Cosmos End

By KC Martin

Cosmos End is a story that begins on Earth in the year 2024 and concludes at the very end of the universe. Robert Moth was born with a special gift, or was it a curse? As his abilities become noticed Robert becomes a target for the rich and powerful who also desire his ‘gift’ and they do not care who they have to destroy in order to obtain it.
Robert survives these unwanted attentions and then leads humanity through the eons towards Cosmos End and their final destiny. It is not always an easy journey and at times the entire race are faced with total destruction and extinction.
Hindered by the destruction of life on planet Earth humanity is forced to learn fast and adapt to a very uncertain future. The struggle begins and eventually the eons begin to pass.
Haunted by the eventual loss of his first newborn son Robert must somehow hold the entire human race together as the rest of the universe begins to age and slowly die. The journey is long as billions of years pass and at times it is difficult, but can they make it? Can humanity see the challenge through to the very end?

• Language: English
• Publisher: KC Martin
• Release date: Aug 15, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005731663

KC Martin

I am the proud Author of The Grid Warrior trilogy, The Agile Tester and SpiceTheWorld

Book preview

Cosmos End

Copyright © KC Martin (2021)

The right of KC Martin to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by him in accordance with section 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

Any person who commits any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

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First Published (2021)

ISBN: 979-8454056698

Book 1

Chapter 1

The still of the early morning tranquillity was shattered by the scream of a lone motorbike rushing south on the otherwise deserted A3 at just after three in the morning on a warm July day. Two startled deer gazed towards the oncoming twin headlights before dashing for the cover of the roadside forest just moments before the motorbike sped past. Dozens of other, smaller animals likewise rushed for the cover and safety of the undergrowth as the growling thunder of a highly tuned engine rushed through the night like a rampaging monster hunting for their very souls.

Robert Moth glanced at the fleeing deer before looking down at his speed, just under one hundred and sixteen kilometres per hour.

Not bad he thought to himself but with an estimated top speed of just over two hundred and fifty and a couple of kilometres of straight, clear road in front of him there was plenty left in reserve and the bike sounded hungry for more.

He was feeling good and he was feeling lucky. It had been a good and productive day and now the road ahead was straight, dry and clear.

Robert had just completed his most recent programming contract and he was returning from London with a nice fat bonus in the bank and another contract set up to start in just over three months' time.

This was his preferred lifestyle. Robert was a thirty-year-old single man who was between girlfriends and he was in no hurry to start up a fresh relationship. He was a person who preferred his own company and freedom, he also knew there was plenty of time for settling down and raising a family in the future.

His parents had both passed away and Robert had no siblings and so his life was his own with no real commitments. Robert had friends of course and he would often spend time with them sailing or kayaking but he rarely indulged in nights out and he never drank alcohol or smoked. He was also a highly skilled software developer who was always in demand on the contract scene in the City of London.

Now he had some spare time to pursue his other interests and relax. One thing that Robert did enjoy was riding his two-year-old Triumph Speed Triple as hard and fast as he could. He had two track days booked at Silverstone racetrack but this morning the conditions were just too perfect to resist. The need for speed was inside him now.

The road was dry and clear, the moon was out and there was hardly any wind. Ahead of him was a perfect piece of motorbike road. Straight, clear and downhill followed by an uphill section that led to a sweeping left curve and after that the Hindhead tunnel. Robert knew there was cameras at the tunnel, and he would have to slow there but for now there was nothing to hold him back apart from his own courage. He did not believe in fear, this was something that stifled ambition and clouded minds.

So, Robert tucked his slim, five feet ten-inch frame down closer to the tank and opened the throttle more and the roar of the Triumph echoed across the countryside for kilometres in all directions as the speed reached two hundred.

Next, he passed the two hundred and thirty mark and still the urge to go faster persisted. As he approached the lowest part of the dip and his speed approached the two hundred and forty mark two pairs of human eyes watched his progress from their hiding place amongst the dark bushes.

Get this right Phil, grunted one of the men who went by the name of Leon at the fucking speed that maniac is going he is not an easy target

I know, responded Phil as he readied a high-powered sniper rifle and she who must be obeyed will not accept excuses

They fell into silence as careful aim was taken and thirty years of experience told Phil when to gently squeeze the trigger.

The howl of a high-powered projectile ricocheted across the area as the bullet sped hungrily towards its target. Robert did not hear the approaching bullet. All he could hear was the sound of the wind screaming past him as his bike edged past the two hundred and fifty mark.

What he did feel though was the sensation of his front wheel collapsing and then himself flying through the air at a terrifying speed. This was because the bullet had missed him but not his front tyre which had then exploded in spectacular fashion and resulted in him being thrown into the air at a frightening speed.

Robert did not know what had caused the accident, all he knew was he now had a serious problem and any second now the pain would once again begin.

Seconds later Robert hit the road surface helmet first and his entire body was suddenly an explosion of pain. His helmet just survived the impact and he then skidded along the road for a further two hundred metres but thankfully his leather suit also held together. Next, he crashed into the grass verge before finally tumbling into the roadside woods and smashing into three trees before coming to rest in a small stream.

Fuck me mate, muttered Leon as they watched the motorbike screech along the road with sparks flying everywhere and with Robert above it in the air you bloody well got him. Nice shooting old son

Yes, I sure did mate, responded Phil with a touch of pride in his voice now let us go and get him

What’s left of him you mean

Who cares, shrugged Phil her royal bitchiness did not say in what condition she wanted him in. For some reason she just wants him badly

They watched silently as the motorbike disappeared into the trees and was soon followed by Robert.

That’s the spot called Phil as he dropped the rifle next to their car and started to run across the deserted road let us go and find his body

After a quick check that the coast was clear they ran across the empty dual carriageway and started their search amongst the bushes and trees.

Robert meanwhile was barely conscious and riddled with pain, what he was aware of though was the noise of two people crashing around close to him while swearing and muttering about the thorns and stream.

Okay, so where the fucking hell has the wanker gone then, growled Leon his body must be here somewhere?

Keep looking mate, responded Phil the royal bitchiness expects us to return with him otherwise it will be our balls nailed to the wall

Now Robert was aware that the crash was not an accident, he had been ambushed. He also knew why this had happened and after hearing their conversation he also had a good idea who had commissioned the assault. He also knew that it was vital he evaded their capture and remained hidden.

Feeling giddy and nauseous Robert glanced up through the bushes towards the night sky. The stars were clearly visible, and he knew there was a couple more hours before sunrise and the morning commuter run, he had to remain hidden until then.

Trying his best not to cry out in pain and make any other noise Robert slowly dragged himself into the centre of a clump of bushes and sobbed silently as the sheer agony that was running through his body pushed him to the very edge of sanity. Now under cover he lay still and silent and listened carefully for his hunters.

Robert could tell from the noise of their thrashing around in the undergrowth and their swearing they were still awfully close and becoming increasingly frustrated by their inability to find him. He could understand their concern, the woman who had commissioned his capture was indeed an extremely brutal and evil person. If they did not return with him or his body, then there was an exceptionally good chance that she would kill them both herself. It was not likely to be a quick death either.

While trying his best not to cry out in agony Robert dragged his battered body further into the undergrowth and waited for the sunrise. He believed that when the approach of dawn started to brighten the eastern sky and the traffic on the road increased his hunters would be forced to abandon their search and disappear from the area before the wreckage of his bike was seen and the rescue services were called to the area.

So, he waited, somewhat impatiently, for the first rays of the morning sun to appear. On two occasions he slipped into unconsciousness but a combination of the pain screaming through his body and the ever louder and desperate voices of the two men who were trying to locate him soon bought him back round.

After a while Robert glanced through the undergrowth up at the sky. He could still see the stars but there was a definite hint of brightening on the eastern horizon.

Thank god for that he whispered not long now.

As he waited for the salvation of the early morning light Robert considered his next move. The shattered remains of his motorbike had disappeared somewhere into the undergrowth and if it were now completely covered then it was very unlikely it would be seen by passing cars.

Therefore, he had to be in a position where the morning commuters would see him at least.

Somehow, he had to get to the roadside.

Given the condition of his body Robert realised this would not be an easy task to complete, yet he had to do it. Otherwise, he would be stuck in the undergrowth for days, possibly even weeks. The thought of laying here for days was not something he relished, at night it could become cold and damp in the undergrowth and during the daytime he doubted much warm sunlight would reach him either despite the fact it was summer.

No, he would have to drag himself to the roadside no matter how long it took or how much it hurt.

Slowly but surely the night sky began to lighten, and the first signs of the coming dawn began to appear on the eastern horizon. The level of traffic on the road also began to increase as they early starters made their daily journey to their place of work. Robert sighed gently as the first rays of sunlight appeared in the distance. The A3 was a major dual carriageway that connected Portsmouth to Guildford and London, he knew that within the next hour the road would be extremely busy. By that time though his would-be captors would be long gone.

Once again trying his best not to cry out in pain Robert sat up slightly and tried to visually locate the two men who had been searching for him. They were now down by the road and walking away from his location. Being careful to remain hidden he watched as they ran across the carriageway to a layby where they collected the rifle, jumped into a car and sped off.

Thank god for that, he muttered before allowing himself the pleasure of a loud scream. Now feeling only slightly better he began the slow, agonising crawl to the roadside.

One hour later the sun was visible and the A3 was a busy road. Feeling slightly warmed by the rays of sunlight Robert was halfway through what he now considered to be the journey through hell. Every movement was extreme agony and he was hungry, tired and very thirsty.

But still he kept moving, inch by inch he dragged his shattered body over grass and through two small streams until he was only forty metres from the roadside. Now completely exhausted and shattered by the excruciating pain Robert stopped for a short rest but his ordeal was nearly over as a lorry driver noticed him and pulled to a halt in the nearest lay-by.

Within minutes the driver whose name was Frank was running up to his position and he was already on his mobile phone to the emergency services. He then knelt down next to Robert.

Bloody hell, muttered the middle-aged lorry driver you look as though you have been dragged through hell and back

Robert did not respond, the effort involved with talking was one that he no longer had the energy for, instead he lay on the ground next to Frank.

You hang on now mate, continued Frank help is on the way, soon you will be in hospital. Just hang on a little longer son

Robert tried to say thank you but there was nothing left, he simply closed his eyes and waited for fate to decide on his destiny.

Chapter 2

Two days later Robert opened his eyes once more and found himself in a warm, clean hospital bed. The pain was all but gone and a selection of tubes were connected to his right hand and he was surrounded by the usual collection of monitoring machines.

Thirsty and hungry he looked around the ward and realised he was in a four-bed berth. All of the other beds were occupied. Robert looked over at his neighbour, a middle-aged man with plaster on his left leg.

Hello, he said quietly

Good morning, responded the man whose name was Andrew

What hospital is this? asked Robert

Guildford, what happened to you?

Motorbike crash on the A3, explained Robert I was not sure if I would end up here or Portsmouth

This was probably closer or the ambulance crew prefer the coffee here. My name is Andrew by the way. How do you do?

Hello, my name is Robert. Is that a broken leg?

Andrew looked down at his cast and nodded

Yes, I was cleaning my bedroom window and I fell out. The wife was furious, claims I did it to get out of housework. She was here last night moaning about what a lazy bugger I am, thankfully she is busy tonight so I get a rest and some peace

Wow, so how long have I been here?

Two days, confirmed Andrew you were in a bad way when they bought you in. I am extremely amazed that you have come around so soon. I think they were considering an induced coma at first

Robert nodded in response, that would have been a viable option, his body had been badly smashed up and they were probably concerned about brain trauma and strokes. It would not have been his first induced coma either. In fact, this was his seventh stay in a hospital in ten years, many more visits and he would be asking for his very own bed.

He then glanced around the local area. Apart from himself and Andrew there was two further beds. The first was occupied by a sleeping man who appeared to be in his sixties or possibly even seventies. This man looked extremely weak and frail and Robert could not help but wonder how much longer he had left.

The fourth bed was occupied by an angry looking youngster who appeared to be only interested in his mobile phone. Robert decided he did not like the look of this person and so he decided to ignore him and leave him to continue frowning at his phone while swearing in a low, agitated voice.

Next, he looked over his bedside table. There was a jug of water and a clean glass. Remembering just how thirsty he was Robert reached over and carefully filled the glass, as he moved the pain reminded him that his body was only two days past a major trauma. He was covered in extensive bruising and there was also the chance he had suffered some fractures.

As he took a sip of the water, he also noticed a small mirror on the bedside table. Feeling curious and a little worried he grabbed the mirror and checked over his face.

The area just below his left eye was badly bruised but he could see and both eyes revealed their usual bright blue colour. His small nose looked to be in good shape and apart from a small cut on this upper lip his mouth also appeared to be okay. Next, he checked his teeth and was pleased to see that they were all present, correct and un-damaged.

Then he inspected his ears, apart from the fact they both still stuck out a little there was no damage. Finally, he checked the top of his head, there was no sign of any injury apart from a couple of small cuts and his shoulder length, light brown hair appeared to be all there but in need of a good wash.

Robert sighed and placed the mirror back on the table, so his face was still in good order, but what about the rest of his body, sometime soon he knew doctors would appear and they would reveal the full extent of his internal and external injuries, until then he could only guess from the location and severity of the pain around his body.

Breathing was slightly painful, so he guessed there was bruising around his chest, but nothing felt broken. He had experienced broken ribs in the past and he remembered that pain very well. Next Robert considered his arms, nothing serious there, he was able to move both freely with only a slight pain in his left wrist. Both of his hands felt fine and all of the fingers were present.

Next came the legs, he lifted up the blanket to reveal both legs were heavily bruised, but all of his toes were present and he was able to move all of them with only a small amount of pain, so nothing broken there either.

So once again he had survived a major incident and came out with only minor injuries. Over the past decade he had experienced two previous motor