Teardrops In The Night Sky (Steven Gordon series) (17 page)

‘It's fantastic, what all can it cure?’

‘I have no idea we really need to get our hands on a medical doctor.’

‘So what's happening?’

‘The American President just tried to hit us with an asteroid buster.  We destroyed it a thousand miles outside the atmosphere.’

‘That wasn’t very nice of him.’

Steven grinned, ‘no it wasn’t, but were going back in stealth mode.  They won’t be able to see us or detect us on radar.’

Haley guided them round the new radiation zone and they were back in Earth’s orbit in a few seconds.  ‘Oh! That was quick,’ Mary exclaimed.

Steven grinned, ‘you get used to it.’

‘It’s a beautiful view.’

‘You want to see our spot on the Moon; I’m going to have a small base built there.’

‘You can do that?’

He nodded, ‘bigger
nanobots.  The ship will build and program them.  Then we just leave them.  They will build themselves a small factory first.  Once they have completed that task they will carry out the task they have been ordered to.  Their only limitation is the materials they have to work with.’

‘Fascinating.’   Then she had a flash of intuition, ‘can they build ships too?’

Steven nodded grinning, ‘that’s how these ships were built.  You can build a small two man craft just for you and Dad.  Then you can take a second honeymoon around Pluto’s moons.’

A small tear escaped her eye, ‘you
’re serious aren’t you?’

‘I learnt a long time ago not to lie to you Mum.’

‘That’s what you’re planning to do isn’t it, to build ships for Earth?’

He nodded, ‘it will take a little setting up and for a start they won’t have anywhere near the sophistication of these ships, because some of the materials used in their construction aren’t available on Earth, but as they expand out into space then those materials will become available.’

‘How different will they be?’

He shrugged, ‘for a start they will only be capable of interplanetary travel, but that’s fast enough to start with.’

‘How fast is that?’

‘Well it takes less than thirty minutes to get from here to Saturn.’

‘Yes that’s fast enough.’

He
grinned, ‘are we ready to upload our new website, Mr. Barns?’

‘Whenever you are sir.’

‘Proceed then please.’

Chapter 29

T
he new website took the World by storm.  Within twenty minutes, the news had hit the world media.  Within the hour servers all over the World were struggling with the demand for access.

Everything they had done so far had been detailed, except for the mining of precious minerals in the asteroid belt.  As people logged on they gave details of the missile attack on the ship.

The presidency denied everything, but as the news stations were filling the airwaves with reports from the ship another news story broke.  What the President never realised was, Colonel Howe had taken a digital recording of his interview in the White House.  It had been easy to get the miniaturised equipment past security. 

The President had flown into a rage of denial; there were already calls for his impeachment.  He claimed that all the evidence was false and with all the technology available on the ship it would have be an easy exercise.

Some believed him but it had the impact Steven wanted.  Many of the words governments posted letters of encouragement and support.  Colonel Howe however was declared trice a traitor to his country.  Steven was worried about this and asked him how he felt about it.

The Colonel had just shrugged.  He had decided that there must be thousands of uninhabited planets out there, and one day he might just found his own Country or Planet for that matter.

There had been another reason for the website.  On it people were able to apply for positions on the ships.  Applications flooded in from all over the globe.  As Steven sat in his quarters enjoying a meal he called up the website and checked the number of applications and was appalled at the steadily growing number.

At that exact moment in time the secretary for defence was trying to council an angry President.

‘Mr. President, we are going to have to change tack on this matter.  There is no way we can launch another missile at them.  We will bring down the wrath of every other nation on Earth down on our heads.’

The President’s face was engorged with blood, ‘don’t tell me what I can or can’t do, Mr. Whitaker.  I’m the leader of the free World and those ships present a clear and present danger to not only our country but also our planet.  I have reports that they shot that missile down from over a thousand miles away.

They could destroy cities from orbit.  He’s also filling that ship with people from all over the World.  What if just one of those scientists transmits details of that weapon to one of their governments.  The United States of America could be held to ransom.  Do you think that’s a good idea?’

‘Sir he has already stated that he would rather his main base of operations be in America.  We can offer them the most. Any new technology would come to us first.  This policy is only driving them away into the arms of our enemies.’

The President shot to his feet, ‘don’t you dare take that tone with me Mr. Whitaker.  Those ships came to us and that little shit of a security guard stole them.  Now I don’t care how you do it, but I want you to establish direct communications with that ship, and you can tell that little shit that he has forty-eight hours to surrender those ships or I’m going to have his father killed, do you understand?’

The secretary for defence sat back acknowledging defeat, ‘yes sir perfectly.’

‘Good
, now get out of here.’

He returned to his own office where the vice President was waiting for him.  ‘How did it go Vince?’

He shook his head and slumped into his seat, ‘with any luck the idiot will have a heart attack or a stroke, but I’m not counting on it.’

‘That bad huh?’

‘Worse, now he wants to kill the father if he doesn’t surrender those ships.’

The vice President shook his head in dismay, ‘do you think it’s true what they’ve said about being bound to those ships.’

The minister for defence; raised his hands in supplication, ‘I have no idea, and we have no way of proving differently.  The thing is why should we disbelieve them.  I only know one man on board that ship and that’s Colonel Howe, and he’s quite a man.’

‘How do you know him?’

‘He’s one of our top military men.  If there's any trouble anywhere in the world that seems impossible to deal with, we call in the Colonel and his men.  He’s privy to some of our top projects.’

‘Why?’

‘Because when you’re dealing with the most sensitive of material, you need the best to protect it.’

‘Not just a man to desert on a whim then?’

‘No.’

‘And you trust him?’

‘I already have, with my life.’  He looked up, ‘and I’m still here.’

‘We really need to get in touch with your Colonel and get a fresh perspective on this whole thing.  Do you think he would talk to you?’

‘I don’t see why not, if we can get communications.’

‘Why do you think he deserted?’

‘He didn’t desert sir, the President declared him a deserter.’

‘Explain your reasoning.’

‘It's simple, the Colonel was told that those ships were this country’s biggest assets and he was to guard them at all costs, regardless.’

The Vice President frowned, ‘and you think he’s still carrying out those orders?’

‘Yes I do.  That’s what makes me think this Steven Gordon’s telling the truth.  I’ll lay a wager the Colonel thinks this is the best way of protecting those assets.’

‘So you don’t think he will try and wrestle control of the ship from him?’

‘He would have done it by now.  As far as the Colonel will be concerned he’s still doing the job he’s been ordered to.  It’s now up to us to make the best of those assets.’

‘Yeah and we
’re making a right arse of it.’

The secretary of defence gave a wry smile, ‘I’m sure he will be used to that too.’

‘No doubt,’ admitted the vice President.  ‘From what I can gather most of the country’s behind them.  Christ half the population seems to want to be up there with them.  What we have to do now is talk to all the major politicians and industrialist to see how many of them support this Gordon.  If we can get a majority of them behind us then we can start some private negotiations.’

‘Is that wise considering the Presidents current state of mind?’

‘We have no choice.  They want to make a permanent space base here in the United States, because we are the most technically advanced civilisation here on Earth.  If we don’t act soon, we could lose all of it.’

The secretary had a wry smile on his face, the Vice President was curious, ‘what is it?’

The secretary of defence shook his head in amusement, ‘it was just the way you said, here on Earth.  We’re not alone any more sir.  Earth is just one planet now amongst God knows how many others.’

The Vice President returned his smile, ‘you know Vince I don’t know if it frightens the shit out of me or if I should hold the biggest party this World’s ever seen.’

The secretary of defence grinned, ‘well I’ll go for the party.’

‘You sound like you would like to go with them?’

‘You got to be kidding; I’ve been a sci-fi fan since I was five.  I’d give an arm and a leg to be up their right now.’

The Vice President shook his head, ‘I’m a cowboy fan myself.  Still at least I know I’ve got the right man for the job.  I want you to try and contact the ship without the President finding out.  Let them know at least that w
e’re gathering support for them.  Don’t forget to tell Colonel Howe we think he’s doing a great job we personally guarantee the safety of his family and that of his men.’

Chapter 30

C
olonel Howe actually jumped when his cell phone rang.  He picked it up off his bedside table, ‘hello.’

‘Colonel Howe, I hope I haven’t caught you at an inopportune moment?’

He thought he recognised the voice, ‘no, not at all, who’s calling please?’

‘This is the Secretary of Defence here Colonel, I hope you remember me?’

‘Yes sir I do, how can I help you?’

‘Well … we would like to know how things are going Colonel, how are you and your men making out up there?’

‘Very well actually sir, better than I would have believed.’

‘That’s great to hear.  Will you give them my regards when you see them?’

‘Yes sir I’ll do that.’

‘Good … good, ehmm!  I know things are pretty mixed up down here Colonel, but I would like to let you know most of us think you’re doing a damn good job.’

Howe took a deep breath, ‘you don’t know just how good it is to hear that sir, may I pass that down to the men too.  Some of them have taken being branded a traitor to their country pretty hard.’

‘Yes please do, that was a … very unfortunate incident and I’m sure it is a mistake that will be rectified in time.  Many of us here realise the hardship you have been placed under Colonel and would like you to know you are not alone.  We are gathering support for your
endeavours at this very moment.

However the President himself is not in agreement with us and I’m afraid I have some bad news for Mr. Gordon, which I would like you to convey for us.’

‘Go ahead sir.’

‘The President has ordered the death of MR. Gordon’s father if he doesn’t surrender the ships within the next forty-eight hours.’

‘Can’t you do something to stop it sir?’

‘No I’m afraid not, neither would I recommend a rescue attempt Colonel, I believe a trap has been set for anyone who tries.’

The Colonel smiled, ‘thank you for that sir but we are already aware of the situation.’

‘Ohh! I see.  I never realised.’

‘There is something else I would like you to be aware of sir, the captain can’t hand over the ships.  They have a will of their own sir and will not allow anymore poking or prodding.  There is something else you should be aware of, if you aren’t already.  When you become a captain of one of these ships there is a penalty to pay.  After six months away from the ship a crew member would become very ill, maybe even fatally so, it would kill the captain out right.’

‘You aren’t kidding are you Colonel?’

‘No sir I’m not, it is a job for life.’

‘I will remember that Colonel, but I had better let you get on.  Please remember none of you are alone up there and this comes directly from me and the Vice President.’

‘I will sir and thank you for your support.’

With a heavy heart Colonel Howe went to find Steven.  He found him on the Bridge teaching some of the scientist’s new forms of mathematics.

‘Can I talk with you sir?’

‘Of course Colonel.’

‘In private sir.’

‘My quarters then.’

‘I think your Mother should be there too sir.’

Mary looked up from the pad she had been doing calculations on, the excited sheen in her eyes dulling quickly, ‘what is it Colonel?’

Howe indicated towards the lift, ‘please.’

Steven stood looking out at the View of Earth below, ‘what is it Colonel?’

Howe took a deep breath, ‘they are going to execute your father in forty-eight hours if you don’t hand over the ships.’

Mary gasped but kept her peace.  Steven regarded the Colonel coolly, ‘please tell me everything.’

He omitted nothing and Steven was relived, pretending he wasn’t aware of the communication.  He realised Howe probably knew he was, but he also knew Howe hadn’t informed the Secretary for Defence his call might be monitored.

Steven paced back and forth before the window. ‘Have you any recommendations, Colonel?’

‘I don’t think the President will be lured out by an exchange sir that leaves us only one option, a direct assault.’

‘We’ve already agreed that would be suicide.’

Colonel Howe shrugged, ‘I can’t see any other option.’

‘You’re willing to risk your life and those of your men to rescue one man?’

‘It’s what we do sir and we all know and respect your father.’

‘It may be what you do Colonel but I’m not prepared to risk your lives for one man, even that of my father.’

Howe’s eyes hardened, ‘give us a chance, maybe with the new weapons we’ve developed we can get him out.’

‘I admire your courage Colonel and the obvious
respect you have for my father.  But there are far too many armed men in that prison you, would stand no chance and then I would lose all of you.  But neither am I willing to give up on my father.’

Steven paced some more and came to a decision, ‘we have in our charge an Alien craft whose offensive capabilities we barely understand.  Maybe it’s about time we changed that.  I suggest we return to the Moon and find out.  We can also test those new weapons of yours.’

He touched his communicator, ‘listen in everyone we have a developing situation.  Prepare to break our downlink with Earth.  I want us back on the Moon in sixty minutes.  All security personnel report to Colonel Howe in his briefing room when we arrive.’

He turned to his Mother, ‘I want you home and safe.’

She shook her head, ‘it isn’t safe at home.’

‘I don’t mean America.’

‘I’m not leaving you.’

‘If this goes wrong, we could end up losing everything.  I won’t be able to prevent that but I can stop them getting their hands on you.  The ships been able to reproduce computer discs th
at can be read on our computers. I’ll download enough information to keep scientists on Earth busy for the next century.  I’m going to charge you with getting those discs into safe hands.  Will you do that for me?’

A tear sprang out of the corner of her eye, ‘yes of course.’

He smiled and kissed her on the cheek, ‘thanks Mum.’  He turned to the Colonel, ‘I’ve got to make some calls, could you take my Mother up to Hammersmith, she’ll need funds when she gets home.’

Howe smiled, ‘of course, if you’ll come with me
Doctor.’

Mary bravely forced a smile onto her face and followed the Colonel.

Steven sat down with a groan.

‘What's the matter my heart?’

‘Things are beginning to get complicated.’

‘I can ease your mind if you wish.’

‘How?’

‘There are chemicals that will induce a state of relaxation.’

‘No thank you, that’s the last thing I need.’

‘As you wish my heart.’

He inexplicitly found himself smiling, ‘and don’t offer them to the crew either.  What I do need is to get in contact with the Prime minister of Scotland.’

‘I t
hink he sent you one of those emails, I will search for it.’

His mind suddenly jumped onto another train of thought, ‘these chemicals you were talking about, what forms can you produce them in?’

‘I can produce them in solid form, liquid or gas.’

He sat up, ‘can you strengthen them to produce sleep.’

‘Yes but how much is safe for Humans and which is the best to use?’

Steven smiled and sat back, ‘have you f
ound that email yet?’

‘Yes my heart.’

‘Then put it on my screen please.’

Forty-five minutes later they came to land in a shaded piece of woodland.  A small cottage stood alone in an adjacent clearing a few hundred meters away, but it wasn’t big enough for the ship.

Colonel Howe’s head came up from his screen.  There was tension in his voice, ‘sir I have thirty concealed and armed men surrounding the clearing.’

‘I’m expecting them Colonel, but I want two of your men at the ramp with weapons to cover us just in case anything goes wrong.’

He only needed to glance at Beaver.  They met Steven and Mary at the door.  Hammersmith was there with what looked like a canvas sack and another of Howe’s men to help him carry it.

Steven looked them all over, ‘we ready?’

Howe and Beaver stepped in front of him, ‘stay here until we give the all clear.’  He looked at Beaver who simply nodded.  ‘We’re ready Babe open her up.’

The door slid open and the ramp went down but they didn’t wait.  They simply stepped off the ramp and took up positions protected by it.

Beaver nodded towards the woods, ‘I see movement in my quarter, slightly right of the ramp.’

‘Got him,’ Howe confirmed.

A lone figure appeared out of the shadows.  Steven detected the uniform and weapon straight away, but the man kept it above his head and crossed with his empty hand.  It didn’t take him long to cover the open ground.

Steven was sure he heard a groan of dismay from Howe.  The man headed straight for the ramp then swerved just before he reached it, ‘William old boy, how the hell are you?’

‘That’s Colonel to you,’ Howe growled standing up.

‘Got yourself a peach of a job old boy,’ he answered ignoring Howe’s warning growl with a big grin.

Steven stepped forward, ‘you know this man Colonel?’

‘Unfortunately, he’s a right royal pain in the ass.’

It never seemed to faze the man, ‘you flatter me old boy but I’m not royalty.’  He stepped up the ramp and offered his hand to Steven, ‘Major Daniel Forbes of The 1
st
Battalion The Gordon Highlanders.’

Steven shook his hand, ‘pleasure, are you Scottish?’

‘Good God yes.’

‘I’m sorry it’s just that your accents different to what I expected.’

‘Public school old boy.’

‘I see,’ although he wasn’t quite sure he did.

Howe filled in the gaps with a growl, ‘Tapper here, belongs to the Scottish aristocracy, they send their children away to public schools, that’s why they talk different.’

Steven nodded his understanding, ‘Tapper?  Is that your nickname?’

‘On account that the Army put me through university. I studied Geology.  After I had completed my terms of service I found myself in a dilemma, I loved both, so in the end I tossed a coin, become a geologist or stay in the Army, and here I am old boy.’

Howe still wasn’t looking very happy about his appearance, ‘he got his nickname because he runs around with a ridicules little hammer in his pocket, tapping at everything in sight, and he’s in the SAS, not the Gordon’s.’

Tapper smiled up at the Colonel tut, tuting, ‘really old boy, you should learn your Army protocol. I am only seconded to the SAS, my parent unit is the Gordon Highlanders, and that is to whom I shall return when my tour of duty is done.’

Howe bristled, ‘not my Army.’

Tapper rocked back on his heels, ‘true, true.’  Somehow he managed to make it sound like an insult.  Howe squared off but the smaller man held his ground.

Steven cleared his throat, ‘gentlemen please.  Major do you have the doctor I requested with you?’

‘Yes and more.’

Steven frowned, ‘more?’

‘I have the honour of offering you the services of myself and my brick.’

Stevens frown deepened, ‘what the hell’s a brick?’

Howe pushed forward, ‘it’s what the British call a four man team and we don’t need them.’

Tapper laughed, ‘I’ve seen the plans of the building you’re going to assault old boy.  Don’t tell me you couldn’t use my help to watch your back while you’re inside?’  For the first time Steven saw Howe hesitate.  Tapper drove home his advantage, ‘don’t worry old boy I have no intentions of running around your co
untry shooting up your citizens.  I will leave that dubious pleasure to yourselves.  I will simply watch your back while you’re inside and cover the exits.’

Steven could see the Colonel didn’t like it but he didn’t want to overrule him and stand on his toes.  ‘I don’t think we need any more security personnel Major, but if Colonel Howe can use you on this operation than I will leave that decision to him, and if he takes you then you will be under his direct command for the whole operation.’

It let Howe know he had an out.  The Major didn’t seem at all phased, ‘It would be a pleasure to serve alongside Colonel Howe and his men again sir.’

Steven caught the byplay and so did Howe, he looked over at Beaver who had a hungry look in his eye.  Beaver nodded, ‘we could do with the manpower.’

Howe bent over almost head butting the Major, ‘ok you’re in, but don’t get any smart ideas about hanging around.’

Tapper laughed, ‘delighted to be of service old boy.’  He turned to Steven, ‘I say old chap you would have any pieces of Moon rock lying around would you? I heard you’ve been in the vicinity lately.’

Steven laughed, ‘you'll be able to get your hands on plenty Moon rock very shortly Major.’