Ice Rift (22 page)

Theo scoffed. “What! That survived eight thousand odd years entombed below the ice in this cold room?”

“
Actually, Theo, in your planet's measurement of time, this spacecraft, as you call it, has only been on this planet six thousand seven hundred and fifty-four years, three days, five hours, twenty-one minutes and seven seconds.”

Startled by the unknown female voice their heads swivelled to the door. All expected to see someone there, but there was no one.

They looked at each other with puzzled expressions.

“Who said that?” asked Max.

Though he'd voiced the question at his friends, it wasn't any of them that answered.

“
I have no name. I am part of what you call the spaceship, whose name in my language will mean nothing to you as there is no direct translation, but Goliath is a fair approximation. It is a world builder. In terms I believe you will understand, I am an intelligent machine that can think and find solutions to problems. I also navigate the ship and control almost every system on board. To answer your next question, our planet was about to be destroyed by something you call a supernova. This deep-space spaceship is one of a fleet constructed over many years to allow our species to escape annihilation and re-establish itself on another suitable planet.”

“It's some kind of advanced computer,” said Max, in awe.

“
That is a fair description,
” stated the computer.

A hiss of air caused them to glance at the air vents.

“
Life support systems have been activated.”

The others looked at each other worriedly.

The computer detected their concern. “
If I wanted to cause you harm, I would have done so already. Your breath was causing a buildup of carbon dioxide. From my link with Henry, I detected this would be harmful to you, hence my decision to restore life support to keep you all functioning. I could, just as easily, suck all the oxygen from this room.”

Jack asked the computer why it used a female voice to communicate.

“
I detected the male of your species are protective of females. I also detected from your voice pattern, Jack, and your mannerisms when you conversed with Jane, you would like to mate with her, so I chose a female voice to seem less threatening.”

Jack and Jane blushed from the smirks directed at them.

The computer continued using a man's voice. “
If you prefer, I can speak in a male voice?”

“No, the female voice is much better,” said Max.

“You said, you ‘
chose a female voice to seem less threatening.’
Does that mean you're a threat to us?” Henry asked.

“
Of course,”
replied the computer, matter of factly, reverting to the female voice.

“In what way?” Henry pressed.

“
In every way,”
stated the emotionless voice.

They were all surprised by the blunt answer.

“
That is not to say I will harm you.”

“Yet you just attached something to my neck?”

“
It was essential I link with one of you to learn your language and knowledge of your planet. I chose the most intelligent brain in the room.”

Henry rubbed his neck. “I suppose I should feel flattered.”

“What planet are this ship and crew from?” asked Jane.

“
There is no translation into your language. It was once a planet twice as large as your Earth, but is now debris floating through space. It was similar in many ways to your Earth, hence the reason I selected it to land my ship on when it was damaged by a meteorite storm.”

Jack, still concerned with the threat the computer posed them, asked, “Do you plan to kill us?”

“
I will not lie to you. It is an option I am processing. But let us not dwell on the many ways I can end your existence, I have questions of my own. Your answers will depend on my future calculations concerning your lives. Obviously, I am aware many of your Earth years have passed since I first arrived here. I am also aware the crew vacated the ship long ago, the captain is dead and the majority of the cargo is still viable.”

“And that cargo is?” asked Jane.

“
A selection of species and plants from our planet to ensure the successful regeneration of our new world.”

Lucy was shocked. “It's an ark!”

“We saw some of them,” said Theo. “Hundreds of giant creatures.”

“
They are our labour force.”

Jack glanced at the dead pilot. “What killed the pilot and why did the crew leave?”

“
An intruder from planet DX666 was responsible for both actions. Which I am certain will explain my mistrust of Goliath's current intruders. You!”

“What happened?” asked Henry.

“
The intruder came aboard when a possible planet, DX666, was visited to collect fresh food rations. It killed many of the crew before the captain realized it could not be defeated. He issued the order to abandon ship and plotted a course to take the ship into deep space. He was killed before he could escape. I have no information as to what happened to the crew. Perhaps they are still floating in space or all have perished.”

“I'm sorry for your loss,” said Henry. “I assure you we mean you no harm.”

“
Harm me you could not,”
stated the computer.
“
That you might harm the vessel under my protection, or its cargo, though, is possible.”

“We have no intention of damaging your ship or cargo, the opposite in fact,” said Theo. “We want to learn from it. It's far more advanced than anything we have on Earth. Damaging it is the last thing on our minds.”

“
From the knowledge I gained from linking with Henry, I know your current intentions are, as you have said, to learn all you can about this spaceship. I also detected a problem. I am trapped in ice and will soon be submerged. My cargo will not survive this catastrophic event. This is not acceptable.”

“I'm sorry, but acceptable or not, unless a miracle occurs that's exactly what will happen,” said Henry.

“
Can you perform this miracle, Henry?”

“No. However, there might be one organization on Earth that might be able to help. Its name is NASA. For this to happen though, we'll need your assistance.”

“
Explain.”

“Can you communicate with anyone on our planet?”

“
That is not possible due to the damage caused when I landed on this planet. Some of my systems and sensors have malfunctioned. To keep the cargo alive I am running on reduced power to conserve energy.”

“Then we are your only chance. Help us and we'll help you.” said Henry. “Can you power-up all the doors so we can leave to contact NASA to come to your aid?”

“
It is done, though due to faulty sensors I am unable to determine if every door will function.”

A rumble spread throughout the ship.

All instantly knew its cause. It did not bode well for Henry's ten-day calculation.

The room trembled.

“The ice is on the move again,” said Max.

“Computer, can you plot us a safe route to the engine room so we can get off the ship?” Henry asked.

“
If you go to the secondary control room in the cargo section of the ship, you will be able to activate a detailed internal blueprint of the ship. This will enable you to plot a suitable route. I have translated the controls into your language.”

“How do we find this room?” asked Jack.

“One of you not presently in this room has already been there. Find him and you find the room.”

“Eli or Richard,” said Lucy.

Theo shook his head. “Eli's dead. It must be Richard.”

“Eli, dead! How?” asked Lucy, surprised and saddened by the news.

“One of the monsters killed him,” replied Max, sadly.

Lucy remembered the scream she'd heard shortly before they entered the biosphere, but before she could mourn his loss, the vibrations grew in strength. They were forced to grab hold of something or be thrown to the ground.

“
I detect extreme pressure building on the hull.”

“It’s the ice the ship is trapped in squeezing the hull,” Henry told the computer. “It’s a sign that soon it will break free from the ice shelf. We have less time than I first predicted.”

“
That is not acceptable.”

“Acceptable or not, there's nothing any of us can do to prevent it,” said Jane. “You chose one of the worst places on the planet to land.”

“
It was chosen for its remoteness and lack of habitation by indigenous life-forms. It was a logical decision.”

A powerful vibration sent them all tumbling to the floor.

A loud crack echoed around the room.

Their eyes darted to the window. Fractures appeared across its surface.

“
Breach imminent in control room viewing port. Lowering safety shutters.
”

Nothing happened.

“
Shutters failed. Report added to the repair crew list. Breach imminent. Evacuate control room. Door will be sealed in twenty seconds.”

The door swished open.

“We have to get out of here,” shouted Jane.

The strong vibrations made it impossible to stand. On their hands and knees, they scrambled for the door, grabbing their bags on the way.

Max paused by the door and looked back into the room. “I’m sorry, Computer― more than you will ever know― that this ship is doomed, but we'll do all in our power to try and save it.”

“
Thank you, Max, but you will fail. I calculate your chances of survival are zero point five percent.”

The door began to close.

Max glanced at the spider web of cracks creeping across the window. “I don’t understand. How can you be so certain?”

The window exploded with a deafening crash.

As glass and ice shot across the room, Max pulled his shoulders back through the doorway. Ice and glass slammed against the door, some shooting out into the corridor and down the steps.

Just before the door closed fully they heard the computers last words.

“
They are coming. RUN!”

SHAKEN BY THEIR SUDDEN forced exit from the room, they remained on the floor and the steps to catch their breath and their thoughts.

Jack was the first to stand. “What did the computer mean, ‘
They are coming!’
”

Henry climbed to his feet and grabbed at his aching back. The continuing thought that he was getting too old for these types of adventures made him realize this would probably be his last outing. “I'm not sure, but I think whatever
‘they’
are, it's not something we should hang about to meet.”

Suddenly, a veritable explosion of terrifying, nerve-shattering screeches and howls blasted along the corridor, clutching them all in its fear-installing embrace. Those that hadn't already done so, jumped to their feet. With matching expressions of dread they gazed toward the horrendous sound. All were momentarily stunned by the number of creatures careening around the corner so fast they smashed into the wall. There was a moment of terrified silence. Nobody breathed. Monsters filled the full width of the passage with their grotesque bodies and spine-tingling shrieks of rage and fury. Creatures scrambled over those in front in their haste to be the first to reach the food they glimpsed ahead.

Jane, Lucy and Jack recognized the disfigured saggy-breasted female at the front from their previous encounter with it in the dormitory. She must have followed their scent. Now joined by her tribe, they thought a similar outcome where they all survived was unlikely. The creatures wanted blood, their blood, and nothing was going to stop them. The Dormitory monsters moved toward them like a malevolent plague burdened with death and pain.

Jack returned to his senses first. He tore his eyes away from the horrifying spectacle and spurred his shocked friends into motion. “RUN!”

They sped along the corridor, around a corner and along the next corridor until they were confronted by two doors. The one spanning the corridor opened on their approach.

Jane shot a nervous glance behind at the rapidly approaching screeches and scraping claws. “Which way?”

Theo answered by opening the door on the right. “If we go straight ahead we'll have to climb down hundreds of steps and cross the monster infested landscape somehow.”

Lucy, unable to remain still, rushed through the opening as soon as the gap was wide enough. “It's the other walkway above the Wraiths domain.”

“Everyone through,” ordered Henry.

When the female monster skidded on the metal floor at the bend in the corridor, she grabbed at the corner wall and swung around the corner. Those following her were too bunched together to navigate around the corner as smoothly; they smashed into the corridor wall. Those dazed by the impact or crushed by the weight of their kind slamming into them, were scrambled over by those who had a few seconds ago been behind. Seizing their chance of a first bite, they rushed after their fleeing prey.

Max's hand hovered over the door control. As soon as the last person was through, he closed it. The door segments met a split second before the female arrived. The monsters muffled screams and pounding on the metal door announced their frustration and put the team's nerves on edge.

“I suggest we keep moving,” said Jack. “Those things must know how to operate the doors or they couldn't have followed after us.”

Spurred on by that unwelcome thought, they rushed along the high walkway. Theo led the way with his flashlight. Max had also switched his light on.

Sensing the movement above, and perhaps their fear, the Wraiths below became restless and howled.

When they were almost halfway across, Jack glanced back when the door behind rasped open. The Dormitory creatures poured onto the walkway. Their screeches joined the excited howls of the creatures below. Jack noticed the fear in Lucy's eyes when she turned her head. “Keep running and we'll be okay.” His reassuring tone did little to wipe the terror from her eyes. She gave him a slight nod and faced forward.

The narrow walkway the creatures found themselves funnelled into wasn't wide enough to accommodate more than one at a time. All eager to feed, frenzied fights broke out as each battled to claim a forward hold on the limited space. Creatures were knocked, pushed and thrown over the rail. The Wraiths below swarmed across the landscape and leapt upon those who fell into their midst. Screams, screeches and howls filled the air. Flesh was ripped, bitten and devoured.

Though too dark for those above to see who was winning the gruesome battle, they thought the Wraiths numbers gave them the edge.

When they neared the end of the walkway, Jack risked another glance at the creatures in pursuit. The female was still in the lead. Her single red eye stared at him. Their movement, gangly and awkward within the narrow confines offered by the walkway, slowed the Dormitory monsters down. That would change when they reached the wider corridors. If they failed to find a way to stop the female monster and her followers, their chances of survival weren't good.

They ran into the viewing room at the end of the walkway and headed straight for the door opposite. Theo punched the button. They all rushed through into the cargo section of the ship. Breathless from their exhausting dash, they stared at the approaching creatures through the rapidly narrowing gap until the closed door blocked them from their sight.

Lucy trembled. “We're still not safe. They'll open the door and get us.”

Jack slipped the ice axe from Henry's rucksack and smashed the door control. “I'm hoping that'll prevent the door from working, but I think hanging around to find out would be a bad move.” He held the axe up to Henry. “Do you mind if I keep hold of this?”

Henry panted and grabbed at his aching side. “Be my guest. It's of more use in your hands than mine, but let's get moving. It's imperative we reach the secondary control room.”

Jane reminded them they still had to find Richard.

“He could be anywhere on the ship by now,” said Theo.

“Or dead!” added Lucy. The thought of wandering alone through the ship was a nightmare she'd never be able to endure.

Henry glanced at his concerned companions. “All we can do is keep moving and hope we run into Richard or find the control room.”

Theo led the way along the corridor.

*****

Richard was worried. Not because a new danger threatened his life, but the opposite― he'd not seen or heard any monsters for a while. The thought that one could appear at any moment was almost as terrifying as the attack itself. He cautiously peered around a corner, but like the last few he had passed through, the corridor was also clear of monsters. He unzipped his jacket to look at the sleeping creature nestled in an inside pocket sleeping off its meal. Its skin was green, which he thought was a good sign. He smiled. His new-found friend would bring him wealth and fame beyond his wildest expectations. He zipped up the jacket and set off along the corridor.

Behind the next door he came to, he found a surprise. Henry, Theo, Max, Jane, Lucy and Jack rushed toward him.

“It's Richard,” called out Theo, surprised the man was still alive.

The smile upon Richard's lips was genuine. He was relieved more than he thought he would be by the reunion. “You all made it then.”

“Except for Eli,” said Theo, sadly.

Richard turned a shoulder to reveal Eli's bag on his back. “I thought he might be dead. I found his rucksack in the jungle room. I think one of the monsters got him.”

Jane creased her nose and looked at Richard's soiled clothing. “What happened to you?”

Richard shook his head. “You wouldn't believe me if I told you.”

I didn't think we'd see you again after you disappeared down that foul chute,” said Henry.

Richard looked at Henry. “You saw that?”

“We were hiding in one of the empty giant pods when you entered the room,” explained Max.

“Thanks for your help.”

“You know as well as we do, Richard, that if we'd revealed ourselves, we would've all been killed,” said Henry, defensively.

Aware time was of the essence, Theo quickly updated Richard with events since their parting and their need to find the auxiliary control room.

The look on Richard's face after hearing the request didn't inspire confidence in the others that the control room would be easy to reach. He just as quickly explained his concerns. The team was astounded by his description of the specimen room they'd have to pass through and by what they thought must be a wildly embellished tale of how he'd killed the monster inside.

“If that's the only one you saw, maybe it'll be safe to travel through now,” said Theo, hopefully.

“Though obviously it's a concern, it's a risk we'll have to take as we need to reach the control room,” said Henry.

Screeches echoed along the corridor. The Dormitory monsters had entered this part of the ship.

Jane turned to Richard. “Can you remember the way?”

Richard shrugged. “I think so.”

“Then lead on,” ordered Henry.

Richard led the group back through the ship.

Though Richard had to pause and get his bearings a couple of times at intersections, he managed to backtrack his route to the specimen room, and ready to flee, cautiously opened the door.

Crimson light bathed the group peering nervously through the opening.

Jack's eyes took in the room's huge size and the many areas in shadow that might conceal lurking creatures. Another step enabled him to look down the first row of specimen tanks on his left and right. He cocked an ear. The quiet deep hum of a motor and an occasional glug of fluid was all he heard. He turned to glance at the others waiting in the doorway. “Wait there while I walk to the end and see what's around the corner.”

When he turned away, Lucy took out her camera, stepped into the room and crossed to the nearest row of specimens.

Henry shook his head but didn't waste his breath trying to stop her. “Be careful, Lucy.”

If Lucy had heard, she showed no sign. She was too fascinated by the amazing sights that filled her roaming vision. Thrilled eyes wandered over creatures suspended in the red liquid, each more extraordinary and fantastical than the previous. She could hardly contain her excitement at seeing the range of strange life-forms. She glanced at the other filled racks in her line of vision. It saddened her that soon the species from a whole planet would be lost. She started taking photographs.

Jack gazed down every aisle he passed; all were clear. He paused at the dead, but still fearsome Web monster, and glanced up at the bloodstained crane contraption. Though he'd disbelieved Richard's hard-to-believe tale of how he'd killed the creature, the evidence here proved he'd been mistaken. To use the crane as a weapon hinted at a level of quick thinking and courage he wouldn't have credited the man with previously. He walked to the end of the rows and glanced each way. The red light flooding the space revealed it free of danger. He turned and waved the others forward. As soon as they were through, Theo closed the door.

The others were also fascinated by the strange creatures and momentarily forgetting the monsters they were so keen to escape from they, moved through the room gazing at the strange creatures.

Max pulled out the video camera and stared filming. “We should be thankful these creatures aren't roaming free like those others.”

Jack pointed out the broken containers and the askew rack. “It seems the ship's bumpy landing set a few free. Probably those monsters we've encountered.”

Jane peered through the glass at a small creature with six limbs, a tiny head and claws a raptor would be proud of. “It's proof they're living specimens in suspended animation.”

Max panned the camera around the room. “It's disheartening that all this will soon be lost.”

Theo nodded his agreement. “If we do manage to escape and alert the outside world of what we've discovered, and it's possible, perhaps a rescue mission can be launched to save the ship. NASA and the armed forces would surely do anything to get their hands on this advanced technology and maybe even these creatures.”

Henry wasn't so enthusiastic. These creatures didn't belong on Earth. If even one escaped and was able to survive the Antarctic climate and somehow managed to reach the mainland, they'd soon become top of the food chain, and if they bred, the consequences would be disastrous. No, he thought, perhaps it's better they perish.