Nibiru-The Revealing-

By J R Simpson

In antiquity, the splendor of a perfect spring day brings about a revitalization of life and spirits. It was a holiday, and the crowds reveled in the warmth and aroma of the blooming flora and the fauna. Wildlife and livestock scampered about as the soft breeze bathed the new growth all around. It was such a peaceful day following a brutal and bitter winter with temperatures around Abydos dipping below -40F with deadly winds and snow. It appeared that all was at peace with the world, or it would seem.

At the same time, a few kilometers away, the mood was grim. A Stage II countdown started in the silo of a Revenger Series rocket armed with multiple fusion warheads. The rocket’s target was the continent of Atlant—the enemy. All attempts to stop the progression toward an inevitable launch failed, and the planet Nibiru became engulfed in a hi-tech war that became an extinction event.

Scores of millennia later, life is still struggling to recover from the effects of the Great War.

A tyrannical government evolved over time and now controls the planet with deception and an iron grip. All facets of life are micromanaged with the rulers putting themselves in the role of gods making life-and-death decisions.

Kia is a university student from the elite of the privileged. Jadan, also a student, is from the farming community at the lower end of the socio-economic order. Special academic needs draw them into a scholastic dependency, which grows into a forbidden love with dire consequences. Kia’s grandfather is the second most powerful man on the planet, and he disapproves of their romance. He becomes obsessed with destroying their love, even if he must resort to murder.

The oppression of the rulers becomes so intense that the masses groan. Out of the tyranny, a revolution grows, but the masses need strong leaders to unite them. Peaceful protests irritate the elite to use deadly force. The results are neither what they wanted nor expected. Change is coming to Nibiru fueled by the revelation of the truth to the masses.

• Language: English
• Publisher: J R Simpson
• Release date: Sep 10, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310265365

J R Simpson

J R earned a BS in Business Administration and worked more than thirty years in Corporate Management. He is native to Tennessee, and a long-time resident of South Carolina. He and his wife, Sheron, have been married 51 years, and they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary with a month long motor home trip. They have three children, seven grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.He is a veteran of the United States Air Force and a loyalist to the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Democratic Republic. He believes in small, fiscally responsible governments, at all levels, that answer to the people.He has been fortunate to spend two years in Japan, travel widely in Canada, and some in Mexico. Retirement has presented him the opportunity to pursue his writing interests. He has written editorials, blogs, been the guest on radio talk shows discussing political and social issues, and he has done several television interviews. He finds it frustrating that small groups of unelected elite put themselves in the role of ‘gods’ orchestrating life-and-death decisions affecting the people around the world. Such are the antagonist in his writings.He is a member of FanStory.com where some of his works are published under the pseudonym of Curtis Hatch. There he earned a five stars plus rating. He is a charter member of South Carolina American Christian Fiction Writers. An avid Science Fiction fan he uses the genre to present life lessons and warnings.

Book preview

To Sheron

I dedicate this book to my wife Sheron. Without her patience, encouragement, and understanding, it might not have been completed. She understood when I needed solitude and took the motor home to the lake for days. She read and commented on the story one chapter at a time, vowing with each not to read another until the initial manuscript was finished. I’m grateful she broke that vow; however, she has pledged not to read a word or discuss the sequel until she can have the first draft manuscript in its entirety. She stuck to her guns...she is now reading the sequel.

CHAPTER 1

In Antiquity

THE MALFUNCTION

The beauty and joy of a perfect spring day dominated the scene. Outside, children played while their parents reveled in the exquisite colors of the flora and the fresh aroma of the season. Some went to the lake fishing while others enjoyed riding their boats—then the gates of hell opened.

The communicator buzzed, and Raefell Nuggen answered. Yes?

Please, come to the Missile Control Center. A fault occurred in the computer of a Revenger Series Rocket. The fission warheads went active and started the Stage II countdown sixty minutes ago. Forty-nine hours remain on the clock, and no one here can regain control of the asset.

What do you mean? Did you contact the officer in charge?

General Bayne arrived a while back, sir.

Get back to me in an hour if they fail to fix the problem.

Yes, sir—I’ll notify you.

He reached for his book and tried without success to start where he left off. Stage II provides a fifty-hour window before launch. Plenty of time exists to correct the quandary, and they’re wrong about the arming of the payloads. With all the safety protocols in place, accidents like this can’t happen.

Later, the technician made another call. The timer now reflects forty-seven hours, fifty minutes and counting.

Let me speak with the general.

Hello, sir.

"What in the hell is happening? Did you assign the right people to work through the problem?

Yes, and they’re in a frenzy trying to resolve the dilemma. The Head of the CDC is here, and he’s at a total loss.

Unplug the damned computer—that’ll stop the bloody thing.

No, the computer in the Missile Control Center is reading and reporting what’s happening onboard the Revenger, and informing us the progress of the time sequence.

The rocket armed its warheads and started the process on its own?

Yes, sir. Part of the emergency protocol prompts preparing itself and starting the countdown if the system detects an attack on a silo or the control center. At this point, the committed computer thinks a war began and initiated the program to carry out its mission, rejecting all attempts at shutdown. With each attempt we make, a fresh firewall is activated. So far, ten new one exist.

At what altitude can the payload be destroyed?

"A red light flashing on the console states ‘THE SELF DESTRUCT COMMAND IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE.’ "

Who are the others in the control center with you?

The supreme chancellor, the department head of computer systems at the university, his honor students working on their doctorate, the colonel responsible for the program, and their staffs are here. Some of the smartest minds on the planet are on site. The professor and his group are building a simulator with which to run different scenarios, the general said, his tone disguised his fear.

Send someone in and disarm the rocket and bombs by hand

"The containment complex locks down in case of war. All access doors and the cover panels at the top are programmed to close and lock. They will open ten minutes before launch.

Tell me the status now?

The clock reads zero minus forty-six hours.

General, keep me informed, and solve the damn problem. He stood holding his book. In a rage, he hurled the pages across the room. He paced, stopping on occasion to stare out the window of his twentieth floor condominium. The beautiful valley below and the pristine lake with its tributaries failed to ease the queasiness in his stomach.

The general, chancellor, and their aides went into a private meeting at zero minus thirty hours.

In the event the rocket launches, Atlant will retaliate and initiate a counter offensive. The next world war will begin, said the supreme, with perspiration streaming down his pudgy face.

After much deliberation, they made a dreadful decision. Should the countdown reach zero minus five hours, they would elevate the rest of the Revenger fleet to Stage I, or launch on demand with the push of a single red button in the control room. The responsibility rested with the chancellor to scan his Personal Identification Chip (PIC) and press the switch. Alone, he controlled the fate of the missiles, and his identity required positive verification. The discussion progressed, and the decision evolved not to inform them of the malfunctioning rocket. With the initial dispatch, the remaining arsenal would be armed and activated for an unprovoked attack as a defensive measure.

General, brief me on the military strength of our adversary. How much of an assault can they initiate? he asked.

The Intelligence Bureau assures me we’ve twice as many Revenges, not considering our Interceptor Series Rockets, which will neutralize each of their incoming. None of their bombs should reach Okera’s mainland. Furthermore, a missile is assigned to all their airfields. In the event a few aircraft do get off the ground, our air force will intercept them over the ocean—their fighters are no match for ours.

The discussions took place on the planet Nibiru located in a solar system within the Pegasea Galaxy.

My confidence is reinforced, he said. The next question—should we alert our people?

The knowledge will lead to riots and looting if we notify them. The risk is minimal, said the general. We need to make them aware after the fact.

All present reached a unanimous resolution.

The network signals were scrambled to prevent the media from learning of the decision.

The restless group sat around the meeting room hoping for good news. With abruptness, the door swung open, banged against the wall, and a messenger rushed in and said, With six and a half hours left on the countdown clock, the harbinger of death launched ahead of schedule.

Those in the control room froze with fear as the ground vibrated beneath their feet."

Gramps considered continuing, but after some thought, he decided to tell Kia the rest later. The test didn’t cover more, and neither would he. Memories of the past filled his mind. The environment of the planet went critical...

Now is the middle of winter, and Nibiru is at its most distant point from the sun. The temperature outside is a lethal -40F.

The fourth and outermost of the solar system, the sphere follows an elliptical orbit at the far end of an arm in the spiral galaxy of Pegasea. Six months hence, the star will be at its closest. The heat will be difficult to bear. A Nibirean year is three hundred seventy days, and each is twenty-three hours long.

To supplement the damaged layer of Mylur gas, a metal spraying program began after the Great War to enhance and contain the planet’s atmosphere. The bright metals, ground into a fine power, arrived in the stratosphere on small rockets. The brightness of the powder reflected away much of the ultraviolet and gamma radiation. The material, however, produced a minimal effect on the heat reflective properties of the planet. The practice continues to the present.

ABYDOS UNIVERSITY

In silence, Jadan sits flipping the corners of the pages of his book. World History fails to interest him, and he fights the boredom with quick glances of her sitting across from him.

Kia Nuggen possesses striking beauty. Tall, with a slender physique, long well shaped legs, rounded hips, and well-proportioned breasts amplify her loveliness. With pale blue eyes and blond, almost colorless, hair hanging halfway down her back, she radiates with light and flawless skin.

Dressed in an off-white long-sleeve shirt, burgundy vest, medium gray slacks with flared legs, he is mesmerized.

Brilliant in science and on track to become a Master Scholar, she stands out except in math. Genetics is her main interest.

The environment of Nibiru does not produce food safe to eat. All requires extraordinary separation to remove the harmful elements left over from the ancient conflict. Special facilities convert the fruits, vegetables, and animal products into the ten standard groups referenced as The Minnue. Each contains all the essential compounds required by the body for complete health. The items come in a variety of textures ranging from puree to firm and cover the palatable spectrum between bitter and sweet.

Through the genome, the scientific community works to develop plants and animals edible without factory intervention, and she studies hoping to make the breakthrough.

Athletic and aggressive, she competes on a regular basis at the sports center.

Waal-baal, the nation’s favorite sport, takes place in an enclosed court with four walls. The floor, ceiling, and bottom half of the back defines the area of play. The top five percent of competitors, or masters, includes Kia.

They met the previous term in math class and developed an immediate friendship. A university student gifted in mathematics, all facets of computers, data processing, and information control, Jadan excels.

Born on his parent’s government assigned farm, he grew up in a rural section of the Province of Sukish. Tall and muscular, his hands show evidence of hard manual labor. His bronze and smooth skin exhibits a small scar on his chin and a larger one on his right cheek. His hair shines light brown, and straight with blond highlights, long on top, cut above his ears with medium-length sideburns and short in the back. He wears neat but unpretentious clothing. Kia scans him in the long sleeved, caramel colored shirt with a banded collar and dark-brown slacks. She finds him handsome, charming, and charismatic.

His scholastic achievements were outstanding in primmar and academy. The fact exempts him from work or a roommate while attending the university, privileges rare for a Commonuer. His computer skills and understanding near genius, but one subject threatens to knock him off the path to Master Scholar.

She struggles with Micro Mathematics. He tutors her, which provides a way for them to spend time together. He finds her captivating. Furthermore, she excels in history, and he needs help.

Across from him, in deep concentration, she reads the chapters for tomorrow’s examination. The subject is interesting, but getting him through the class with a high grade presents a challenge. He is failing and turned off by what he considers the boring history of Nibiru.

She closes her book, and with a shove, knocks his into his lap. He glances up—she smiles and nods toward the door.

He returns the grin, and they begin to collect their belongings, put on their floor-length coats with hoods, and walk in silence out of the library.

They hurry across the frigid courtyard. Jadan gazes at her and asks, Do you think you can get me through World History?

Not a doubt, she says with confidence and a spacious smile. The real question—can you work a miracle and get me through Micro Mathematics?

He chuckles. You bet I can.

They enter the Student Social, and she pours a steaming cup of Kava for each, to counter the bone-chilling cold of the day. They find a table in a quiet and secluded corner and put their books and cups down.

While opening her book, she remembers the stories of her grandfather. She begins with an overview. In the distant past, the planet became a developed and industrialized world. The two major continents reveled in well-defined democratic societies, and the governments ruled with representatives and leaders elected by the people. Okera embraced two political parties, and Atlant claimed three. Each controlled a strong military for protection against the other. The leadership used fear of immanent attack to strengthen their control over the people. Bureaucrats believed panic to be the best way to convince the general populace of their necessity. After pausing to sip her drink, she says, Rivalry between the two became extreme as each attempted to monopolize the majority of the world’s critical resources. The intense rivalries led to a military race so fierce the entire world bordered on disaster. Ancient Nibiru went to war. With fission bombs launched by both sides, all life on the continent of Atlant perished as did vital parts of Okera.

The history of the planet reads like a horror story and he, a compassionate and low-keyed individual, chose to block the facts from his memory.

They vaporized everything for many kilometers and poisoned the soil and water. For thousands of years, the impact lasted, he says in a disinterested almost sarcastic voice.

Yes. For decades, all life on the planet hovered on the brink of extinction.

How would intelligent, civilized beings initiate so much destruction against others?

The disaster happened by an electronic mishap.

An accident?

Yes. In the race for military supremacy, safety protocols became relaxed, and an electrical short...

What the history books say makes me suspicious, I think more details exist.

Perhaps, but we need to stick to the official text, since tomorrow’s exam will cover the data.

After several hours of intense study, he glances at her and says, My brain’s sizzling. I think we should stop for today.

Okay, I think you’re right. You understand the information pretty well. Let’s meet back here in the morning one hour before the test, for a final run through.

Super...

The two put their books together and slip into their coats.

May I walk you to your room?

Yes, you can.

They hurry across the frigid courtyard to her quarters and arrive at her door. With humility, he says, Thank you so much. How will I get through this without you?

I don’t want you to find out. She fumbles through her bag searching for her keys. She finds them and stands shuffling them in her hands and staring up at him.

Jadan, a head taller than she, bends over and kisses her on the cheek. An affectionate rush runs through his body. Her skin is smooth and warm—she projects a wonderful aroma. Something is special about Kia. She stimulates feelings of passion, and excitement he never experienced, nor does he understand. He is unsure what to do. He wants to hold her in his arms and kiss her lips, but he lacks the courage. She unlocks the door and steps inside. You’ll do fine—sleep well so you’ll be fresh tomorrow—goodnight, she says as she closes the door."

Goodnight. His tone is soft. He stands looking at the closed door, not wanting the day to end. Loneliness washes over him as he turns and walks toward his quarters.

As he trudges through the cold, he thinks of the closeness, and the sensations, when he kissed her cheek. He tries to imagine a kiss on the lips, and a passionate, warm embrace. Uncertainty arises—no one stirs his emotions like she. Concentration on scholastic matters is more difficult when they are together.

She undresses and steps into the ionic shower. With the warmth soothing every part of her body, she reflects on the moment—his kiss upon her cheek—the warming passions so close. A special friendship exists between them, but Jadan revealed his feelings for the first time, and she was surprised.

Kia fails to realize the length of time under the shower until the hot ion allocation begins to run low. She steps out, drying herself with haste. She wraps the towel around her head and gets into her nightclothes, dries her hair, and climbs into bed. The air within the room is cool.

Her mind races about things other than tomorrow’s exam. A longing—a hunger—a fullness—yet emptiness… she does not understand. Confusion rules the moment.

THE BOARDROOM AT LEEBEAR MANUFACTURING COMPANY

What in hell’s happening to The Dome Project? The report I received this morning defines a disaster, the new supreme chancellor says with scorn. Bhril, I hope you brought the necessary information and personnel to address my concerns.

The Integrity Party now rules being one of the two parties running the government. A small majority decided the recent elections.

Sir, I received the report you reference this morning, and I need adequate time to research the details. Furthermore, several key members of my staff are at The Dome now. A recall went out, and they’re to be back for a meeting in my office in the morning.

You damn well better find out what’s going on. I plan to visit the day-after tomorrow, and please—no lame excuses or vague explanations. Specifics and action plans are what I expect—get the situation back on schedule soon. Do I make myself clear?

Yes sir, but I believe you’re overreacting to a few technical issues, he says in a calm voice. Let’s not make this a political waal-baal.

This issue cost your party the victory. We intend to correct the problems and get the project back on schedule.

As they leave the room, he turns to his head assistant and says, I’m afraid this is going to get bad. I believe the chancellor’s after my head.

A common practice, incoming supreme chancellors replace senior officials of the opposing party. Changing the management of The Dome Project would, however, lead to serious ramifications. Jerka wants credit for the success of the enterprise, but he needs a place to put the blame if the job fails.

Over the past three hundred days, Bhril engrossed himself in the politics of the time. He chose to leave the details of The Dome Project to his second-in-command and long-time friend, Betta Kahnn, who neglected his tasks because of personal distractions.

STUDENT SOCIAL

He runs into the Student Social. He overslept and arrives late for their pre-test review. She is sitting alone in a booth wearing a frown.

As he walks up, she says, When I told you to sleep well, I didn’t mean this.

I forgot to set my computer to wake me. Someone dropped something heavy in the hall outside my door—well—I’d still be asleep if he didn’t. Will you forgive me?

Alright, sit down, and we’ll review how much you remember from yesterday.

He finishes his exam and leaves the room. She waits for him in the corridor.

Well—how’d you do?

Okay, I think. Some of the wording left room for confusion—

The professor made them vague.

You’re right—now let’s go to the Student Social and study for tomorrow’s math test.

THE ARTICLES OF RULING AUTHORITY

"Jadan, the Articles of Ruling Authority will be included in the next history quiz. We should discuss them since they’re such an intricate part of life. Referred to as The Articles, they spell out the dos and don’ts of life," Kia says.

An interesting discussion when many of them aren’t applied with equity to all classes.

Perhaps, but let’s get familiar with them. I want you to make another high score on the test covering them. At birth, each child receives a Personal Identification Chip (PIC) placed beneath the skin at the top of the left wrist...

The Government, designated The Socio-Equal Order, alleges to be a true democracy. The people vote for officials in general elections.

Once elected, they serve for a specified time, term limits exist, and the time in office varies by the importance with the more powerful offices having fewer and shorter terms. The bureaucracy plays an intrusive role in the lives of the people.

All citizens must perform constructive work for which they earn script points (electronic currency) with which to buy goods and services. Each account resides in the Central Data Computer (CDC) located within The Dome Project, and stores, controls, and administers all official documentation. A network of satellite computers, named The Spider, spreads throughout the continent and all transmitted information uses encryption protocols. Three serve as backups for all transactions. Should the CDC fail, one of the three will assume its place.

PIC readers transfer script points from one account to another when purchases of goods or services take place. As a result, all businesses connect to the Central Data Computer. A device scans the individual’s information and displays the details about the transaction on a screen. The buyer places his or her left thumb on the print reader to signify acceptance of the action. Afterward, the activity is completed and script points move at once. The autocratic government controls the process with rigidity... NO CHIP, NO GOODS, OR SERVICES.

CHAPTER 2

The NEX

Four styles of housing exist—one type for each pay tier (PT). Except for colors chosen by the occupants, duplicated structures abound. Unified couples and Master Scholars can occupy houses. Singles must live in high-rise condominiums.

Location makes some more desirable and increases the value. Trade, or barter for living accommodations may transpire with the agreement of the parties, but selling outright defies the law. The policy ensures no homeless on Nibiru.

Everyone earns the same script points in a given PT. PTI consists of manual laborers, those failing to get an undergraduate degree, and working students. PTII includes university undergraduates. PTIII is for Master Scholars, and many in academia, and PTIV incorporates high-ranking government officials and industrial managers.

All must attend a school offering advanced degrees, and the bureaucrats assign jobs to those who do not pass. This group performs most of the less desirable labor. Graduates get a pick of two career paths, and those who complete a degree with exceptional grades, dubbed Master Scholars, receive a selection of four professions and a choice of available housing.

Vocations commit one for life. Each vocation features many levels and opportunities for promotion.

Uninhabitable and taboo the continent of Atlant augurs death, and less than half of Okera supports life. To enter the forbidden fifty plus percent, identified as the Hell Zone, carries severe penalties up to and including public execution. The territory contains contagious and incurable diseases, which threaten the population. Diagnosis of such a disease guarantees immediate euthanasia and cremation. The statute provides a clandestine and often used means for eliminating political dissidents.

Within the government, the social order, and academia exists a secret society, the NEX, part of the Annunaki. A genetic marker differentiates the class, and the gene and others contribute to the distinctive appearance and perceived intellect of pure Bloods. The Commonuers make up the other race, and the Blendeds represent a mixture of the two. By all visual appearances, the Annunaki and the NEX share with the rest of society on an equal basis.

On the surface, all appears tranquil, but the influence of the secret order runs deep. Government control and abuse of authority are rampant. More of the population recognizes the fact, and a growing unrest exists—and an ever-increasing number wants more power and direction from the people.

THE DOME PROJECT

A program thrives in the Hell Zone. The undertaking, named The Dome Project consists of the building of an enclosed city to save the public from disaster, if the powder-spraying effort fails. Security of the site demands exceptional diligence. Entrance requires a special pass approved by Ravi Joanz, Director of the Ministry of Law and Order. Bureaucrats control all aspects of the venture.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND SCIENCE

Dr. Kizziah Jayne (Dr. Kizzie or Kizzie) sits behind her desk reading one of the numerous reports from her in basket. She received a promotion to Director of the Ministry of Health and Science following the sudden and unexpected death of Dr. Zea. She soon learns, as Deputy Director of Scientific Research, he withheld much of the agency’s business from her. A bit overwhelmed, her curiosity peaks over the secrecy of the agency.

The most pressing issue, climate control, rises to the top of her priority list. The Great War did major damage to the environment, and after many millennia, the planet struggles to recover.

At midday, she will conduct her first staff meeting, and direct reports will give a concise overview of their group’s activities. She plans individual meetings to follow. The Department of Astronomical Affairs remains of particular interest to her. To the deputy director, the information remained classified with no access to the department’s agenda.

A tense atmosphere prevails in the staff meeting. Her attempts to disarm the situation fail. I can’t imagine what causes so much tension. They are my peers and some of them close friends, but now they treat me like a stranger.

Perhaps a better understanding will emerge in my individual meetings in the coming days, but now, she needs to prepare. She accepted an invitation to give a lecture to the Science Club at the university tomorrow evening.

MASTA BHRIL’S OFFICE/CONFERENCE ROOM

A somber mood prevails as the attendees gather in the main conference room connected to Masta Bhril’s office.

Bhril enters, the buzz of the participants’ ends, and an eerie silence falls over the room. They sit around a long oval table where the lone empty chair rests at the head. He opens his attaché, takes out his electronic tablet, and sits. He turns around and flips on the microphone and video switches located along the wall behind him.

This meeting is being recorded. Kahnn, let’s get this fiasco under way. Tell me the problems, which threaten the completion date? I also want to understand your plans for getting the job back on schedule.

He gets up and moves to the podium and electronic display board at the opposite end of the room. He begins to give a long and detailed explanation of the status of The Dome Project.

Soon, Bhril stops him. Kahnn—name the top three obstacles threatening the job? Be short, concise, and to the point, starting with the most severe.

The major problem remains information loss, and since the malfunction, we’ve been unable to retrieve about two-thirds of the plan data from the engineering computer. The second problem— is a failure of the translucent material of The Dome’s outer shell. In conclusion, the MagnaTranz taking people and supplies to the job site crashed into an oncoming train. Thirty-five people died, and another fifty sustained serious injuries. A section of track suffered destruction along with building materials and the surrounding structure.

Damn—things are bad when an accident killing people is the third priority. At what time did the loss of program information occur, and when will the backup files be activated?

The data disappeared fourteen days ago and—

"Too much time and the backups didn’t get installed. Why did they not get loaded the next day at the latest? Is another problem prevalent?

Well the link between the engineering computer at the job site and the one through the CDC to the backup computers in The Spider malfunctioned. We are almost certain the information hasn’t been lost—but remains in the network somewhere. Up to now, no one can determine where the data went.

Who’s heading up the recovery, and what’s the target end date?

The onsite manager assigned someone to head up the recovery. He hasn’t given us a time frame yet.

Bhril’s face gets hot and flushed. He is fighting a conflict of emotions. His anger is about to make him lose his composure, but he recalls his confrontation with the chancellor. How did he find out about the problems before my staff informed me? This breach of protocol should not happen. He recognizes a major problem in his organization, and no reasonable solutions are presenting themselves. Mr. Kahnn, you’re now responsible and accountable for the data loss issue. A briefing on the status will take place in my office every morning until the debacle is resolved. I want a detailed time line for completion with benchmarks. Now to challenge number two...

Hairline cracks are appearing in the translucent dome panels of the outer shell. The program engineer thinks gamma radiation is causing the formula to become too brittle. He’s discussed the predicament with the supplier but, to date, no cause or solution exists. Production of the base compound is halted until a correction is found.

The failures appeared when?

Twenty-one days…

Mr. Kahnn, are you prepared to give this meeting a full update on the material situation?

Not in detail. I’m not familiar with the details about the problem and status. The Procurement and Engineering Departments are working toward resolution.

The fact appears to me no one’s responsible or committed to solving the problems. Explain what happened to cause the train wreck. Who’s assigned, and when will the tracks be repaired? How soon will the MagnaTranz start moving to and from the job site? The project is at a standstill. His tone is sarcastic and angry.

An eerie quiet fills the room.

The meeting is going nowhere, so Bhril leaves the room slamming the door behind him.

Silence dominates and all eyes turn to Kahnn.

The blood drains from his face. A knot returns to his stomach as he walks back to his chair. Several of you let me down. I’ll notify each of you when to meet with me in my office. This meeting’s over. He leaves the room, and the door remains open.

The others gather their belongings. The group disperses as a low buzz of chatter breaks the silence.

FACULTY LOUNGE AT ABYDOS UNIVERSITY

Dr. Eath Marshon, head of the Computer and Data Processing Department pours Kava for Dr. Bilden, head of the Engineering and Architectural Department.

An unusual visitor stopped by this morning. Mr. Nedlib, an assistant to Masta Bhril, came by to visit with me. I believe serious issues exist at The Dome Project.

I overheard a few stories, Marshon says. Did he give you any indication what the problems might be?

Well, he eluded me, but he asked a lot of questions about the interface of the CDC with The Spider and the engineering information on the computer. He asked about things I couldn’t answer. I asked him if he talked with you, and he said no. He can’t maneuver the bureaucracy well.

Now I understand who he is and why he called my secretary to set up a meeting for tomorrow. Can you tell me more about his visit?

I uuh—surmise they experienced a major system malfunction and can’t find a lot of engineering and construction data. I’m speculating. He talked in riddles and what ifs, but I think they lost most of the project information, and everyone is panicking

A serious problem shouldn’t exist, since all data’s backed up in The Spider.

Well, with his intensity, I think something went all wrong. I asked him for details of what he needed, but he offered vague innuendos. He’s under a lot of pressure. He did mention a meeting between the new supreme chancellor and Masta Bhril. The chancellor’s asking difficult and pointed questions.

I overheard rumors about the problems, but everything seemed to take a back seat to the elections. With the job site in trouble, he faces a real political problem since he promised the people the project will be completed on schedule.

His Kava finished, Dr. Bilden stands. My wife and I are having guests for dinner. I don’t need to be late. He walks away, stops and turns. You’ll tell about your meeting with Bhril’s man, won’t you?

Of course, meet me here at the same time tomorrow.

Marshon finishes his beverage, puts on his coat, and leaves with haste down the hall toward the MagnaTranz stop. He rounds a corner, deep in thought, not watching where he’s going, and his left shoulder bumps someone going in the opposite direction. The jolt brings him out of his trance, and he turns to apologize.

Well, Kizzie, I hope I didn’t hurt you, he says in a surprised and sheepish tone. I guess I need to pay more attention. I last talked to you when you graduated—how’ve you been?

Dr. Kizziah Jayne ranked as one of his best students, but he last met her when she graduated from the university several years ago.

I understand congratulations are in order.

Perhaps condolences might be more appropriate. I’m pleased to meet up with you again.

Whatever brings you to my part of the world?

I’m the keynote speaker at the Science Club meeting this evening.

Hmm—I’m free. Do you mind if I come along?

The honor is mine.

Can you spare time for a hot Kava before you speak?

I think so.

They get their beverages and sit. You earned your doctorate since we last conversed. Congratulations—you must tell me about your new job—sounds exciting.

I’m not sure you chose the right word. The tension at my first staff meeting, earlier in the day concerns me. I believe underlying issues exist of a major magnitude. Tomorrow I’ll start individual meetings with my department heads. I should be able to flush out the problems.

BETTA KAHNN’S OFFICE

With the door closed, Kahnn walks around his desk reflecting on the meeting. He and Bhril remained close friends since university days. Their friendship always allowed him invulnerability in his position. Now the relationship is sour. He humiliated me in front of my peers and subordinates. All the job security of the past is gone. I will pull myself together and formulate a plan to get out of this mess after I make a call.

He takes his communicator and punches the button for a preprogrammed number. Listen, I can’t meet you tonight. Things are bad in The Dome, and Bhril’s back and demanding explanations first thing tomorrow. I’m going to be at the office all evening. I’m sorry, but our plans must be postponed.

The female voice asks, Betta, when will I be with you again?

Perhaps in a few days. He’s in a foul mood.

I want to meet soon.

Yes, so do I. I must go and take this incoming call.

He pushes a few buttons.

Hello, I need to talk to you. An emergency flared up, and I’ll be at the office all evening.

Dinner is ready. Would you like me to bring you some food and a bottle of fresh Kava? Teska asks.

No. Don’t bring the children out this late. I’ll get something from the machines in the canteen. I must go now. I’ll call you tomorrow.

You should come home, eat, and at least sleep for a couple of hours.

I’ll catch a short nap on the sofa.

I love you.

I love you too.

DR. MARSHON’S OFFICE THE FOLLOWING DAY

Someone knocks, and the door opens. The doctor’s secretary steps in. Your appointment is here. She moves aside, and the man enters.

He rises from his chair and extends his hand to the stranger. I’m Dr. Eath Marshon.

My name’s Nedlib and I am an assistant to Masta Bhril.

Be seated, sir. How can I be of assistance?

I understand you’re the department head of the School of Computer and Data Processing. We’ve a problem with some of the engineering programs at The Dome Project. A large amount of construction documentation went missing.

Did something happen to the transfer to the Spider and the remotes?

Answer the question and you’re a hero. The input vanished from the computer and never arrived at the backups. Most of the people believe the data’s still in the system, but for the past fifteen days, no one can determine where. Bhril believes the project needs a fresh set of eyes. He insists you form and head a team of your best faculty and students.

Hmm, give me some time to do a little research and consider the problem.

He demanded I get your commitment now, and he requires you at the site first thing tomorrow with your group. He needs you to start with the engineering computer.

Well, I can’t make miracles happen. We’re at mid-term, and I can’t spare any of my staff. I might be able to give some of my time, but their place is here with the undergraduates. I’ll call them together and get their recommendations for five academics to be on the task force. I’ll select two of my people to act as advisors, but they’ll serve no other role and must remain here.

You mustn’t disclose the purpose to anyone who’s not part of the team. This is a classified and sensitive matter. You, your staff, and students must take an oath of secrecy, and all must pass thorough background checks. Details about the task must not become public knowledge. The supreme chancellor will be at the job site tomorrow afternoon. Masta Bhril must get your guarantee by morning. Form your team as soon as possible and I’ll need the names first thing so the security documentation can begin.

I’ll get my staff together later today and tell them some computer bugs surfaced needing some fresh eyes and minds.

He starts to leave, but Nedlib turns. I can’t overemphasize the importance of this project. Absolute privacy must be maintained.

Dr. Marshon calls his secretary. I need to meet with my staff in the conference room in two hours. This is important. Tell them the meeting’s mandatory and please be on time.

He leans back in his chair, with his hands clasp behind his head and ponders.

Soon the last faculty member enters the room, and he closes the door. His tall, slender stature dominates the room. His pale blue eyes scan the group. This is going to be short and to point. Some serious glitches exist within The Spider. I agreed to head a team to find the problems. I need you to consider who the brightest, most intuitive, trustworthy, and hard-working students are in your classes. I’ll write the names on the screen, and we’ll discuss the merits of everyone. Each proposed must be in the last term before graduation. From the list, we’ll eliminate until we’re down to the final five. I’ll start with Jadan Kanzz.

Soon, fifteen candidates are listed.

Now comes the hard part. Any of these would be an asset to the project. We must melt the choices down to the goal, and we’ll decide who’s best qualified to be the team leader.

The target is reached after much discussion—three boys and two girls. A check shows by Jadan Kanzz.

Dr. Marshon dismisses the faculty, goes into his office, and dials his secretary. I need you to query the computer and find the five students whose names are on the screen. I need to meet with all in my conference room after the last class today. The name with the check, I want here about thirty minutes ahead of the others.

He pushes buttons on his desk communicator. "Well, Bilden, my meeting took place with Nedlib, and data loss from the engineering computer is real. The situation must be serious because the project’s classified Need to Know. I suspect before this is finished, you’ll be involved, but I can’t tell you anymore at this time. I’m going to be away for several days. Let’s meet for Kava when I return. The doctor listens. Okay. I’ll tell you all I learned. Keep your ears open...right...okay, good-bye."

Dr. Marshon goes into the conference room and sits at the head of the table. He is reviewing his outline when