly around her shoulders. "I've just heard that the mining corporations have been instructed they can carry out operations. Everything is back on track and I'll be spending more time over the coming months carrying out a detailed survey of the mineral deposits. Maybe you can join me."
For Georgia, Jackson's news more than made up for Byrne's potential promotion. Finally, there was a guarantee that Alpha Base would continue as a human colony. However, she didn't feel as excited as she thought she would. There were too many other important things in her life to consider, not least of which was how to deal with the bombshell news Falmas had shared with her. "That's fantastic news, Jackson. It really is. Thanks for the invitation, but I'm not ready to go back there just yet.
She saw the disappointment in his eyes. She knew she'd have to take the time to explain her reasoning, But, at the moment, she felt she was stretched so thin that she'd snap at any moment. And she wasn't sure if she'd ever be the same again.
***
On Nikari, Director Mortak stared out of his office window at the thick covering of snow and ice as it glistened under the twin moons. He didn't see any beauty in the scene, only coldness and emptiness.
He was deeply disturbed by the latest news coming from the Confederacy. After thousands of years of peace, it appeared as if a war was inevitable. The two Lorkan peace envoys sent to Arethusa had been missing for three days, only to be discovered in the wreckage of their spacecraft, drifting in interstellar space. He wished he'd not read the report. The images of their mutilated bodies were going to haunt him for a very long time.
"So Mortak, you really are convinced we're going to war," his companion said, more as a statement than a question.
"Jillnap, if I showed you what I've seen then you'd have no doubts either. It's purely a matter of time. The Confederacy is revising its battle protocols as we speak and is building a fleet of battle cruisers to enhance what it already has."
"That's never happened in living memory. I'm not sure we're ready for a war."
Mortak nodded. "Which is why we can't wait any longer to test the human. You leave tomorrow and I pray that our suspicions are confirmed."
"Have no worries," Jillnap replied confidently. "If she possesses the abilities, I'll find out."
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