Time Of Destruction

By John C. Meyer

After a catastrophic, destructive force strikes the Earth in 2085, Austin Johnson and Jerry Sheryl become caught in a 'time paradox' between 2085 and 2245. Using a time travel device, they move back and forth in time, searching on the Earth, the Moon, and on the L-4 Space Colony, for the cause of the catastrophe, for a key to prevent the 'Time Of Destruction,' and for a way to save the billions of people that died during that 'Time Of Destruction.'

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Feb 25, 2015
• ISBN: 9781483550213

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Chapter One

February 25, 2081 2:33 PM CST

Hydroteck Experimental Lab

New Mexico Desert

Tom Frazier rushed out of the basement elevator at Hydroteck’s testing lab, hurrying to join his father, Errick Frazier, in the main auditorium. He was a tall, light framed man with handsome features and short cropped blond hair. His full length white lab coat identified him as one of the primary scientists at this site. His usually smiling face showed lines of worry because he was late, keeping two hundred VIP guests waiting.

As he rushed down the hallway, his wristwatch phone vibrated. He tapped the side of the phone, answering with a grumbling, Hello, as he strode ahead.

Is that the way you talk to your wife, the soft feminine voice answered back.

Caroline, he said sounding out of breath, Sorry, Errick and the others are waiting for me and I’m running way behind schedule.

Calm down, Tom, I’m sure they won’t start without you.

I know, he said slowing his pace, and then stopped to catch his breath. It’s just that everything is riding on what happens in the next hour.

Yes, Tom, but you know how you get when you’re stressed. Before you walk into the auditorium, close your eyes, and breathe.

You’re right, Tom said, nodding sheepishly. I wish you could be here, but I know you have to be in Houston for your plant groundbreaking. I hope everything goes well for you today.

Thanks, Tom, I just called to tell you I love you and to wish you luck: just remember to breathe, she admonished softly.

Thanks, I will, he said, I love you too. See you on Saturday.

He tapped the phone to disconnect as he hurried down the hallway.

*****

Outside Hydroteck’s New Mexico laboratory, Austin Johnson appeared suddenly out of nowhere. He had traveled forward in time from March 18, 2079 to arrive at this critical moment in 2081. He was tall, dark haired, and powerfully built, but looking at the control panel in his hands, he had the feeling that he might be powerless to accomplish what needed to be done here.

The local time indicator on his control panel showed he had less than four minutes to stop the IPT disaster. That event, he knew, would put in motion events that would kill five billion people in 2085, and devastate every city on Earth.

The oppressive heat of the New Mexico desert bore down on him because of the heavy, black time travel jacket he wore. He stood in the midst of several large green warehouses, with no clue which one he must enter to stop the IPT demonstration.

With no indication of which way to go, Austin barreled through the doors straight ahead, charging into a well-lighted, but deserted lobby. His self-focused mission had been to locate one of the Fraziers. He had to convince them to stop the demonstration so that the hundreds of people here could be saved. He knew now, that would not be possible.

If he could evacuate even one of the scientists, Tom or Errick now, he might, with their help, later save the billions that would die.

Stop right there, he heard someone yell behind him.

He whirled around to see a large bald headed man in a blue blazer, two sizes too small for the man, rapidly striding toward him, pulling a gun from a shoulder holster.

Put your hands where I can see them, the man demanded, stopping two meters away from Austin. The bald headed man held an ominous looking weapon in a two handed grip pointed at Austin.

Sir, I urgently need to speak to Tom or Errick Frazier, Austin pleaded as he raised his hands.

Impossible, said the big man, Until after they finish their presentation.

The lives of everyone here are at risk if I don’t see them immediately, Austin said, looking up at the time on the control panel in his upraise right hand, calculating he had two minutes left.

How? the security guard said, cocking his head slightly, seeming to waiver, but still wary.

You won’t believe me, Austin said, but the Fraziers will understand.

Can’t do that without a good reason, the guard said shaking his head.

No time left, Austin said reaching up with his left hand and stabbing his left index finger at a button on the panel. The world around Austin turned gray and silent. The guard and Austin’s surroundings were frozen in a micro-second of time.

Austin looked at his panel. He still had forty minutes of power left in his time travel jacket, but only slightly over one minute until the time of the IPT explosion. If he could find the Fraziers, he might be able to evacuate at least one of them before the explosive black box appeared.

Austin believed the minute he had left, might be the last opportunity anyone would have to put an end to this catastrophic paradox.

*****

The IPT, Errick Frazier, a white haired man in his sixties, wearing a white lab coat, was saying to his guests, produces energy by accessing the Interdimension, which exists as a parallel dimension to our own four dimensional time space. It has taken me and my team more than twenty-five years to devise a method to gain access to it, and extract energy from this power rich dimensional space. As you probably read in our press releases, IPT stands for Interdimensional Power Transmitter.

Frazier’s audience of three-hundred Congressmen, investors, and special guests listened attentively as he spoke. They were seated in a small auditorium within Hydroteck’s New Mexico testing complex, eager to hear about this amazing discovery.

Hydroteck, the second largest energy producer in the world, had been raving about the IPT in their press releases for the past month, and only these VIP guests had received invitations for this event.

Frazier turned and pointed to the image of the IPT on the giant screen behind him; a dark gray sphere, three meters in diameter with several glass tubes projecting out of it. It sat atop a four foot tall black pedestal in a building half a mile away, insuring against any danger of a mishap.

My son, Tom, who helped me develop the IPT technology, has just arrived, Errick said as Tom entered the auditorium.

Tom, Errick said as his son strode to the center of the stage to join him, Will you please explain to our guests how the IPT works.

Thanks, said Tom as he shook hands with his father on the center of the stage.

The Interdimension my father is referring to, Tom said, turning toward the audience and smiling, exists outside of our own four-dimensional time-space. We have been able to access it through wormholes in the invisible, sub-atomic foam that surrounds us. In earlier experiments we obtained a substance, from the Interdimension, we call ‘Stardust,’ which attracts energy from there. Building on our experimental research, we’ve constructed a machine we call an IPT, which stands for ‘Interdimensional Power Transmitter.’ The IPT uses ‘Stardust’ to open wormholes, and facilitates transmitting energy from the Interdimension to our world.

As he paused, someone from the audience yelled, Look behind you.

*******

After freezing time and walking away from the guard, Austin had arrived at the auditorium and unfroze time just as the black box had appeared next to the IPT in the giant screen image. He realized, in that instant, that he was too late. Knowing in the few seconds left that he could not save anyone here, he shook his head sadly as he pressed a button on the control panel. That action sent him to his next previously programed site in Houston, Texas; to the date of July 26, 2085 at 1:17 PM.

Since this New Mexico mission was a failure, that was the only other possible focal point in time where he might still be able to end the destructive paradox.

*****

Half a mile away, Aisha Serison and her brother, Nicholas, both wearing black time travel jackets, like Austin’s, stood beside the IPT. Aisha knelt to study the black box that had just appeared from nowhere.

The time dilation effect, caused by the devices they wore, allowed them, as it had Austin Johnson, absolute freedom of movement in three dimensions, while time stood still in the entire universe around them. The black jackets contained personal time travel devices, which caused the time freeze.

This is useless, Aisha, Nicholas said as his hand passed through the black box as if it were a hologram. His voice sounded flat in the total silence of null-time. Whoever sent this explosive device, he said, has modified it so we cannot tune into its ‘time dilation space’.

I don’t want to give up, Aisha said, so many people will die.

I know, Nicholas said, but the energy levels of our time travel jackets are too low to stop the chain of events in this ‘time-space.’ We must immediately move to 2085 and rescue the two men, or we will lose the opportunity.

You’re right, Aisha said sadly, "but the situation will be perilous when we arrive there. That building fell within minutes. We must pull them out quickly.

She looked at the box, shaking her head, joined arms with her brother and touched a button on the control panel in her left hand. The two disappeared from the 2081 ‘time-space,’ returning the time stream to normal.

*****

The giant videoscreen behind Tom and Errick went blank, and then a concussion wave hit the building, tossing Tom’s body hundreds of feet skyward. Tom grabbed at the air in desperation and fear, while his wounded, bleeding body fell. Below him the buildings and ground had vanished, leaving a deep, dark hole, a mile in diameter. As he fell below ground level, his tumbling body turned upward just long enough for him to see the blue New Mexico sky.

That final image of his life burned itself into his brain, superimposed with the image of his wife, Caroline, as he fell to his death into the mile deep pit.

Chapter Two

July 25, 2085 3:57 PM CST

Destruction minus 20 hours twenty-two minutes

Four years, five months after the New Mexico/IPT tragedy, Austin Johnson relaxed as he viewed the Houston skyline from the window of Hydroteck’s robot executive aircar. The dark blue, thirty-meter long cylindrical craft built for short distance speed, had been pushed to the limits for this 900-mile trip.

This Austin Johnson had no knowledge of his future-self traveling in time to New Mexico in 2081. That incident, though in the past, was still in Austin Johnson’s future.

After homing in on the rendezvous signal, the robot craft drifted down on its electromagnetic repulsor field to the Hyroteck building roof. The craft, capable of carrying ten people in luxury, had one passenger on this flight. The landing rails settled with a slight bump onto the roof top, as Austin Johnson looked out from his window seat at two figures waiting for him below.

Bad weather had kept him belted in during the one hour ten minute flight. When he stood, he stretched his cramped legs before retrieving his one small bag, and then exited the craft. Austin saw, through a light drizzle of rain, a security guard with a heavy black raincoat, and a young man in casual attire approaching. The young man held an umbrella over the two of them. The three men exchanged greetings while the guard passed a palm-sized instrument over Austin’s body. When the warning light stayed green, the guard relaxed, giving a nod to the young man. The thirty-something sandy haired man smiled warmly as he shook hands with Austin.

Welcome back, Jerry Sheryl said as they walked across the roof to the elevator. Neither of them noticed the two domed buildings across the 610, South freeway; former wonders of the world, now commonplace icons along with aircars and solar power satellites.

Austin and Jerry exchanged casual conversation riding down to the second level below ground. Jerry’s office next to the IPT lab was crammed from floor to ceiling with instruments and monitors. A large window in Jerry’s office overlooked the IPT simulator room where men and women studied multi-colored readouts floating above their workstations.

Jerry motioned Austin to a chair and sat across from him. Sorry to have to drag you back here a day early, he said, we’ve got a problem I couldn’t discuss with you over the phone. I needed you here to help me solve it; Magnalift is pulling their crew off the island.

How do you know that? Austin said.

Ron Baker called me at noon and told me the crew boss on the island had orders to evacuate immediately. That’s when I called you.

Have they left?

We’ve caught a break; the weather’s been so bad they’ll have to wait a day, maybe more.

Does Susan know about this?

I haven’t been able to reach her on satellite phone, Jerry said, but I left several messages for her to contact me.

Austin’s phone buzzed.

Austin, he answered.

Hi, the soft voice on the phone said, its Susan.

Sue, Austin said, looking over at Jerry, his voice reserved, Jerry’s been trying to reach you. He called me back to Houston. I’m sitting in his office in the IPT lab.

Oh, she said. What’s up?

Ron Baker called. He said your company is pulling crew off the island.

What! That’s the first I’ve heard of it, she said, sounding annoyed.

Jerry’s been trying to contact you, but couldn’t get through.

I’ve been traveling, Susan said, but I should have had calls routed to me.

Unless your incoming signals were blocked, Austin thought.

Have they left the island yet? Susan asked.

No, the weather’s been bad, Austin said, but if we don’t stop them from leaving we’ll have to cancel the test.

I’m at L.A. spaceport now, waiting for them to call my flight for Lagrange, but I’ll find out who’s responsible and fix it.

You’re leaving now, why?

I wanted it to be a surprise, but I guess I’d better tell you.

Oh? Austin said.

I wrangled a ticket for Sheila, and this shuttle had two seats available.

When Austin didn’t answer right away, she continued. I thought it would be great for her. She’s so excited.

Yes, of course, Austin said, I’m just surprised. I don’t get to see both of you often enough.

It’s okay, I understand. Hey, Sheila’s right here and wants to talk to you. I’ll use my other skyphone to settle this island situation.

Before Austin could say anything he heard his ten-year-old daughter’s voice. Hi, Daddy. Mom and I are going to Lagrange to see you. Are you there yet?

No, honey, not yet. I’m leaving tomorrow. I’ll see you in a few days.

Jerry mouthed the word, Susan?

Austin nodded, then held his hand over the mouthpiece, and Sheila, he whispered.

Mom’s going to show me how to fly glider planes, Sheila was saying.

That’s great, honey, maybe she can teach both of us.

Sheila was referring to the cycle gliders that flew in the Lagrange space colony’s zero gravity axis. He looked forward to trying that himself. He knew that Susan had become an experienced 0-g flyer since becoming Magnalift’s CEO, after her father died two years before. She had visited Lagrange a half-dozen times since then, and taken every opportunity to practice the sport.

Austin’s involvement with the IPT project and Susan’s new duties for Magnalift in California left them little time to be together. They had separated a year after their son Jason’s death, but neither wanted a divorce. It seemed ironic, he thought, that they had not been able to spend much time together on Earth since their separation five years ago, but they would be able to get together two-hundred-forty thousand miles away.

Mommy wants to talk to you, Sheila said, I miss you daddy.

I miss you too, honey.

They’re calling our flight number, Susan said, I got in touch with my project manager Tony Jefferson. He was following orders from one of my board members to pull the crew. I gave him direct instructions to cancel the evacuation. Once we’re in orbit I’ll make some calls to be sure it’s resolved. She paused, then, I miss you, she said quietly.

Me too, Austin said, I’ll be waiting for your call.

Austin touched the wrist phone to hang up and turned to Jerry. Susan and Sheila are boarding a shuttle to Lagrange right now, he said.

I thought she was going alone and wasn’t leaving for a few days.

Austin let him know about the surprise and what Susan had found out about the island.

I’m sure we both know who’s responsible, Jerry said.

Yes, Helman got to him.

With his money and power he gets to everybody; just like he tried to get to you.

Austin looked hard in Jerry’s direction, his eyes narrowing.

Sorry, he said, I didn’t mean to dredge up unpleasant memories. The fact is Helman does get what he wants. You’re the only person I know that ever stood up to him.

All right, Austin said, let’s just move on.

Okay, said Jerry, "If Helman succeeds in removing the crew from the island, our contract would be invalidated, so what do you suggest?

Susan has to prevent them from leaving or we’re finished, Austin said.

Austin spent a year in Washington D.C. negotiating an agreement with national and international representatives to allow Hydroteck to test the new IPT prototype on a Hydroteck satellite in geosynchronous orbit.

At a specific time, July 28, 2085 at 6:00 PM CST, the two gigawatts of electric power generated from the ten IPT’s on the satellite would be converted to microwave energy. The microwaves would be transmitted to a receiving antenna on Honiara Island, an island in the Solomon Island group in the Pacific Ocean. The five mile diameter antenna built there for this test would receive the microwave energy and convert it back into electricity. A provision of the agreement stipulated that a crew on the island would operate equipment that kept the microwave power narrowly focused on the antenna. Only one half of one percent power drift was allowed. If this provision were violated it would void the agreement and the tests would have to be postponed until a new date could be agreed on.

Can we get another crew out there? Austin asked.

We don’t have enough time, Jerry said.

What can we do then? Austin asked.

Nothing, it’s in Susan’s hands now; if she fails, we’re finished, Jerry said. Helman would love that. He’d be able to buy up the pieces and have monopolies in electric power and space lifts.

Susan would not let that happen, Austin thought; she’s a fighter, like her father, Charles Cartwright.

Charles had built Magnalift from a small scale rocket motor company to a major enterprise, lifting the majority of Earth materials to the Lagrange space colony. Arthur Helman’s interference at this time was just the latest in a long history of his interfering with Magnalift. Fortunately Charles had instilled his persistence and courage into his daughter.

Susan had borrowed against Magnalift’s accounts receivables and invested the money into Hydroteck’s IPT Project because of her strong belief in Austin, and in the future of the IPT. If testing were delayed for even a few months, Helman might be able to use his influence to change the narrow margin of international support; killing the IPT project. Magnalift would lose its huge investment and Hydroteck’s stock would drop dramatically.

Well, we can’t do anything more till we know about the island, Austin said, I’m going up to my office. Why don’t you go home and get some rest? I’ll call you when I hear from Sue.

Okay, Jerry said, but when are you going to pack for Lagrange?

I don’t need to. I’m staying with my brother Travis on Lagrange; he’ll have everything I need. I’ll just sleep on my office couch tonight after I finish some last minute paperwork. You can meet me here tomorrow at two o’clock and we’ll ride to the spaceport together.

We’d better leave earlier to get through security on time, Jerry said.

Austin laughed, Jerry, he said, do you think they would leave without us?

Jerry had to laugh too.

The following afternoon a special shuttle flight would take them to Lagrange-four (L-4 ); a space colony with a population of ten-thousand people. It was located in the same orbit as the Moon, trailing two-hundred forty thousand miles behind the Moon’s orbit, and two-hundred forty thousand miles from Earth. From L-4 they could safely monitor the new IPT prototype tests.

The ten IPT’s they would be testing had been built, at enormous expense, on a solar power satellite in geosynchronous orbit, twenty-three thousand miles above the Earth. That position kept it constantly over one area on the Earth. Hydroteck’s international agreement stipulated that would be a safe distance to run the tests. If everything worked correctly, they would be on their way to getting international certification for the IPT.

Austin and Jerry rode the elevator to the sixteenth floor, where Austin had his office. I’ll meet you in my office tomorrow at 2:00 PM, Austin said.

I still think you should go home and get a good night’s sleep, Jerry said.

I’ll be okay, Jerry, Austin answered as they shook hands, and Austin stepped off the elevator.

The elevator doors closed and Austin walked across the sixteenth floor, nodding to his associates on the way to his office in the buildings’ northeast corner. The view from the north windows overlooked the 610 freeway and the two giant sports domes. The fifty-story Lunarcom Tower, dominated the view out the east windows. The magnificent, silver, space shuttle-shaped building reflected a feeling of both tremendous strength and delicate beauty. At night, special lighting gave it the look of a ship launching into space.

Austin had worked there for twelve years, seen it a thousand times, and was still awestruck by it, despite what it represented to him. Seeing it always reminded him of his personal incident with Helman.

***********

In 2082, a year and a half after the New Mexico/IPT disaster, Austin’s contract with Lunarcom had expired. Hydroteck offered him an opportunity to work with Jerry Sheryl to bring the IPT project back on track. He had given notice to Lunarcom that he would be leaving, and Arthur Helman, Lunarcom’s CEO had asked to see him.

As Austin rode the elevator in the Lunarcom Tower to the fiftieth floor penthouse, he was nervous about this meeting with Helman. He had had very little contact with Helman in the twelve years he had worked for Lunarcom, and heard many stories about Helman’s temper tirades. When the elevator doors opened, Austin stood for a few seconds and studied the squat, bullnecked bald headed man, dressed in a dark business suit, behind an enormous black desk. He then walked across the large beautifully appointed office and leaned forward and down to shake hands with Helman, who remained seated.

They exchanged greetings and Helman motioned Austin to take a seat in one of the two dark brown, padded leather chairs in front of his desk.

I’ve been told you have done excellent work for us for twelve years, Mr. Johnson, Helman said.

Well, I’ve worked here for twelve years, but have yet to hear anyone in this company praise my work.

Helman smiled. That’s why I’ve invited you here today. I want you to know how much I personally appreciate your work for us. Many times people fail to get the recognition they deserve because they aren’t calling attention to themselves. You’ve been a loyal, hard-working employee and have done good work on many projects that have moved this company ahead in the energy field, Mr. Johnson, Helman said, may I call you Austin?

Yes, Austin said cautiously.

Austin, I understand you want to leave Lunarcom; is it because you are unhappy with your work or the people you work with?

No, but I don’t see a future for me here. I believe Lunarcom has become stagnant. All your resources are in solar power satellites, you’re not looking into anything new. I personally have a need to use my skills where I feel I am challenged, and I can make a difference.

Helman’s false smile faded, and the tone of his voice became cold.

We have no need to waste time or money to move in other directions at this time, he said, We’re far ahead of the competition, and with our Lagrange space colony and Moon resources, we will continue to stay ahead; but I haven’t asked you here to debate those issues. What I want is for you to commit to stay with Lunarcom. I can assure you a secure future here.

What do you mean by a secure future? said Austin, irritated by Helman’s smugness and tone.

My sources tell me you are going to work for Hydroteck on their IPT project. I don’t want my best engineers going over to my competitors. I will find suitable work for you with Lunarcom. How much are they offering you? I’ll bet it’s no more than 125,000; you’re worth much more to us. You’re making 100,000 now, I’ll pay you 200,000, retroactive from the first of the year.

Austin leaned forward in his chair; his voice low and steady. That’s a generous offer, Mr. Hellman, but I’ve already told you I’m looking for a challenge, not security or money. I’m also wondering, if I’m so valuable to you, why I wasn’t offered increases like that before I decided to leave.

A good point, I’ll be just as blunt. I will not let you help Hydroteck recover. They killed more than three-hundred people in New Mexico and I believe if they are allowed to continue, they will kill more. I will not let any of my people help them.

I want you to understand something, Helman, Austin answered, raising his voice, I’m not one of your people. The IPT is the most exciting power innovation to ever come along and I’m going to help develop it.

No, you’re not, Helman said calmly, leaning back in his chair you will take the $200,000 and work for me. I will not allow you to leave.

Austin opened his mouth and started to say something. He closed it and stood up. No one tells me what to do, Helman, he said. I’m leaving this building and not coming back. I see now that you are afraid of what the IPT will do to your company. You’re right. You’ve tried for years to take down Hydroteck without success. Now I have an opportunity to help them take you down, and I’m going to take it.

Helman’s false smile had returned again. I will not allow you to leave this company and go to work for Hydroteck, he said, If you do, I have the resources to be sure you’re never seen or heard of again.

You’re threatening me?

Yes, Helman said, and I’m sure you know I follow through on my threats.

Austin said nothing. His knees felt weak. What had he gotten into? He stared across at the little man, realizing the danger he was in, but he had to take a stand.

Helman, I have nothing more to say. I’m leaving your company and not looking back. He turned and walked across the huge room, wishing he had eyes in back of his head. At the elevator he waited what seemed an enormous time, wanting to turn and see what Helman was doing. He heard the intercom on Helman’s desk buzz just as the elevator door opened.

What is it, Helman answered testily.

Mr. Helman, he heard a man yelling above the sound of a noisy crowd, What do I do with all these people?

What are you talking about, Austin heard Helman reply as the elevator doors closed. Austin’s body shook on the way down as he thought about Helman’s cold, hard stare. He felt anything could happen now. He tapped his left wrist to access his phone and pressed the speed dial for Jerry. The phone screen said ‘no signal’. Damn! he said aloud. He should have expected something like this. He had discussed this meeting with Jerry earlier today, and Jerry had warned him not to go. Why didn’t he listen?

The crowd noise hit him like a physical force as the elevator doors opened on the first floor. Six guards held back dozens of screaming people trying to get past the front desk, and then Austin spotted Jerry at the front of the crowd.

Austin! Jerry screamed and motioned for Austin to hurry over.

Two guards rushed Austin, but Jerry pulled him quickly to the center of the melee, out of their reach.

Just follow my lead, Jerry yelled into Austin’s ear as everyone rushed from the lobby. Bright lights from news cameras threw moving shadows on the walls as they exited.

On the Lunarcom Tower steps, with the silver ship towering above them, Jerry stopped and asked for quiet from the crowd of reporters and spectators.

My name is Jerry Sheryl, he said, on behalf of Hydroteck Energy I invited you to meet me here today to make an announcement. As you know the courts have cleared Hydroteck of responsibility for the New Mexico/IPT incident.

He paused for a few seconds, then continued.

Hydroteck still believes in the IPT concept and believes the IPT will revolutionize energy production. I am in charge of the IPT project and I have called you here today to announce that Magnalift is making an investment of venture capital in Hydroteck to re-engineer the IPT.

When is this going to take place? a reporter asked.

It already has, Jerry answered, I’m announcing it today because I also want to introduce you to the newest member of our team, Austin Johnson. Austin has been a top energy production engineer for Lunarcom for many years. We just recruited him to work with us. He brings a lot of experience and innovative thinking to our team. Here he is, Austin Johnson, he said and prompted Austin to step forward.

Mr. Johnson, a reporter from KHET asked, why are you leaving Lunarcom to work for Hydroteck?

Austin stood in shock, staring at all the reporters and the crowd.

Well, he said, I believe the IPT concept is the cutting edge technology that will, as Jerry said, transform the way we produce energy. We’ve got a long way to go to overcome what has happened, but I look forward to the challenge. I’m also looking forward to working with the people at Hydroteck.

Does that mean, asked a reporter, you didn’t like working with the people at Lunarcom?

No comment, Austin said.

Austin and I will be heading up the IPT re-engineering team, Jerry broke in, and we’ll hold another press conference after we have had a chance to put our heads together and work out the details. Now I only have time for one more question,

All the reporters yelled out questions to Jerry, and he pointed to a reporter in front.

Where will you build the IPT, the reporter asked, After New Mexico, that’s got to be a big challenge.

We have several options, Jerry said, the most likely one will be building it on one of Hydroteck’s three power satellites in geosynchronous orbit, twenty-three thousand miles above the Earth. At that distance there will be no chance of repeating the New Mexico incident.

***********

The media coverage put Austin’s face in all the newspapers and video stations, making it impossible for Helman to have him secretly killed. He believed if Jerry hadn’t rallied together the people from Hydroteck and called the news people, he would be dead.

Austin turned from the window and sat at his desk to finish the pile of paperwork in front of him. His eyes turned to the picture of his son Jason wearing his orange and white soccer uniform. Austin had helped coach Jason’s team, and he had loved helping his son with his science projects. They had just finished building a ‘Lagrange Space Colony’ model for the school science fair the week before Jason died.

That terrible day flashed into his mind. He had been driving Jason home from school, after working very long hours, and had dozed off for a few seconds. He again saw the blue streak coming at them before he was knocked unconscious. Jason had died instantly. In the silence he felt the deep, empty, sickening pain in his gut at the loss. He closed his eyes, let his shoulders slump against the back of the chair, and wept.

**************

After the emotional moment passed, Austin felt drained and exhausted. He had kept his emotions bottled up inside too long and never talked to anybody about it, not even Susan. He leaned forward in his chair trying to focus his thoughts back on his work, when the phone on his desk buzzed.

Austin, he said and several seconds passed. He had hoped it was Susan, but realized the delay was too long.

Hey, Austin, came the reply, it’s Travis. I’m ready for you up here. When will you and Sue be arriving?

Hi, Travis, Austin said, his spirits revived by the sound of his older brother’s voice. Sue’s already on her way and Jerry and I will be leaving tomorrow afternoon. You’ll see us in two days. Sue has a wonderful surprise, she’s bringing Sheila with her. Three seconds passed while his voice traveled the two-hundred-forty thousand miles to Lagrange and Travis’s reply came back.

I haven’t seen Sheila since she was six, he said, I can’t imagine what she’s like now.

She’s so excited, said Austin. I hope you’ll have some time to spend with us and can show us the sights. Hey, how’s Laura? Have you two decided to get married yet?

No fair, that’s two questions. I’ll answer the second one first. I’ve asked her several times, but we have some issues to work out before she decides. We both work so far away from each other, I---. We’ll talk about that when you get here. It’s costing me an arm and a leg to call you.

Don’t give me that excuse, Austin said looking at his watch. It’s after 7 PM here so it must be after midnight Greenwich Time. You’re getting big discount rates.

You were always too smart for me little brother; speaking of time, I’m taking three weeks off so I can spend as much time as possible with all of you. I’ll be able to show Sheila around while you and Sue are busy. Laura has to go back, she said to send her love. I’ve got to go now, I’ve used up all the time they allowed me.

Bye, Travis, Austin said, give my love to Laura and I’ll see you soon.

He had been looking out the window, as he talked to his brother. Two solar power satellites in the sky above the Lunarcom Tower dominated the darkening sky; shining steadily in the flickering star field. High above them, just barely visible, the tiny dot of Lagrange looked down from its orbit trailing the Moon. Sometimes at night he looked out this window and watched it, because it helped him feel close to his brother.

At eight years old, he and Travis lay on the ground in the back yard of their home in Port Arthur, Texas, watching the construction of Lagrange. At first it was a tiny dot in their telescope. Then year after year it grew to a visible light, high in the sky. Many nights they watched it follow the Moon across the star field and talked about their dreams of someday living there.

Travis’s dream had become a reality, now it was his turn.

He turned from the window to his paperwork and the phone buzzed again.

Austin, he answered.

Austin, Susan said, I’ve been trying to get through for over an hour.

What’s wrong, Austin asked, why couldn’t you get through?

Something’s blocking my signal. Let me tell you what’s happened quickly, in case we get cut off. I talked to the crew boss on the island. Some of the men have left, but we still have enough to run the equipment; so we’ll be able to run the tests. I’m trying to get more technicians to go out there, but the weather is still bad. Sheila and I are fine. We left Earth orbit two hours ago and should arrive on Lagrange in twenty-three more hours.

Okay, got that. You’re on your way to Lagrange and you’re okay, and everything is okay on the island, right?

Right, I’ll call again as soon as I can, Susan said.

With some of the tension relieved by Susan’s call, Austin felt tired. He lay his head on his desk and fell asleep.

He awoke hours later, lifted his head and wiped his hand across his face. He looked at his watch; the time was almost Midnight. That had some significance, he thought. Oh, yes, on Lagrange it was almost 6:00 AM: time for the change of day. Travis had once tried to describe it to him. He gave up, saying the only way he would understand it would be to visit Lagrange and experience it in person. It was one of the experiences he looked forward to.

He closed the