Marcus Markley II: Expansion!

By J.A. Green

Marcus Markley II: Expansion!, Is the second installment of the adventures of Marcus and his leadership team. The enterprises expand into new frontiers both on Earth and abroad. As the enterprises expand so does the reputation of Marcus and the companies. Marcus finds himself in more dangerous situations. The UBIQUITOUS Teams find themselves in new situations that will challenge and excite you.

Join Marcus, Katrina, Franco, and the team as they experience the ever-changing dynamics in the world of Marcus Markley. The adventure continues beyond the boundaries of the known world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: J.A. Green
• Release date: Apr 15, 2016
• ISBN: 9781310090332

J.A. Green

J. A. Green is an author of fiction writings in the suspense and action genres. The style of J. A. Green's writings are an easy reading often using short chapters for busy readers. He has enjoyed creative writing since his teen years (a long time ago, in a state far away). He hopes you will enjoy all his works as much as he enjoyed bringing them to you. J. A. Green is the author of the: Marcus Markley series, Passages, The Coliseum Games, Deception!, and Battlecry!

Book preview

Dedication

To my truly amazing wife Sylvia who has supported me and put up with my 2 AM mornings so I could write.

To my incredible kids Jordan and Savannah that are growing up so fast. Thank you for loving Daddy, even when I am Grumpy, or Dopey, Happy, Sleepy, Sneezy, Bashful, or Doc…

Notice 1

All characters, events, and names are fictitious. Any resemblance, likeness, or similarities are purely coincidental.

Notice 2:

As the author of this book I have read and re-read the content multiple times. Heck, I wrote it. I have reviewed and edited this book into its current form. It is possible though that after so many read-throughs that there might be grammatical, syntax, or spelling errors. If you locate one, I sincerely apologize. I respectfully request that if you deem it worthy of correction that it truly detracts from the book, please send me an email with the error, the correction, and the page number and paragraph where this error is located. It would be much appreciated. Please send corrections to: [e-mail].

Thank you.

Jonathan Green

Marcus Markley: Expansion! 2nd ed. © 2016.

Chapter 1

The countdown proceeded. 7,6,5,4,3,2,1… Blast off! Mission Control we have blast off. The shuttle Markley Adventurer has left the pad on its maiden voyage. All systems are go! We are green across the board. Mission time 10 seconds, we are at 600 feet and climbing. Adventurer is headed to the moon via the Markley Space Station to begin colonization. May God bless this journey and these brave adventurers. Mission time 60 seconds, Adventurer has reach an altitude of 15,000 feet and climbing.

Adventurer, how is speed and trajectory? We are on course as planned. All systems are green. Forden is in the driver’s seat and has us on course. We will be at the space station in the next 60 minutes. Our commute should be much better than driving into Mission Control. Roger that Adventurer. You are looking good. At 5 minutes into the mission we have you at 70 miles above the Earth’s surface and climbing. We show speed at approximately 10,000 miles per hour. All life support systems report green. All engineering systems are green. Roger that Mission Control. We are on track. Trajectory looks good. We are putting distance between us and Earth. We should see the station in the next several minutes. We are beginning to line up for interception. Wright is preparing for docking.

Mission Control we can see the Markley Space Station. We are at Mission Time 54:30. We estimate docking and connection to the space station in the next five minutes as we align alongside and attach to the station docking bay. Adventurer is on track and on task. Roger that Adventurer. You are making history. Mission Control we are initiating docking sequence.

Mission Control, we have docked with Markley Space Station. We have a solid lock. We are flooding the docking tube with oxygen, for disembarking. Mission Time 59:38. We are on schedule. Roger that Adventurer. Stages 1 and 2 are nearly complete on this mission.

Mission control we have a solid air lock and are beginning to unload materials at the Markley Space Station. Adventurer, copy that. We have you unloading materials at Markley Space Station.

Chapter 2

Marcus Markley was standing in the back of Mission Control watching the whole trip unfold before his eyes. The shrewd multi-billionaire had committed a lot of resources to this venture. He was going to watch for opportunities that could assist him in recouping his investments. He began to tear up as Markley Adventurer had successfully left the launch pad at lift off. He was excited when the shuttle reached the Markley Space Station. He was laughing for joy and celebrating when the shuttle team began to unload the shuttle of supplies and equipment to the Space Station.

Dr William Horton, Director of the Mars Colonization Project along with Dr Jeanine Cisco Director of the Moon Colonization Project and their boss Dr. Edward Whitehead, the Executive Director of Markley Technologies Space Exploration Program or commonly referred to as Mar-Tec Space. All three were standing with Marcus in the back of Mission Control. All four had invested heavily in making this day a reality.

The Space Station would become a relay point for the future projects. The current team that just docked are bringing in fresh supplies and equipment for professional and personal development. The team currently serving on the station has been in place for about 3 months on this cycle. The Space Station was continuing to grow and expand from its initial phase 3 years ago. The station now had a team of 8 at any given time. The station could sleep 15 at this time. The next phase of expansion would not be completed until next year. Dr. Whitehead made extreme efforts to keep the Space Station growing. Markley Space Station One or MSS-1 is to be the main base for a network of space stations to be developed over the next 10 years. The relay station between Earth and Mars was nearing completion of its initial phase. The relay station had been launched about 8 months ago with a crew of 3 on six month cycles.

The shuttle would only be at the station for 24 hours before proceeding to its next stop, the Moon.

Chapter 3

John Forden was the shuttle commander and team leader for this phase of the colonization project. He had previously been with Rockwell Industries as an Astrophysicist. He had taught at Harvard while completing his PhD in Physics. He was a published author of several articles about colonization of life on other planets. He was a natural fit for this mission. His first priority was the safety and care of his team.

The team is pioneering something that has not been done before known to the science of man. They would be living on another planet. It sounded like something out of a science fiction novel. What the novels missed was how life came to those other planets. His team was like those that left the East coast to move west and settle the land when America was young. The team would be following a similar system of finding outposts and setting up basic infrastructure so other settlers could make the move with some degree of safety and resources.

The team was grabbing some sleep for the next few hours before the next phase of the mission started. The team would be proceeding to the surface of the moon where for a short time they would live onboard the Adventurer. The team was to build the first structures to be used as their base of operations.

Mission Control we have entered Adventurer and are preparing for departure. We are ready for our flight to the surface of the moon. Final systems check. All systems go.

John Forden was completing the final analysis of condition with Mission Control. Ashley Wright, shuttle driver was verifying systems. Duke Johnson, environmental scientists was updating his findings in the database while continuing his ongoing research, and Sarah Meyers, Analytics Officer was decoding some new applications to the life support systems the team would be using on the compound. All systems go, stated Forden. We have detachment from Markley Space Station. Our air lock is compromised and Adventurer is heading for the surface of the moon.

Chapter 4

The tall, slender figure slipped around the corner of the building into the dark alley. A pair of motorcyclists stopped in front of the building and dismounted their customized street bikes. The pair walked into the building. The figure watched from the shadows. The pair were talking to a man inside the building. The figure headed down the alley to a window that had been left unlocked in the back. The figure silently lifted the window and slipped inside in one swift move. The pair continued talking to the man in the front room. The figure quietly moved from the back room to a vantage point in the hall that had a clear view of the front room.

Carlos will be happy that you have decided to join us, stated the man. We are looking forward to this new relationship said one of the bikers. Tell Carlos that we will have the first shipment on Monday night. Excellent said Gustavo. The figure drew a powerful gun with a silencer as long as the barrel. Silently and carefully they took aim from the shadows. Monday will be fine. I will let Carlos know. In a split second, the three were laying in a pool of blood in the front room and the lights had gone dark. The bodies would not be found until the workmen came in the morning.

The figure slid out the back window as quickly and quietly as they had entered, leaving no fingerprints or disturbing any furniture. The figure stealthily ran down the alley and staying to the dark shadows made it down the empty street to a waiting car. The nondescript vehicle drove away never to be seen again.

Chapter 5

Katrina was up and on the beach at 4:00 a.m. As she was about a ¼ mile down the sand, she was joined by the beautiful and talented assistant of Thomas Phydeux, UBIQUITOUS’ Director. Sam or Samantha met Katrina as they continued down the beach.

How was your date with Frank last night asks Sam? Sam, you should know better than to ask me that. You know all personal relationships are to be kept confidential for fear of manipulation. Sam looked at Kat and began, I am sorry, I… Kat gave Sam a half smile. Sam, I am just playing with you. It was fun. After I got in last night, we went to The Cheesecake Factory in Marina Del Rey. He took me for a walk around the marina afterwards in the moonlight.

It sounds fun said Sam. How long have you been seeing each other now? Around 4 months. We met at that political fundraiser for what’s his name last spring. I was with you and Marcus that night. I met him at the open bar. I was getting a Café Cola and so was he. I found it rare that he also liked Café Cola slightly chilled with a slice of lime just like I do. I still think that was a setup, because he has not been seen drinking one since.

Doesn’t he do international sales asked Sam as they reached the turnaround point? He works for the Soda Factory, the company that makes Café Cola. He travels a lot as the V.P. for International Sales Carbonated beverages. I have found very little about him as I conduct my searches. He has a near perfect record. He had a few political run ins in college at University of Florida. He was in Special Operations with the Marines during the early 90’s. He says he is highly trained yet he cannot lay a finger on me.

Sam smiled, Is this your idea of foreplay, she asked? You are both trying to injure each other. If his record is so clean and he is so perfect, what does this mean, asked Sam? Kat looked at Sam, I would like for Alexandre and you to do me a favor. It has to be purely confidential. Sam smiled, as Thomas Phydeux’s personal aide she had the task of completing full investigations on any potential liabilities. If we find anything we will go from there. As a senior operative for UBIQUITOUS and lead trainer, you know I have full access to all files and potential threats right? Oh really! Do you now? As a co-operative and the Director’s right hand aide, and your best friend I guess that little detail never occurred to you. Sam smiled and burst out ahead of Kat. Katrina chased her for about 100 yards before catching her. They laughed the rest of the way back up the beach.

Chapter 6

Dr. Heinz Simmons, Operations Director for the Mars Space Station ran into Dr. Henry Johnson’s office. Johnson was the Research Director for the Mars Project. We have potentially found a gas that will permeate our colonization structure. The acidity is .3ppm or approximately 100 times more acidic than previous thought. According to our models if we come in contact with this indigenous gas while on the surface or in the Martian atmosphere, the ship and its crew could be destroyed in a manner of minutes.

Johnson turned to Simmons ad stated, very interesting. I will review the report. We have to get this project back on track. This issue is supposition. Get a team working on this issue and how to overcome it. We have deadlines coming that could jeopardize the program. A delay would be prohibitive. Focus on what needs to be done, not on assumptions.

Simmons dropped the report and returned to his section. Johnson looked at the report. He opened his desk drawer and dropped it in the bottom. He returned to his computer not thinking about the report again.

Chapter 7

The man walked into his outer office. Stacey his personal secretary was typing on the computer when he walked in. She immediately stopped. She stood up and said Good Morning Mr. Markley. Marcus smiled and said Good Morning Stacey. She asked How was your trip? I got home late last night. The trip was productive. Did you get the notes I sent? Yes Marcus, I have entered them into the database and placed them in your general business notes file by date as requested. Excellent Stacey! I will be leaving around 3 PM today. Please have the contracts drawn up for the Johannesburg project and on my desk for my review. Yes sir.

Stacey what is the latest on Adventurer? Sir, all progress reports as of 30 minutes ago are open and available on your desktop as requested. Your coffee is ready. The portfolio with your handwritten notes have been summarized, transcribed, entered and prepared in the daily report. Your schedule is ready to go. Excellent Stacey. I would be lost without you. I know, she said slyly. Stacey I appreciate all the hard work of you and our team, Thank you. Marcus walked into his office to start the day.

Chapter 8

John Forden piloted the shuttle words the designated location to land. The crew studied the terrain around what would be their base of operation for the next six, 12, in 18 months. Just ½ away a lead scientist for Mar-Tec Space studied the topography looking for possible abnormalities. Duke Johns examined at the location and studied the charts, photos, visuals of the plot while continuing to analyze the data is sending for any abnormalities that might prevent construction.

Forden gently set the shuttle down on the surface of the Moon. He shut down the main engines. Chief engineer Mark Smith established the solar panels for Energy Storage. The shuttle could recharge all batteries on a minimum of 4 hours of 24 hours of fuel use. This location averaged 14 hours of sunlight 28 days out of 30. The shuttle was also a house with ample radium energy sources to bridge any potential deficiencies. Additional sore batteries and radium batteries and fuel cells could be deployed if necessary.

The crew would live on the shuttles for the next 45 days if needed while the initial structures were constructed and completed. Forden noted the surface of the Moon according to the monitors was 50° F at this time. He found that very odd. The crew began to prepare for settling the foundation in which to build a Phase One.

Chapter 9

The woman walked into the hotel bar head held high. She wore a Black Power suit with an ivory camisole revealing her significant and ample assets of her young body. She sat down exuding nothing other than professionalism. When she sat she carefully crossed her long tan legs revealing more thigh and causing the two men sitting at the table to squirm just a bit. She leaned forward just a bit to shake hands with the two men. Her every move expertly coordinated.

Nicodemus Hassan or Nick to his friends and his associate, Darrin Jobs controlled large portions of the United States, UK, and Africa north including Turkey and Syria. Their drug and weapons businesses were quite lucrative.

Miss Walker it’s nice to meet you finally. I hope we can come to an agreement regarding our overlapping business and interests. The woman nodded, Mr. Hassan I hope so too. I respect the enterprise you have both built.

Miss Walker I am not used to dealing with such an assertive woman. I respect the business that you operate. In my home country this would never be allowed to happen. Your behavior is too forward for someone of your gender in my culture.

Miss Walker looked Nicodemus Hassan in the eyes and spoke in a slow, measured voice. Mr. Hassan I am not happy conducting business with you. Business is business. Our routes are crossing. This is causing too much suspicion with enforcement agencies and the authorities in the North, and Northwest states. Our routes out of Turkey are under constant surveillance. Protection costs have become prohibitive. It has become necessary for concessions to be made, smoothing out the rough edges.

The waiter brought a couple of strong Iced Teas. Hassan and Jobs drank the tea after the waiter poured. Ms. Walker enjoyed her Iced Coffee.

Hassan stated we can take care of the security in Egypt, Syria, and Kenya, as well as Turkey. In exchange I must ask a small concession of your removal of the heroin runs from Savannah to Parrot Bay. The woman adjusted in her seat, leaning forward accidentally and intentionally gently brushing her smooth legs against Hassan’s.

Now Mr. Hassan how is it that you can call off the dogs in such a large region? What you ask means millions annually out of our pockets. Why would I agree to such a heinous offer? Miss Walker, I do not think you understand the full gravity of the situation. We can have your African operations shut down in a single call. Be happy we do not shut you down completely. She looked him straight in the eye and replied. Oh, I am grateful. I am afraid I cannot accept your offer. I will suggest something else.

We will give up the Midwest northern section and roll our contacts to your operation. We will do this in exchange for free passage in Egypt, Syria, and Turkey. No! Why would I agree to that Hassan said laughing? Jobs started to laugh nervously. Jennifer sat quietly as she took a gentle set of her iced coffee. Mr. Hassan it is the best offer you will get. Miss Walker you are naïve and inexperienced. You have tried to intimidate me while trying to seduce me with your western provocative ways. Mr. Hassan and Mr. Jobs, there is an offer on the table. What will you do? She showed no emotions. The waiter refilled the drinks.

Hassan stated I can make one call and you’ll be out of business. Jennifer pulled a form out of her the portfolio and a votive candle. The offer has changed. You will sign over all operations of yours and Mr. Jobs to our operations in exchange for your life. Mr. Hassan and Mr. Jobs wiped off their sweaty foreheads. Why would we do that? Jennifer stated: You might make your mark or it will cost you your life. There is not much time. How dare you threaten us stated Nicodemus Hassan. What gives you the right? Jennifer looking them both in the eye. It is in your interest to sign and live or don’t and I get the property anyhow.

Hassan started to seize. Jobs began to foam at the mouth and vomit. Jennifer sat back and put a folder in her portfolio. She swept both their signet rings and necklaces off the men in the now deserted bar. Jennifer looked at the corpses of the men and said never mind. She stood up and walked out and climbed into the car Thornton had pulled up in after ditching the waiter’s uniform.

Chapter 10

Marcus pulled into the parking lot with his H1 open top. He ordered a number one combo meal period as he sat outside at the concrete table to look like any other patrons. The multi-billionaire sat eating his Double-Double and strawberry shake. Marcus reflected on his mother and father.

Marcus’s parents were killed when Marcus was 15. His father was a diplomat for the U.S. gov’t. They were successful real estate brokers in West Los Angeles. Marcus had been left the estate and his parents’ debt after their murder in Turkey. Marcus had after 15 years just last year caught and dealt with his parents’ murderers. Mark as had been trying to determine the next goal as to UBIQUITOUS and USURP for the past four months. Today he was thinking what would be the smart move and good business do with these opportunities?

Chapter 11

Forden read the construction planned as he sat in the driver’s seat of the shuttle that was now his office space. He reviewed the manuals yet once again. Sarah Lawrence lead scientist, was in her cubicle area. Joe I do not mind telling you I’m nervous as to building this structure on the moon’s surface. Joe looked at Sarah. The structure has been tested time and again in the Mar-Tec Moon lab. We have done this trial over and over.

What makes you nervous Joe? Yes we have tested over and over. The simulations are not the same as the real thing. We have never built on the moon and really cracked the surface. We're betting our lives and the lives of generations to come. Sarah, it is understood there is a big risk. This ship is our supply and emergency evacuation vehicle. If the structure fails we can return to the ship. John, I know all this in my head. We're making history. This is a great time and a huge advance for space colonization. I must learn to make peace with it. Sarah we must all be prepared for challenges. Mistakes can cost lives. I pray every night. So do I do. I pray often and every night.

Chapter 12

Phil Hendrix entered Markley Mine #1 Chile. As he rode in the mine cart down the main shaft, he thought back over this project that had started just a year ago. The joint venture in Chile and Argentina to mine a rich vein of radium. This project had proven successful on many levels. The radium was being mined for several different uses including the current moon colonization program through Mar-Tec Space. The radium was also powering several rural villages and communities throughout the world. The world was learning to not be so dependent on petroleum-based products.

Markley Mining had been developing the numerous resources that seemed to be a product of the vast Radium in the area. Phil had noticed the closer the crews drilled to the Radium, the greater the amount and size of precious gems. His top geologists and gemologists were studying the situation. Phil had his hypothesis of what was happening. He drove deeper into the mine to investigate the new claims he had heard.

A geology team had discovered caverns of extremely fertile soil that had been mined. The soil that had been excavated and brought to the surface had been thoroughly tested and verified. The soil was being stored now in 3 chambers that were miles long of gravel and stone. These chambers had proven useless until now. The previously removed soil was transferred in to large cleared pits for growing grounds. Phil was there to check on the program.

How is it going Raphael? Raphael Stevens was heading this growing project to attempt growing flowers, food, trees, fruit, vegetables, and pharmaceutical-based products using lights to imitate sunlight. Because of temperature 65 degrees and high humidity have allowed a very conducive growing environment. Growth had been incredible for the correct plant species.

Seedlings are growing at an expedited rate. The environment allows for accelerated growth as having the harsh realities of the external environment or nonexistent. The plants and trees grow faster and stronger with a more developed root system due to the rich fertile soil. The alkaline level in the soil and atmosphere from the walls create a sort of Bio-Dome for the elements, replied Raphael.

What are the processes of monitoring these compounds? At this point the test for proving fruitful. We want to validate the product quality before considering any human consumption. Confessionals are averaging about 20% larger by volume than that which is grown on the surface. We gather the air and soil are of a greater quality that this allows for the difference. This is truly good news.

Rafael what medical and pharmaceutical plant are we testing? How have they faired? Still, we have generated a simulated environment for growing the various herbs, plants and flowering plants are used for different pharmaceutical needs. The medical then is in a slightly modified state. We have a tunnel that has a greater humidity factor. We brought in a heat lamp to develop a more tropical environment. The fertile soil mixed with rock and sand to better aerate the root system as is recommended. Plants in their infancy and first generation are in development at this location. The findings are inclusive. We are continuing to study these projects. At the time we believe the plant will be successful. We continue to test different environments it's enhanced positions to maximize results. Rafael, that is a very good news. Our people will be very pleased to hear that.

Phil walked back to his cart. As he returned to the surface he began to think about the options available to the organization. He had a good idea of what Markley Enterprises would do. He began to make plans to increase excavation of the super-dirt. He would begin expanding the corollary tunnels to be mined then converted into growing rooms and laboratories for growing substances. As added dimension too many subprojects of the site have now proven itself fruitful. Phil began to formulate what he would tell Marcus.

Chapter 13

Phase one of the Markley main base on the quadrant of the lunar section 17B. The primary structure was complete. The final test of the systems checked out. The oxygen supply was operating to set parameters. All Markley structures have been tested based on data provided by the three major space agencies. Forden was still nervous, as was Johnston. Forden insisted on wearing his suit for the first week in the structure. Forded had maneuvered the shuttle to connect to the structure. He often worked in the driver's seat. Besides it was one of the most comfortable on the whole planet literally.

The crew was continuing to accommodate to the new surroundings. The bed chambers were installed and functioning. The mess hall was in full operation. You were assigned as to cleaning, maintenance, and food service. The research library was almost complete. The lander and the shuttle serve as the lab for the time being. Geological surveys all functioning. The geologists venture out a couple times between gathering more samples. We have ventured out farther and farther each time documenting the observations and experiments thoroughly. All in all his plans were going off as designed.

Forden was cautious. He was paid to be a risk taker, cautious to be sure his team was taken care of. He was in regular contact with Mar Tec Space. The next phase is almost ready for the launch appointment in the next few weeks. Yes, everything was going as scheduled.

Chapter 14

The Soda Factory corporate headquarters in Orlando Florida looked like a typical cookie-cutter corporate building in the upscale business park. The headquarters located near a shopping village of overpriced boutique, shops and dining with corporate housing well blended into the Master Planned Central Florida community.

Franco entered the side employee entrance of the building and entered the special access entry code. He gained entry into the subterranean levels of the complex. The contemporary executive looking facility was an entire network of tunnels if you had total access to it Several dozens of people had access to this unique facility The faculty was more than one of the most prestigious covert operations globally. Franco went into his office where he could complete most of his duties as the Executive Vice President of Global Operations Carbonated Beverages. On the surface this sounded like a glamorous position. Franco traveled a lot to often remote areas conducting extensive operations though carbonated beverages we're not usually his primary focus.

Franco logged into the secure laptop using his high-security encrypted data connection. Upon completion of this process, a red message light flashed on this toolbar. He had a message. Guts had contacted him.

Most likely he would be traveling again soon. He hit the flashing icon. A recorded message from his boss and operations director came up. Franco there is a situation in Peru, you have been selected to resolve. Complete and finite resolution is necessary and expected. Arrangements have been made. Please prepare through the attached documents in order to deploy immediately. Franco read the documents. He sent the messages to his secure mobile device the project material for study on his way to Peru.

After checking his other mail, shut down and left his office.

Did receive an e-mail from the Katrina. She was heading out on a project somewhere in the south near Australia in would be gone for a few weeks. Perfect, his girlfriend was traveling also. They become much closer over the past few months. He really liked Katrina. She lived in Southern California, he is in Central Florida. They both closely traveled around the globe, somehow meeting in unique destinations. They both have great jobs. Picked up and through a series of doors and tunnels accessed his condo not far from the offices. You finish packing his bag. You always God weekend will you workday and personal bag ready to go. You could quickly adapt for duration and terrain. A few minutes later he was driving a corporate vehicle to Orlando international airport on his way to Peru.

Chapter 15

Samantha sat in her cabana overlooking white sandy beach of Markley Island. The facility was the mega-training center for UBIQUITOUS. Sam was finishing up some reports for the director, Thomas Phydeux. Phydeux had arrived yesterday. He was completing his close combat training class today. Tomorrow was an administrative day at the Training Ctr., Thomas would then return home on the Markley jet

Katrina sat down across from Samantha. Katrina had been in class with Thomas. We finished about 30 minutes ago. Thomas should be out soon. Samantha, Katrina, and Thomas were good friends and teammates. They had been on many missions together over the years. Katrina was drinking a cold filtered water. She brought one for Samantha and Thomas as well. How was training? Pretty good. Thomas is getting old and slow. What do you expect for the executive pencil pusher? Samantha  smiled and said that may be but he is a hell of an operative. Hello Thomas, water? Samantha said. She turned to find her boss smiling about to pour a  cold water over her head.  He replied how did you know? Really Thomas, Katrina calls you a lot of names. Executive pencil pusher isn't one of them, Katrina replied sarcastically. Hey, you promised. They all laughed

Thomas, Katrina, and Samantha all sat at the