Escape 2 Earth 2012: Escape Two Earth

By Lawrence Johnson Sr

Alien warnings embedded in our crop circles have gone unnoticed, until now. Governments around the globe race against time to evacuate billions of inhabitants from the planet due to the discovery that Earth will be destroyed in the year 2012, a mere eight years away.
Where would we go? How would we get there? Who would be left behind? And why is one race of aliens plotting to keep us here?
These are just a few of the questions and obstacles faced on this galactic odyssey by our trio of heroes in Escape 2 Earth. Matt, Will, and Art are reluctantly drawn into an adventure by a secret alien organization that will unlock the mysteries of Stonehenge, the White Pyramid of China, the Mayan calendar, and the Great Sphinx in a scramble to help save the human race.
This epic quest for Earth's survival takes you from the powdery pink morning skies on the planet Lazon to the subterranean cities under planet Vada and the Whistling forest.
The battle between good and evil that began long ago in a far off galaxy is now being played out with the survival of mankind at stake. This sci-fi story is laced with a touch of telepathy, deception, and a murder or two. Discover the hidden alien base deep in the dark murky depths of the Marinas Trench, watch as the aliens prepare to celebrate at the Festival of Life. Who will survive the race to escape this doomed planet? It is anybody's guess. Who will Escape to Earth?

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Apr 11, 2006
• ISBN: 9780595833184

Lawrence Johnson Sr

While growing up in Philadelphia I have always been drawn to the world of science fiction. After trying my hand at greeting cards and short stories I felt ready to full fill my goal of writing a sci-fi novel.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

SIGNS OF LIFE

Matt watched quietly as the shadow of the helicopter danced along the backdrop of the fields below. The gentle August breeze swayed the golden carpet of wheat back and forth as the chopper passed overhead. Will sat just a few feet away from Matt but was totally oblivious to the scenery outside the window.

Will is an oldies fanatic, to be more accurate a Motown Oldies fanatic. His collection of records and CD’s would make Berry Gordy jealous. If you listen closely, you could hear the faint sounds of The Supremes singing Baby Love through Will’s headphones as he sat with his head back, and eyes closed just taking in the music.

Twenty minutes later right in the middle of Martha and the Vandellas Heat Wave Matt gave Will a nudge. It’s show time. Matt said as he pointed at the enormous crop circle dead ahead.

Will removed the headphones, adjusted his sunglasses and the two men sprang into action grabbing their cameras and starting to angle for position to get the best shots. It was obvious that the two were used to working together by the way they moved about the aircraft, passing each other lenses, rolls of film and various other pieces of photo equipment with hardly a word exchanged between them.

The difference in their appearance was like night and day. Matt was an average clean shaving guy with medium length blonde hair, Will was an

African American who was quite proud of the fact that he had not shaved his

mustache since his days in the military. After a few helicopter passes over the football field-sized crop circle Matt motioned for the pilot to land.

Will was a few inches taller than Matt, standing at 6’1 he looked down at his friend as they walked toward the massive circle and said, You know it does not have to end today, you still have time to change your mind.

Matt had decided to call it quits. It was a bittersweet ending to a six-year working relationship. Sweet because they had just signed another book deal with a major publishing company, the largest deal they have ever had. Bitter, because it would be their last.

Come on Will, what’s the big deal? It’s not as if you need the cash. The money you made in the 90’s from those tech stocks alone should hold you until you find a new partner, not to mention your half of the book money.

Matt was not even close, Will’s motivation was not the money but the adventure of travel and a chance to hang with his old Army buddy and best friend.

New partner! Will snapped back. I don’t need a new partner there’s nothing wrong with the one I got.

When they reached the crop circle, it was back to business. They were the first to arrive. The intricate patterns within the crop circle were in pristine condition. They spent hours taking pictures, notes, measurements and interviewing the owners of the farm. When they were satisfied with the information they had gathered they headed back to the airport and home.

Will was unusually quiet on the flight home. Matt attempted to broach the subject of retirement. I need to spend more time at home with Sara, he said hoping to garner some sympathy from Will. You know, settle down, have a few kids, and become a real family man. I have been promising her for years and you know we aren’t getting any younger.

Will sat in silence while Matt continued. You’re not the one who has to listen to the endless stories about her biological clock. Anyway, I have already accepted the position at America’s Pulse Magazine. I start the first of the year when old man Nelson retires.

Will shook his head from side to side and sniggered. You will be bored to tears within a month and you know I am right.

Matt decided to ignore Will’s comment and continued. Sara and I are going to take a long overdue vacation. I’m going to sip a couple dozen yellowbirds, eat some conch fritters, listen to some steel drum music and have lots of sex. He turned to Will and smiled. One day you are going to get married and then you will finally understand.

Will laughed aloud. Not me brother, he said with a wave of the hand. He put on his headphones, lowered his seat back, and closed his eyes. End of conversation.

Autumn had given way to winter and the leaves had fallen from the trees. Matt and Sara returned from their vacation weeks ago, Matt and Will were just wrapping up a successful book signing tour. Sales of their latest Crop Circle book had exceeded the expectations of the publishing company and the pressure was on their agent to get the duo to shoot another book in the spring.

Felix was not the kind of man to take no for an answer. He was a short stubby guy whose suits always looked as if he had slept in them. However, looks can be deceiving. Felix was as crafty as they come. He brokered all three-book deals for Matt and Will, and he was gunning for number four. Felix invited them to the publishing companies’ Christmas Party. Matt was reluctant but Felix badgered Matt until he agreed to show.

It was a very cold night in D.C and it had begun to snow. When Matt arrived at the party, Will was already there. He could tell by the look on Matt’s face that he would rather be anywhere but there.

Come on Matt loosen up, this is supposed to be a party not a wake. Come on, let’s get a couple of drinks and mingle. Matt decided not to be a party pooper now that he was there.

Will ordered a scotch and Matt a Heineken. Practically, everyone there were writers or worked in publishing. No one there seemed interested in photographers or crop circles, no one except Arthur that is. Arthur was a small dark haired man; he sat alone looking out the window at the falling snow.

These seats taken? Will asked.

Arthur looked up from the rims of his glasses and said, No, be my guest.

Hi, I’m Matt, and this is my buddy and business partner Will. The men introduced themselves.

I am Arthur, Arthur Collins. He said as he extended his hand to shake Matt’s hand. Are you two writers?

Afraid not said Will. We are just photographers. We did have a book published a few months ago though. How about you Arthur, you a writer?

No, no said Arthur shaking his head. I am a computer tech, and its Art, mostly everyone calls me Art except my mom. As the evening progressed and the conversation turned to the crop circles.

Art became more and more fascinated with each story that Will and Matt told. So you guys haven’t been able to decipher any of the symbols in all these years huh?

No. said Will.

Not a one and neither have anyone else. Added Matt.

Art scanned the room looking for eavesdroppers; he leaned forward and began to speak in a slow whisper. I am part of a team building a new super computer over at CBT electronics. Actually, there are seven teams of five. We have been working day and night for the last ten months. I am the team leader for the uploading and testing unit of the project. We have only completed about forty-seven percent of the upload but if you two are willing, I would like to run your photographs through our computer and maybe we can be the first to come up with a break-through on this crop circle mystery. What do ya think?

Matt and Will stared at each other; they could not believe what they were hearing. For years, they have been baffled by the circles, and interpreting them has been an elusive goal up until now. Here was this man a total stranger offering them the chance of a lifetime.

Yeah, sure of course! they both responded with enthusiasm.

When can we get started? Will was eager to see where this will take them.

Lower your voices, Art cautioned. Are you trying to get me sacked ? You must understand that this is all very unofficial. No one must know.

Will and Matt had found an ally. They knew that by reading the crop circles that the puzzles would finally be solved and their long journey would finally come to an end. Little did they know that this was just the beginning of an unbelievable discovery that would not only change their lives but the lives that every living soul on the planet.

CHAPTER TWO

REVELATIONS

New Year’s Eve seemed to come a bit faster this year. As in years past, Sara and Matt invited about twenty of their closest friends and relatives over to party, to ring in the New Year.

Come on in Art, glad you could make it. Matt shook his hand and took his coat. Help yourself to the food over there and grab yourself a glass of champagne, I am about to make a very special announcement.

As Art made his way through the crowded room, he spotted Will waving frantically trying to get his attention. Hey, Will how’s it going? Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to you too, Art. Any news yet on the you know what? Will asked about Art’s crop circle project.

No, Art replied, I still need a few more days to add more data and do a bit of tweaking.

Just then, Matt stood atop a dinning room chair and clanged a spoon against his glass. Clang, clang, clang. May I have everyone’s attention please?

Someone turned down the music as Sara’s sister weaved her way through the crowed room filling everyone’s glass with champagne.

This year has brought many new changes in my life, but none more exciting or important than hearing the news that I will soon become a father. Yes, Sara and I are having a baby.

The partygoers erupted into cheers and applause. I would like to toast my lovely wife Sara and to the soon to be new addition to our family.

When Matt stepped down from the chair, Will whispered in his ear. Must have been all of those conch fritters Sara fed you on vacation.

I heard that Will, Sara said with a smile.

Will took Matt’s place on the chair. Raise your glasses high and toast with me to the finest most deserving couple that I have ever had the privilege to call my friends. May all of your children be healthy, happy, and wise. Once again, the crowd raised their glasses and joined Will in toasting the expectant couple.

After the party, Will stayed behind to help clean up. He was collecting cups in the front room when Sara called him into the kitchen. Hey Will, put that stuff down. Matt and I want to talk to you. Sara was a fun loving type of girl; she brushed back her short blonde hair and smiled when she saw Will headed their way.

Will put down the trash and headed for the kitchen. I am not so good at changing diapers he joked.

Pull up a chair. Matt and I want to ask you something. Sara said seriously.

Before Will’s butt could hit the seat, Matt just blurted it out. Sara and I would like for you to be our baby’s God Father. I know it is early and Sara’s grandmother thinks that it is bad luck to name God Parents before the baby is born but that’s just an old wives’ tale. You were the Best Man at our wedding and our first and only choice for God Father. You don’t have to give us your answer right now; we don’t want to rush…

Before Matt could finish Will stood up, bowed slightly, and said, I would consider it a privilege and an honor to be the God Father to your first born. It was clear to Sara and Matt that Will was deeply moved by their offer.

A few days later, at the crack of dawn, Will was jolted from his sleep by the ringing of the phone on his nightstand. He was not a happy camper, especially at this time of the morning. Gayle stayed over last night and Will had only slept for a few hours. This had better be good. He mumbled into the receiver.

Top of the morning mate. It’s Art. His British accent was a dead giveaway. I knew how eager you were to hear the results of our little test so I rang you straightaway.

Will propped himself up on one shoulder and said Yeah, well don’t keep me hanging.

Well said Art We came up dry, empty.

Empty! barked Will. You mean we got nothing?

That’s right nada, so far, but don’t be discouraged we still have almost 18% more to upload into the system some very important stuff like languages, landmarks, solar systems. I have to follow the order that is passed down to me by the suits upstairs or someone may get suspicious.

Okay, all right Will interrupted. When will you be finished everything? When will you be completely loaded?

Well, Art paused to think. Now that everyone’s back from holiday it should not take more than two weeks.

Okay thanks man, keep me posted. Will scratched his head as he was still waking up.

Will don’t give up, you know what they say, ‘It ain’t over till…’ Art’s enthusiastic tone came through clearly over the phone.

Yeah, yeah. Will cut in again "Till the fat lady sings. Talk to you later,

Art"

As Will was pulling the covers back over his head, Matt was getting up. It was his first day on the new job at America’s Pulse. Harold Nelson was a legend there and his shoes will be hard to fill. All morning long, a guy in a red pin stripped shirt kept staring at Matt from across the room.

Hey Jim, Matt called him over, What’s the deal with that guy? Is he gay or something what’s his deal? He’s been staring at me since I got here.

Oh, that’s Dave. He’s not happy about old man Nelson retiring. He was like a father to Dave. According to the rumor mill you used your influence upstairs to have Nelson pushed out on account of his age so that you could take his job.

What! That’s a lie. Matt was really pissed. That’s a damned lie! Matt shouted. Where did you get this crap?

Calm down Matt. It’s just office gossip. Don’t let it get to you. Hey, I am on your side. I believe you, but if I were you I would still watch my back around Dave.

It was an election year and in D.C, that meant a lot of political news stories to cover and many photos to go with it. After only two weeks on the job Matt could hear Will’s words echoing in his head You will be bored to tears within a month if you take this job. If Will only knew how true his prediction turned out to be Matt would never hear the end of it.

CHAPTER THREE

PAGING SHERLOCK HOLMES

Theresa and Will had a platonic relationship. It was Saturday night and as head nurse at Walter Reed Hospital, she had to get up early and punch in by 7:00 a.m. Will was home by midnight. He liked the company of the ladies but also enjoyed and valued his privacy.

He whispered to himself as he directed the remote toward his stereo system, I am never alone as long as I have my two friends Marvin Gaye and Johnny Walker to keep me company.

After adjusting the volume, he poured a rather large portion of Johnny Walker on the rocks and settled back in his favorite chair. Will’s thoughts drifted to the upcoming spring. He was painfully aware that he would have to pick a new partner or retire from the business of photographing the crop circles. Just minutes later, he would get a call that would make the decision for him.

Will! Will! The voice on the other end of the line was unmistakable it was Art. "I’ve got it! You’ve done it! I mean we’ve done it."

Art, man slow down. What the hell are you talking about? Will couldn’t understand a word Art was saying.

Okay, okay. Art repeated as he tried to relax. Art took a deep breath and he started over. The computer is going nuts; I mean it is going wild. It’s been generating all sorts of charts, maps, numbers, configurations, star charts, and what looks like DNA, and all sorts of crap from the pictures and information that I got from you and Matt. We hit the mother lode! As soon as it stops I will be over straightaway mate.

‘This is it.’ Will thought as he hung up. ‘Finally after all these years an answer is coming.’ Will’s heart began to beat faster. This is it. he kept repeating to himself.

Art was a bit surprised to see Matt answer Will’s door. Will called Matt right after he spoke to Art. Matt lived closer and rushed over as soon as he heard the news.

Wow! Matt said staring at the two large cardboard boxes that Arthur struggled with.

Where should I put these? Art said while huffing and puffing.

Over there, Will gestured toward the kitchen table. Art dropped the boxes on the table and started back toward the door.

Come on you guys. Art waved frantically, while catching his breath. There are three more boxes in the trunk and three in the back seat as well, let’s go!

Matt and Will looked stunned. For a few moments they just gazed in amazement at the eight boxes that they hauled in from Art’s car.

A puzzled Matt turned to Art and said Are you sure that a few crop circle pictures generated all of this material from your computer?

Yep, Art replied with a shy grin. Well mates better put the kettle on; it’s going to be a long night.

Will brewed a pot of coffee with the beans that he stored in a tin from their last trip to Mexico. He never mentioned it to Art but Will always believed that tea was a woman’s drink. It didn’t take long for the men to realize that their treasure chest of information was written in several languages, Chinese, Russian, Spanish and English.

It all makes sense. said Matt. You see, Russia covers the most land. Spanish is the most commonly used language, China has the most people, and we have the technology. Either of you speak Chinese or Russian?

Nor Will or Art bothered to respond. Will and Art began sorting the documents on the coffee table and sofa while Matt decided to use the dinning room table. The remaining boxes were shoved into the corner of the kitchen floor.

Matt still seemed baffled and slightly irritated. What does it all mean? We have diagrams, schematics and solar systems that don’t even remotely look like ours. He continued to thumb through the reams of pages. Look! Formulas, symbols, and only God knows what else are in these boxes. Guys we are in way over our heads. What are we going to do?

Will sat silently on the living room floor staring at the stack of papers that surrounded him. He pondered Matt’s question and without looking up he simply said, Find a common denominator.

What? Matt turned to Will. What are you talking about?

Will repeated his answer. Find a common denominator.

Art sprang to his feet. I get it! We look for a link, a connection, a thread that connects one piece to another; all of this data has to be connected in some way.

After thinking it over a minute Matt said. The numbers 2400 and the letters A H keep repeating again and again.

I noticed that as well, said Art.

Also, the number 034 and 2012, repeat. Will said. Except mines has a small circle before the 2400.

They all agreed to focus on the documents with the number 2012. 2400. 034. Will left the room and returned with a pen and a small pad. He repeated the numbers as he jotted them down. 2,400. 034. 2,012. And they looked for the letters AH. They came up empty handed and decided to change tactics and look for more clues.

Two hours later Matt came up with the outline of the world map. There was no writing on the map only three digit numbers and lines everywhere. You could clearly see the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.

Hang on fellows. Art was onto something. If 001 is located in California we could use it as a point of reference. You see it must be because it’s closest to the Pacific Ocean. 034 is also three digits.

I am way ahead of you Art. Will rushed over to his computer and printed out a map about