Ark 33

By Cecil Cory

This is a story about two men and how their paths cross. Jack Carter is hired to do a task for NOAH (Natural Oceanographic & Animal Habitat). They are responsible for terra forming Rojus in Charley sector. They are trying to grow all of the vegetation that existed on Earth before man screwed it up. They have brought most of the animals from Earth and have even been able to bring back some of the ones that went extinct for over ten thousand years. Jack is tasked to find and acquire certain items and see that they are on Ark 33. Aldous Huxley is a reserve officer in the USA and Canada Army Reserves. The Federation has requested, from the USA and Canada, that their battalion be mobilized for a period of thirty-five days. There they will meet up with the rest of our battalion and become the aggressors in a war game on Rojus. Little do they know that the Xylocopa are also looking at Rojus as their new home.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Feb 21, 2016
• ISBN: 9781329920149

Book preview

Ark 33

Ark 33

By

Cecil Ian Cory

Copyright

Version 1.3

Copyright © 2016 Cecil I Cory / Lulu Press

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-1-329-92014-9

This work is licensed under the Creative

Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported

License. To view a copy of this license, visit

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/

or send a letter to:

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http://www.lulu.com

Acknowledgments

I wish to thank several people for their help and understanding.

First, to Eugene Fitzgerald for his help in proof reading this story for me. It has been a great help in completing it.

Next to my late Mom and Dad for their support and belief that I could do almost anything I wanted to do.

Last, but not least to my wife Karen who has kept me going when I felt I could not go any longer.

Other Stories by Cecil I Cory

A Walk in the Sun

Atlantis Conspiracy

Einhejar Warriors

Escape from Regales Two

Transfer Station 261

Assault on an Empress

Darnel’s Revenge

Pirates of the Auroa

Gagnon

Stories in the Twin Suns series

The Twin Suns

In Search of the Twin suns

One Last Battle for the Twin Suns

To Walk in our Fathers Footsteps

A Meeting with the Federation

The New Worlds

Creators of the Towers

Professor La Forge’s Sabbatical

Chapter One

A loud explosion echoed down the valley. The Eobasileus looked up at the sky and watched the streak of fire as it raced across leaving a trail of smoke behind. Then it bent down and took another bit of the thorny bush. It chewed it as it watched the fire move over the valley. A spot appeared and a parachute opened then slowly closed. There was a flash then smaller spot appeared as it shot out of the one below the parachute. It plummeted towards the surface then another parachute billowed above it slowing it down. The Eobasileus watched the parachute as it floated towards the surface then slowly walked away from the thorn bush it was eating towards the rest of its herd.

Jack Carter applied bottom thrusters and the ship darted up just as the two missiles streaked past. He rolled to his left then dove towards the planet’s surface. A close explosion sent his ship tumbling out of control as it bounced off the planet’s atmosphere. It started to spin as the nose bit into the air. Jack fought with the controls trying to get it back under control. Once it was deep enough into the atmosphere, he extended the switchblade wings. Only one wing extended and the ship began spinning. He looked at the altitude displayed on the visor then reached over and pulled the ejection lever. The cockpit module blew away from the ship and the wing slapped it sending it away from the ship spinning. Jack slammed into his harness and everything went dark in his suit. He could feel the centrifugal forces shoving him around in his harness. Then the entire cockpit jerked up as the parachute opened. His suits power came on and its system soon were restored. He could see the cockpit spinning and knew that the chute would not stay open. He tried to get it under control with the small thrusters on the cockpit module to slow the rotation. Nothing he did worked. He pulled the modules chute eject and still nothing happened. He hung there facing the planet’s surface watching it spin towards him waiting for the next explosion that would eject the seat from the cockpit once it reached altitude. The hatch above the seat blew off and 0.2 seconds later, the seat flew out of the cockpit. It arced away from the cockpit and plummeted towards the surface. The display in his suit went out just as the drogue chute deployed to stabilize the seat trajectory. Then his body jerked free from the seat. The chute billowed above him as he hung limp from the risers.

The impact of hitting the ground brought Jack around. He rolled to one side and the wind filled the canopy of the chute. The winds drug him across the ground for meters before he was able to retract the helmet enough to see. He grabbed the suspension lines and pulled the chute down enough to stop. He stood up then pulled on the suspension lines until the canopy was down. Then he continued to pull on the suspension lines until he had the skirt down and the air quit pulling on the canopy. He wadded the canopy up as he looked all around then released the straps and pulled the harness off. He started running across the flat landscape leaving the parachute and other equipment behind.

The Eobasileus stood on the knoll and watched as the man ran towards him. As the man approached, it moved closer to the other Eobasileus. The leader of the Eobasileus ran out then stopped a few meters in front of Jack. The 4-meter-long and 2 meters high animals lowered their heads. Their three pairs of short blunt horns projected upwards from the top of their heads faced towards the man. ‬The first pair was on the tip of the snout, ‬the second between the eyes and the nostrils, ‬and the third almost on the back of the skull, two tusks pointed down from the upper jaw defied the man to come closer. The younger Eobasileus huddled in the center of the herd mimicking the others. The leader pawed the ground with its large front feet and snorted a warning at the man.

Jack skidded to a stop and looked at the large animal as it snorted at him. Several of the others began to take up the snort. Jack moved sideways away from the herd. Then quickly ran in a different direction. The lead Eobasileus kept him in view until Jack was far enough away that it felt that the danger had passed. He screeched out a warning that echoed by the others in the herd. Then turned and started eating the thorny bush again. As it stood there chewing on the bush it kept Jack in sight.

Jack continued to run and looking up at the sky to see if any other ships were coming down to pursue him. He glanced back towards where he landed and could not see the parachute or other equipment he left there. He looked at the suit’s system and could see it was starting to overheat, and slowed to a walk. The whine of the cooling system drowned out the other sounds around him. He slowed more then stopped and brought up his location on the eyepiece. He could see that he was almost ten kilometers to the nearest town and over two hundred to where he needed to be. He looked at the time then up at the sun that beat down on him. He started walking again at a slower pace towards the town.

The sun set as Jack made his way into the town. He stopped behind a building and pulled off the flight suit and support equipment. He walked over to a dumpster, tossed the equipment into it then continued into the town. He walked down the almost deserted street looking at the flashing lights over the entrance to a café. He continued up to the café’s door then walked inside and over to an empty booth.  He plopped down into the booth as the waitress walked over to him. She looked down at his sweat-covered clothes and set menu tablet in front of him. She stood there as Jack read down the list on the tablet then looked up at her.

Number five burger and lots of water. Jack said.

She nodded and walked away. A few minutes later, she set a glass down in front of him then walked off. Jack emptied the glass as he pulled out his Cellcom. He located the number he wanted and pushed it. He listened as the Cellcom began to buzz then a voice answered.

Hello.

Sarah.

Jack where are you?

I’m about two hundred kilometers from Wayland in a small town called Ostmoor.

What are you doing way out there?

I had a little problem with the ship.

What kind of problem with what ship?

It crashed.

Crashed!

I’ll explain it all once you get here.

Do you have it?

Yes, just get here as quickly as you can. The waitress walked over and set the burger down in front of him then filled the glass with water. I’m in a place called. What is the name of this place?

It’s the Ostmoor Inn. She replied snidely and walked off shaking her head. Jack watched her as she walked off and could see the name of the place plastered on almost everything.

It is called the Ostmoor Inn.

It will take me about two hours to get there.

That is all right, just hurry. Jack closed the Cellcom and shoved it into his pocket. He looked at the mound of meat on the burger along with the other items on the plate. He lifted up the burger and took a huge bite from it. The juice ran down the side of his face as he ate it. He grabbed the napkin and wiped his face then sat back and ate.

The sleek Ford Sprint made a U-turn in the middle of the street then pulled up in front of the Café and stopped. The gullwing doors lifted up and a lanky brunet stepped out. She looked around then towards the café. She could see Jack sitting in one of the booths looking down at the table. She walked around the vehicle then up to the front doors and entered the brightly lit Café. The waitress watched the woman, dressed in the see through clothing that almost revealed everything, as she walked over to where Jack sat. She slid into the seat across from him and set her bag next to her on the seat.

Where is it? She asked.

I have it.

He has been calling almost every day for the last week wanting to know when you were getting back.

I told him that I would let him know just as soon as I was able and I wasn’t able. Hell, they chased me all the way back here. Let’s get out of here before they find the wreck and see that I’m not in it. Jack replied and slid out of the seat. He looked at the slip of paper for the bill then at her. Do you have any credits? I ah seem to be a bit short at the moment.

Give me that. She said and snatched the paper out of his hand. She looked at the bill. Three credits for water! She walked over to the counter, placed ten credits on the counter. Three credits for water. I know of places they don’t even charge you for water. She said to the waitress then walked out of the café with Jack.

When did you get that? Jack asked looking at the almost new Ford Sprint.

It is a loner. Your Hondyota is in the shop again. She said as the gullwing doors lifted up. She slid into the driver’s side as Jack slid into the other. He looked at the interior of the Sprint as the doors lowered and secured. He could just hear the whine from the Gravitrons as the vehicle lifted off the ground.

Not bad. The rest of my equipment is around back in the alley. Jack said as she started to pull away. Turn here. He pointed to the next street. The vehicle turned then turned again down alleyway. Over there. Jack pointed to a dumpster behind the Café. The gullwing door opened on his side and he slid out. He walked over to the dumpster and looked inside. A man walked out of the back of the Café with a can filled with garbage.

What are you doing back here? He asked.

Just looking. Jack replied.

Go on get out of here. There ain’t anything in there for you. The man said. Jack just stood there. Go on before I call the cops.

Alright, alright. Jack replied and backed away.

The man walked over to the dumpster keeping an eye on Jack as Jack walked back to the Sprint. He dumped the garbage into the dumpster and stood there until Jack sat in the vehicle and the gullwing door closed. He continued to watch the vehicle as it moved down the alleyway. Once it was a few building away, he walked into the Café. The brake lights came on then the Sprint backed up and stopped. Jack jumped out then ran over to the dumpster. He looked inside and grabbed the flight gear and helmet. He shook the garbage off the equipment then walked back to the Sprint.

You are not bringing that in here. Sarah yelled at him.

Open the back.

The back hatch opened and he tossed the flight gear into the back. The hatch closed as he slid back into the seat. By the time the gullwing door closed, the Sprint was already moving.

Where is it? She asked again.

I have it.

I want to see it.

Jack reached into his pocket and it was not there. He started reaching into the other pockets until he found the small disk. He held it up so that she could see it.

All of that for that. She said.

It doesn’t look like much but it has all of the information they are looking for.

The Ford Sprint turned onto Main Street then moved down it until it was out of the city limits before accelerating. Jack could feel his body pressed back into the seat as the vehicle accelerated. He glanced over at the speedometer and watched it as it passed 200 km/h and still climbing. They reached the foothills and the Sprit hugged the ground as it moved around the twisting winding road. Once over the mountain they could see the city of Wayland off in the distance. Its lit spires rose up into the night sky as beacons shining in the distance. The Sprint wound down the other side of the mountain then across the ground towards the city. It slowed as slower traffic blocked its way on the elevated roadway. A vehicle zipped past them over their heads causing their vehicle to drop almost to the limits.

I see the assholes are out in force tonight. Jack said as he watched several other vehicles drop down until the warning light flashed saying that they were out of limits.

It is getting worse. I hate this place. When are we leaving and moving to someplace where there isn’t so many of these assholes.

Some flashing lights appeared behind them then six vehicles flew past at over 250 km/h. They watched them as they chased the speeding vehicle that had past them. Then their lights dropped off over the side after the other vehicle.

Just as soon as we get enough credits to live in style.

Style! I want a family and a home to raise them in that you don’t have to have bars on the windows and doors. I want to live some place where you can go outside without having to worry if you are going to be mugged or not.

You were the one who wanted to live here, not me.

Bullshit. You are the one who said that you could make more here than anywhere else, on this planet. Look at what we have, an apartment in a building filled with wannabe’s and has-beens.

The Sprint made its way to the side then dropped to the next level it merged with slower traffic as it moved between the soaring buildings. Large sign flashed ads over their heads advertising everything from the latest body spray to the newest vehicles. They slowed more and the Sprint dropped down again to the ground then slowly moved through the traffic in the poorer part of town. It slowed when it reached a large plastisteel door then made its way through the people up to it. The door parted and the Sprint moved into the old building. As soon as the Sprint was inside the doors closed behind it. They continued in the dim parking area to their assigned spot and found another vehicle parked halfway in its spot and theirs.

Damn that asshole. That is the fourth time this week he has done that. Sarah complained.

I’ll move it. Jack said as the gullwing door opened. He stepped out then walked over to the vehicle. He leaned on the side and gave it a shove. It slowly moved over a few centimeters. He shoved it again and it moved again. A man stepped out of the elevator and yelled at him.

What the hell are you doing?

I’m moving this piece of shit out of our parking space. Jack replied and shoved the vehicle harder it moved over until it was just touching the next vehicle.

The Sprint moved into their spot and the gullwing door opened just clearing the vehicle next to it. The man walked over and looked at how close his vehicle was to the next one. Sarah slid out of the Sprint and walked towards the man.

The next time you block my space I will call management and have it towed.

Fuck you bitch. The man said and walked over to his vehicle he looked at how close it was to the next one. How the fuck am I supposed to get into mine now. He said and turned towards Sarah and Jack. Sarah was standing right behind him and kneed him in the groin. He dropped to his knees and she turned and walked towards Jack.

I ain’t nobodies bitch. She said and continued towards the elevator. Jack just shook his head and followed her. Once they were in the elevator, she turned and faced the corroded door. I want to move away from here right now. We have enough to put a down on a place.

Where?

I don’t know maybe in the Alpha quadrant or even in the Gulf quadrant. I hear they don’t have the problems that this planet has. Anyplace, as long as it isn’t here.

We don’t have that much. The cost to move there is more than we have.

Well if you would find a better job…

Here we go again. It’s always my fault. I don’t make enough doing this or I paid too much for that. It is not my fault that I can only get work from low life’s out there. Do you think I want to live here? Look I’ll turn this over to them and get paid then we can go someplace for a vacation.

Where?

I don’t know. Jack said in frustration. How about…I don’t know.

The doors opened to their floor. They made their way down the old dirty hallway and up to their door. Sarah put the combination into the reader and the door did not unlock. She tried again and it still did not work.

Let me try. Jack said and put in his combination and the door did not unlock.

He grabbed the handle and tried to shake the door and it opened. He stepped back and she pushed past him into their apartment. Jack closed the door behind him and secured it. He walked into the living room then over to the kitchen. He pulled a glass down from the cupboard, placed it under the ice dispenser then pushed it several times, and nothing happened. He looked at the dispenser and tired again. Still nothing happened.

What happened to the ice dispenser? He asked.

What? Sarah asked from the bedroom.

What is wrong with the refrigerator?

The ice dispenser quit. I called about it and they said they would try to fit us in a few weeks. That was a few weeks ago. Sarah replied.

Jack opened the door and reached into the empty bucket.

There is no ice.

I know the ice dispenser is broken. She said as she walked out of the bedroom in her nightgown.

Shit! Jack exclaimed and slammed the door. He could hear a whirring sound then the sound of ice falling. He shoved his glass into the door and pushed on the lever a single ice cube fell into his glass then the whirring sound stopped. He looked at the cube then walked over to a cabinet and pulled out a bottle. He poured the amber colored liquid into the glass until it was half filled then swirled it around watching the ice dissolve in the warm liquid. He was about to take a drink from the glass when Sarah took it from him and drank it. She handed him back the empty glass and walked into the living room. He looked at the empty glass, set it on the counter, then walked into the living room. Sarah was sitting on the couch with her feet tucked up under her. She held out the remote and she was looking at what was displayed on the wall.

So, whose ship did you wreck this time?

You make it sound as if every time I go out I wreck a ship. She just gave him the look of, you do. I think it was some sort of prototype. It didn’t have much of a jump system in it.

You didn’t have to go that far.

Far enough.

What happened?

Oh not much. I was on my way out when this guy in a lab coat walked out of a room and almost into me. He wanted to know who I was and what I was doing in that part of the building. I told him I was new and was working for somebody whose name I had seen on a door. Wouldn’t you know it; he was that guy. So, he starts yelling for security and I took off running. Before I could get out, they had me boxed in. I ran through the only unlocked room I could find and this ship was just sitting there. It must have been some sort of prototype they were working on. I was looking it over when this man walks in. He asked if I was the new test pilot and I told him yes. He showed me where the flight equipment was and even helped me change into it. Then he led me outside to this other ship sitting on the launch pads. I climb into the ship and started to take off. I guess the real test pilot must have shown up. They told me to shut it down and to land and I just headed home. I figured why not. It wasn’t as if I was stealing it, I was just testing it. Well they set three other ships after me. I was able to jump away from them and even thought I had lost them for a time. Then when I reached here, they were waiting for me. They started shooting missiles at me, which I was able to evade. I nosed into the atmosphere and it began to tumble. It had some wings you extended and when I extended them it stopped tumbling, but only one wing came out. That caused the ship to start spinning. It had a cockpit module that completely surrounded you so you could eject at high altitude. I ejected and it felt like something hit the module. The chute opened and the module started spinning and started falling faster. Once it was low enough, I pulled the ejection lever and ejected from the module. I landed about ten kilometers from Ostmoor and the wind drug me kilometers before I was able to pull the chute down. Then I walked to Ostmoor and called you. Oh I did run into a vicious herd of Eobasileus on the way too.

He looked towards the wall and could see the news. There was picture of a fiery streak across the sky. Sarah turned up the volume.

Another asteroid plummeted to the surface this afternoon. This video was caught as it broke up on entry. Several observers say that they saw parachutes shortly after it passed. However, no ships have been reported missing or damaged. On the home front. More arrests were made today in the Hobart district. The mayor says that he will continue to clean up that district and…

He hasn’t done shit to clean it up. That’s the same footage they showed the other day and before that. Sarah said. They are covering you up with that bullshit asteroid thing.

Well they can’t very well say that someone broke into a highly classified facility and stole one of their ships, now can they?

Highly classified, my old grandmother could have gotten in there.

Your old grandmother was one of the top burglars in her day.

Are you going to call them or not?

It is in the middle of the night. None of them are awake. I’ll contact them in the morning. Jack walked down the hallway to his room.

Sarah yelled for Jack to hurry up as she continued to talk on her Cellcom. Jack pulled the old coat on and checked his pockets for the disk. He walked out of his apartment behind Sarah and made sure that the door was secured. He followed her to the elevator and pushed the button to the parking area. The doors closed and he could feel the elevator drop. It slowed once it reached the level and the doors opened. They walked over to the Sprint and found it pushed up against the next vehicle. The vehicle that was blocking them the night before was gone. Jack walked up to the vehicle and looked at the damage done to the side. He leaned against the vehicle and pushed it away.

Next time drop the gear down and don’t let it hover all night.

I did drop it down. How bad is it?

Nothing to worry about. He replied as the gullwing door opened. He slid into the vehicle and the door closed.

They made their way to the large doors and as soon as it opened, they pulled out of the building and pushed past the throng of people crowding the street. Jack glanced towards the front of the building and could see a moving vehicle blocking one lane. Sarah pulled out and continued.

The Ford Sprint pulled up in front of the towering spire. The gullwing door opened on Jack’s side. He looked at Sarah.

I shouldn’t be more than a half hour.

I have some errands to run. Can you find your way back the apartment by yourself?

Sure. Jack said and the gullwing door closed.

He watched the vehicle as it pulled out into the traffic then disappeared in amongst the rest. He walked into the building and a guard watched him as he walked over to the elevators. The doors opened and he stepped into the elevator with several others. Several of them looked down their noses at him and moved away from him. He stood off to one side and watched their reactions to him. He bent his head down and sniffed then shrugged. Once the door opened for his floor, he pushed his way out then continued down the hallway to the office. He stopped and looked at his clothes then opened the door and stepped inside. A receptionist looked at him as he walked in.

I’m here to see Mister Blackwood.

Do you have an appointment?

No just tell him that Jack Carter is here.

She pushed a button on the top of the desk. Mister Blackwood a Mister Jack Carter is here to see you. Yes, sir. She looked at Jack standing there looking around at the office.

He says that he will see you once he has finished with Mister Granger.

All right. Jack replied and walked over to several plush seats. He sat down then crossed his legs. He sat there watching the receptionist as she went about her tasks. After an hour, there was a slight buzzing sound from the desk. He glanced towards the receptionist as she spoke softly.

Mister Carter, Mister Blackwood will see you now.

Jack stood up and walked over towards the wall as a section of the wall slid away then continued into the office. The back of wall was clear Jack could see out over the towers around the city. Blackwood sat at a large desk in the corner of the room with windows surrounding him. He looked up from the clear display in front of him towards Jack.

Do you have it?

Yes.

Let’s see it. You Know, stealing that ship makes it a hot item.

Jack reached for the disk in his pocket then into another one and found it. He pulled it out and showed it to the Blackwood.

What ship?

I’m not sure that it is worth what we agreed upon. They will be looking for it now.

Fine. Jack replied and put the disk back into his pocket. I know of others who will be willing to pay me for it.

I didn’t say I wasn’t going to pay you for it. You bringing that ship back and crashing it has made it a hot item.

What ship?

You know what ship.

I heard that an asteroid came down and burnt up in the atmosphere, nothing about a ship. Now do you want it or not. If not, I will take it across the street to your competitor and see what they say.

What were you able to get?

Everything you asked for, plans, drawings, and bill of materials along with the test data.

Let me see it if it is what I am looking for then maybe we can come to an agreement on the price.

Sure. Jack replied. Just one thing, it is encoded with a onetime look algorithm. Unless you have the key to it, once you open it, it has fifteen seconds before it self-destructs. The man looked at him. Now once I see that payment is in my account, then I will give you the code and you can read the disk for as long as you want. Let’s just say it is my insurance policy that I get paid.

How much do you want?

We agreed on a hundred thousand plus expenses. You can transfer the funds to this account number. He handed Blackwood a slip of paper. Once I see that the funds have been transferred to my account then I will give you the key to disable the algorithm.

Blackwood looked at the paper in one hand and the chip in the other. He typed on the top of his desk then took the slip of paper. He entered the numbers then looked at Jack and held out his hand for the chip. Jack pulled out his Cellcom and brought up his account. He started watching as the money slowly appeared in his account from the thirty sources it went to before his account. Once it was finished, he closed the Cellcom and handed the chip to Blackwood.

What is the code to the algorithm?

What algorithm? OH, that algorithm it is on paper. Jack replied and dropped the disk on the desk. It has been nice doing business with you. If you need anything else just contact me in the usual way.

Jack walked out of the office into the anteroom. He continued across the room to the door leading out into the hallway. He stood by the doors to the elevator waiting for it. When it opened, a young woman stood in it alone. Jack stepped in and pushed the button for the ground level. The elevator continued up and she moved away from him and only looked at his reflection in the doors. The doors opened and she stepped out. Jack watched her as she walked into the vast expanse of the room surrounded by windows. Then the doors closed and the elevator started down. Once it reached the ground floor, he hurried out of the building making sure he was not followed. He continued down the street away from the building entrance until he saw a cop standing next to a parked vehicle that was parked in a no parking zone. Jack smiled then walked over to the cop.

Hay man, give a guy a break.

The cop did not even look towards him. He just ignored him and continued to fill out the ticket. He started to place the ticket on the windshield and Jack called him a name. He glared at Jack and started another ticket. Jack called him a worse name and Jack could see the anger on the man’s face. He finished the second ticket and placed it with the first one then started on another ticket. Jack called him more names and the cop filled out another ticket. He continued until the cop stopped and looked at him. Jack backed away smiled then continued walking away. The cop watched him until Jack waved a Robo Taxi down and climbed into the back.

Jack entered the address of his apartment and sat back as the cab pulled out into traffic. He glanced back at the cop to see what he was doing and could see the cop filling out the rest of the ticket and placing it on the windshield with the other. He laughed and once he was away from the building he pulled out his Cellcom and pushed in the number.

Cogswell's Cogs, how can I direct your call?

I want to speak to Cogs.

Who is calling?

"Tell him Jack Carter.

Cogs.

It is delivered.

Well done. The credits are being transferred to your account as we speak.

Jack brought up his account and watched as the numbers began to change in increments. Once the last one was there, he smiled when he saw total of over a half a million credits then closed the Cellcom and looked back towards the building he had just left. He could see the lights going on and off all over the building. He continued to smile as he sat back in the seat. Not bad for five week’s work and it was worth it sticking it to that cheap son of a bitch. He thought.

Jack walked up to the door of his apartment and found a notice attached to it. He pulled it off and saw that it was a notice that he was to vacate the apartment for lack of payment. He was about to enter the code when the door opened. He walked into the apartment and found it empty. He walked through the apartment and only found his things lying on the bedroom floor. He pulled out his Cellcom and pushed in Sarah’s number then he held it up to his ear. It rang and rang and she did not answer it. His heart sunk with the thought that she had left him then he brought up his account. It only showed 600 credits in it. The same amount he had when they first met six years earlier. He cursed then headed for the door. When he reached it, two men stood there with dark glasses blocking his path.

Excuse me. Jack said and started to push past him. One of the men placed his hand on Jack’s chest and stopped him. Jack looked down at the hand then at the man. Hmm, if you don’t mind I have a meeting that I am late for." The man shoved Jack back into the apartment. The second man followed the two of them inside and closed the door. They looked around the empty apartment as they walked into the living room.

Moving? The second man asked.

No. If you are here to fix the refrigerator it is over there. Jack said and started to walk around the men. The second man stepped in front of him and stopped him. Just then, Jack’s Cellcom started to ring.

You had better answer that. The first man said.

Jack pulled out his Cellcom and put it to his ear.

Yes.

Mister Carter?

Yes. Jack watched as one of the men walked over to the refrigerator and opened the door. The Ice maker doesn’t work.

Mister Carter I understand that you do special jobs.

That depends on what it is.

The man walked over to a cabinet and opened a drawer. He found the only silverware left and pulled out an old bent fork. He shoved it up into the icemaker then removed it. Jack could hear the sound of ice falling into the bucket. The man closed the refrigerator door and pushed the button for ice. Several cubes fell out into his hand.

Mine does the same thing. One of the blades gets stuck and you have to reset it all the time. He said and walked back into the empty room.

Mister Carter, two of my associates will escort you to our location. We wish to discuss an arrangement.

I have something I have to take care of.

We will make it worth your while. Another voice said on the Cellcom said. If you will look at your account.

Jack brought up his account and saw it increment to 1600 Credits.

A thousand Credits just to talk to you?

Yes. We understand that time is money.

I’m listening.

Put Mister Douglas on.

One of you two named Douglas? The man who fixed the refrigerator walked over to him. He wants to talk to you. He handed Douglas the Cellcom.

Yes. No, it looks like he was getting ready to blow town. His place is empty except for some old cloths. Yes, sir, we can do that. Douglas handed Jack back the Cellcom. Jack put it up to his ear and only heard a tone. We are to make sure that you make it to our headquarters.

What are you guys some sort of secret police? Jack asked trying to see if they carried any weapons.

No, I am a bioengineer and he is a biochemist. The other man said. We have a car parked out front.

And you expect it to still be there? Jack asked.

It will be there. Douglas replied. Shall we go?

Lead on. Jack replied and they motioned for him to precede them.

Jack started to walk out of the apartment building and the manager walk out and blocked his path.

I see they finally caught up with you. You saw the notice. You haven’t paid your rent for three months you are to pay up or get out by today.

Sarah paid you.

She didn’t pay shit. Now pay up or get out.

One of the men took a step towards him and the manager hurried back into his apartment. They continued out of the building to the sidewalk. Jack could see the large Chevrolet parked in front. Several bodies lay around it hanging onto the side of the vehicle. The vehicle was half painted with slogans and gang signs. Jack could see two of the locale tuffs lying on the ground with cans of paint still in their hands. Douglas pulled out a fob from his pocket and pushed a button. The vehicle beeped as he walked around it. A man ran up to them and pulled an old blaster. He aimed it at them.

Hand it over. He shouted.

Jack just looked at the two men standing there.

Hand what over? Douglas asked.

Your money, hurry up. The man said as he looked all around. The other man reached into his pocket and the man aimed the weapon at him. He held up his hand and slowly reached into his coat pocket. The man watched him as he pulled out some credits and placed them on the car. The man motioned for the rest to them to do the same thing.

I’m broke. My girlfriend took all of it this morning. Jack said and patted his pockets. The man aimed at Douglas. Douglas reached into his pocket as he pushed the button again. The vehicle chirped again.

I don’t have anything either.

The keys, give me the keys to the vehicle.

Sure. Douglas said and tossed a set of keys on the hood.

The man motioned for them to move away from the vehicle and they stepped back. He reached for the credits on the hood then started to shake. The blaster fired striking one of the men lying on the ground. A few seconds later the man dropped to the ground and continued to jerk. Douglas pushed the fob again and the vehicle chirped. He reached up onto the hood and picked up the keys then opened the door. The other man grabbed the credits from the hood and shoved them into his pocket. Jack walked over to the man still shaking. He knelt next to him and pulled the blaster from his hand then pulled the power pack from the blaster. He shoved the power pack into his pocket and dropped the blaster on the ground next to the man.

Get in Mister Carter. The man said and held open the back door.

Neat trick. I thought that shocking protection with that much force was against the law.

It is. Now get in.

It’s not electro shocking protection. It is a bio protection agent that is absorbed through the skin that affects the nervous system. It only lasts for a short time and there are no adverse effects.

That we know of. Douglas said.

It is one of the products we are working. The other man said as he slid into the front seat. The vehicle pulled out into traffic.

Jack followed the two men into the elevator. Douglas inserted his badge into a reader then pushed the button for one of the upper floors. The elevator started moving down. Jack could see it count up as they lowered into the ground. When it stopped, the doors opened and Douglas stepped out. The other man motioned for Jack to exit. Jack followed Douglas over to a counter with a blond sitting behind it.

Hi Juley, we have Mister Carter to see Mister Fletcher and he needs a pass.

Sure Doug. She replied and started typing on a desk behind the counter. Mister Carter if you will stand on the line. Douglas pointed to a faint line on the floor. Jack walked over to it and stood there. Here you go. Juley said and placed an identity badge on the counter with Jack’s image on the front. Douglas slid it off and handed it to Jack.

Keep that on you at all times. Douglas said. This way.

He walked over to a closed door and placed his card on a reader then motioned for Jack to do the same thing. Jack slid his card on the reader followed by the other man. The door slid back into the wall and Douglas walked through the opening into a corridor on the other side. Jack followed him as they continued down the corridor. When Jack looked behind him, the other man was not there.

Where did you friend go? Jack asked.

Douglas looked back then shrugged. Probably back to his desk. Douglas stopped at a door then opened it and motioned for Jack to continue. Jack walked in and looked around. He could see the entire city as if he was up on the top floors. A woman sat at a desk looking at a clear monitor.

Are they here or are they in the conference room?

They are in conference room two. She replied not looking up at them.

Douglas walked out of the office and continued down the corridor until they reached an intersecting corridor. He turned right and continued. He stopped at another door and waited for Jack. He opened the door and motioned for Jack to enter. Jack stepped into a larger room that seemed to be setting in a pasture surrounded by green grass. He could see off in the distance some mountains when he looked in another direction he could see a vast forest.

Mister Carter, come on in. A man said as he stood up. He walked over to him with his hand out. Jack looked at him and the outstretched hand. He grasped the hand and felt the firm grip. I am Robert Mendoza. That is Gregory Fletcher and Brad Cummings. Gentleman, this is the man I was telling you about. Sit down Jack. I can call you Jack can’t I?

Yes.

Thank you Douglas. We’ll take it from here. Was there any problems? Gregory asked.

No sir. Douglas replied then walked out of the room.

Sit, sit down. We understand that you can obtain certain information or items from almost any place.

That depends. Who are you?

We are NOAH.

Noah? The only Noah I know of had an ark that carried a bunch of animals during a flood.

We do a similar thing. Gregory said.

However, we carry them to other planets. Robert said.

You are some sort of moving company?

In a way. We have a Federation grant to terraform a planet with life forms from Earth. We have been in the process for several hundred years. The Earth has become so polluted that most of the vegetation and animal populations are almost extinct. We’ve been funded to terraform a planet. We are too repopulate it with vegetation, and animals that existed prior to the great expansion. As you can see we have accomplished a great deal over the last few hundred or so years. Robert waved his arm around towards the picture displayed around them. We only lack a few plants that need to be introduced before we can start introducing the larger animals. The marine animals have already been introduced and some of the smaller mammals. The larger marine mammals and predator fish are already on their way in some of our Arks.

Arks?

Yes we call them arks. We only have a small contingent of humans on the planet and they are there for research and to monitor the ecosystem.

So what do you need me for? I don’t know anything about ecosystems.

There are two facilities in the Federation that refuse to let us have some of the seeds they keep in their gene banks. They believe that they that only the Earth or their systems should be allowed to use their seeds. However, both facilities store copies in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault.

Where is that?

Earth. Brad said. "Have you ever been to Earth?

No.

Well it is old and makes this place look like a Garden of Eden.

That is not true. A few places left have not been completely decimated yet. That is why the Federation gave us the grant and has funded us for the last two hundred and fifty years. What we want is for you to go to Svalbard Global Seed Vault, locate the seeds we require, and bring them here. We can provide you with the credentials to allow you access to that facility. Robert said.

If you have access to it why don’t you just send one of your men? I don’t rob banks.

It is not that type of vault. Gregory said. The seed vault functions like a safe deposit box in a bank. The bank owns the building and the depositor owns the contents of his or her box. The Government of Norway owned the vault until the Federation took control three hundred years ago. The Federation now owns the facility and covers the operating cost and the depositing gene banks, owns the seeds they send. The deposit of samples in Svalbard does not constitute a legal transfer of genetic resources. In gene bank terminology, this is called a ‘black box’ arrangement. Each depositor signs a Deposit Agreement with FedGen, acting on behalf of Federation. The Agreement makes it clear that Federation does not claim ownership over the deposited samples and that ownership remains with the depositor, who has the sole right of access to those materials in the seed vault. No one has access to anyone else's seeds from the seed vault. Now FedGen maintains the database of samples and depositors. Once the seeds are transferred there, they are stored in four-ply sealed envelopes, and then placed into plastic tote containers on metal shelving racks. The storage rooms are kept at −18 °C. The low temperature and limited access to oxygen ensures low metabolic activity and delays seed aging. The permafrost surrounding the facility helps maintain the low temperature of the seeds should the power supply fail. The owners on rotational bases replenish the older seeds. However, since a lot of the founding gene banks have been disbanded the Federation decided to create a planet where they can grow the existing seeds and reestablish a larger gene bank.

With the climate change on Earth over the past few hundred years it has become harder to maintain the necessary temperature for storage there and at the Millennium Seed Bank. Brad said.

We have been given access to ninety-nine percent of the seeds there. A group that believes that they own the rights to the seeds and that they should not be allowed off the planet holds the rest. We have also received one hundred percent of the diversity held at the Millennium Seed Bank. So, you see we have most of what was on Earth. These last few are not critical, but without them they may not survive much longer. Robert said.

Our idea is to create a different type of seed bank where other system can come and see what can be achieved. We also have other planets where we are growing and storing other plants from other planets within the Federation to help preserve their existence. Gregory said

We are also introducing as many species of animal life as we can recover. We have full support from the Frozen Ark Project along with many more DNA resources. Brad said.

You said that this seed banks database is not at Svalbard. Where is it?

No the database is located in the old city of Bonn Germany. The identification we have for you is from one of the smaller seed banks. It will allow you access to the database in Germany. We have a packet for you with all the information you need to know if you accept the job. Gregory said.

Two questions.

Yes. Robert replied.

How much and what do I do with the seeds once I get them. I take it you don’t want me to bring them back here.

True. As for how much, we are willing to advance you another ten thousand for expenses and two hundred thousand if you bring back everything on the list. Brad said.

What if I can’t get all of these seeds?

You will be paid according to what and how many. Brad replied.

What if I decline?

Then the thousand is yours for your time and this conversation never happened. 

All right seems simple enough.

Great you will be working for a small company that does research for the seed bank. It has some seeds stored in the vault. Robert said.

There is one other thing. As you can tell, seeds are not my thing so to speak. I deal with animal DNA. My department has a need for some specimens that are…let’s say hard to get. Brad said.

Let’s say dangerous. Gregory replied.

The Federation is reluctant to let us transport these animals from earth.

They are illegal to transport off Earth.

They have every right to be preserved as much as those weeds you want to save.

Gentlemen we agreed not argue this issue here.

I am willing to pay three hundred thousand if you can bring me enough breading specimens back.

How many is that and how big are they?

You just need to get the DNA evidence and we will take care of the rest. Eggs or larva would be better. Live specimens would be best.

Once you create these monsters how are we to feed them? Most of their food has gone extinct. Gregory asked.

You will come up with something. Besides, most of them lived off the same vegetation that modern animals lived on. Brad replied.

As you can see we represent many factions and have many needs. Robert said.

You plan on doing this on one planet?

Yes and no. It is a little larger than Earth and its gravity is more. However, so far, every plant, insect, and aquatic life forms have done well. We are ready to introduce more of the mammal life to the planet. Not necessary those that Brads feels he needs. Gregory said.

Just who are you guys?

I am the CEO of NOHA. Gregory is the CEO of Agricultural Genetics Research or AGR. And Brad is the CEO of Eläin Genetiikka Tutkimus or EGT.

It is Finnish for Animal Genetics Research. Gregory said.

You wouldn’t let me call it AGR now would you?

No.

That is way it is EGT. I have a list and their approximate location. How you get them is up to you. I am willing to pay extra for the few that are questionable.

How much extra?

Let’s say ten thousand each group provided you are able to come up with a large enough sample.

My forte is gathering data. Getting in to take the seeds…I can do that. However, stealing livestock is not in my line of work. Three hundred thousand plus an extra ten grand…I guess I can become a rustler.

Great then we have a deal. There are a few other things I would like you to take care of while you are there. Robert said.

Jack looked around the empty apartment for the last time. He could hear ice as it fell into the holder in the refrigerator. He picked up the two bags with his things and walked out. As he opened the door, a man stepped up to it.

I’m here to fix the refrigerator. He said.

It’s right in there. Jack replied and nodded inside." The man looked at Jack with his bags then watched him as he walked down the hallway.

Jack rode the elevator to the garage then walked over to the empty parking space. He shook his head and continued to the end of the garage. An old beat up Hondyota sat there. He opened the back and put his bags into it then climbed into the vehicle. It listed to one side just clearing the ground by only a few centimeters. He backed out and slammed on the brakes. A vehicle shot past him then turned into the space next to the one for his apartment. As he pulled out, he could see it taking up both spaces and the same man from the other night getting out. Asshole. He thought and continued to back out.

The old Hondyota pulled up in front of the spaceport and stopped in a red zone. Jack stepped out then grabbed his bags from the back and walked into the spaceport. A cop watched as he walked off then walked up to the vehicle. He looked at the old hulk then pulled out his tablet and began filling out the ticket.

Jack walked into the terminal then up to the counter. A woman looked at him and smiled.

One way to Earth. He said. 

Going on vacation?

Business trip. Jack replied.

Which elevator? She asked.

It doesn’t matter.

No, which elevator on Earth?

Oh! Which one is closest to Germany?

That would be the one on Gabon or you can use the one in Somalia. They both have connecting flights to Europe.

The closest one to Germany.

That ship will leave in two days with a connecting stop at transfer station nineteen.

Nothing any sooner?

No I am afraid not.

All right, book me on that one. 

What class.

My company has me on a tight budget, but I hate traveling in steerage. What do you have in second class?

There is a two-man room available to transfer station nineteen. Once you reach it, you will have to make your own arrangements with that ship. That carrier will not allow us to reserve rooms on their ships. She took his chip and looked at the identification along with the visas to enter Europe. These all seem to be in order. There you go a one way to Earth on the Star Cruiser Amblim. It will arrive at transfer station nineteen in two weeks. Your connecting flight is on the Sun Bay and you should arrive at the elevator in four weeks. When she finished she handed him back his chip with his boarding passes. She stood there looking at him. That comes to five hundred and eighty-five Credits.

That puts a dent in my expense account. He replied. He pulled out a wad of credits and counted them off. When he finished he shoved the remainder into his pocket. My boss doesn’t like us using our personal accounts he believes in cash only. It makes it harder to get reimbursed especially since he wants a receipt for everything.

Have you been to Earth before?

No this is my first time.

I have been there several times. I would suggest you use a debit card with a security lock and not carry all that with you. Some places on Earth do not accept Federation Credits and you have to get them exchanged into their currency. When I went I used a secure debit card and they didn’t have any problems with it.

Good suggestion, I’ll look into that. Jack replied and grabbed his receipt. He smiled at then woman and walked off towards the counter for the shuttle.

Chapter Two

The last ore ship dropped into the planets orbit on the other side of the sun. It opened the large gates and started shoving the rocks out. Once the load emptied, it pulled up then continued back towards the belt. The old surplus Destroyer stood off and watched as the last ore ship departed. The Captain of the ship looked at the display showing the reflection of small fist size rocks along with the trail of them leading out towards the belt. He nodded his head with satisfaction. Let them figure that out. Their guilds will get the blame and while they are blaming each other, we’ll take the whole system.

Contact headquarters and tell them that phase two is in place. The Xylocopa Commander said. He walked back to his seat and sat down. Humans do have some things that make life a little more comfortable. He thought as he settled into the chair. Set in the jump coordinates and get us out of here and make sure we are seen.

The second Xylocopa walked over to a console and pushed in the first set of coordinates. He looked at the Commander then activated the jump. The stars shifted and the sun moved. The second entered another set of coordinates and looked towards the Commander.

We have been picked up by their sensors. Ready to send identification code. Another Xylocopa said.

Send it and as soon as they respond jump.

Receiving conformation.

The ship jumped away towards the large gas giant. It moved around behind it and slowed as it approached the invasion fleet. A small shuttle moved away from the old Federation Destroyer towards the Xylocopa mother ship. The Commander could see the hundreds