Endangered Species: Blue Planet Earth Series Book One of Five:

By Ron Ayers

Rita Babbitt, United Save Earth Project Director, had everything going as planned and right on time. Her four space stations, four moon bases, seven underwater cities, and a secret underground laboratory in Nevada were doing fine.

Onboard Space Station Searcher One, the lead scientist, Dr. Parker, discovered a gigantic galactic storm like nothing ever seen before in history moving through the universe and encompassing earths entire solar system. Elements within the killer storm are deadly to humans and will kill off the entire human population if unimpeded!

Under the leadership of Babbitt, she finds a way to protect and save thirty million of her fellow humans. Once the storm passes, earth is forced to start a new beginning. Rebuilding the human race would be a long and massive undertaking.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Sep 12, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524532987

Ron Ayers

Ron C. Ayers is a twenty-one-year Navy veteran, and after retiring, he worked twenty-two years as quality control director of a large yacht company. During that same time, he volunteered for eighteen years as a command pilot with the Civil Air Patrol. Since retiring, he spends his time writing fiction novels and country music. He lives with his wife of fifty-seven years in North Carolina.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Year 2082 Earth Time

Earth’s History

Past and Present

Blue Planet Earth so many times throughout its short Universal history scarcely managed to survive its own implacable bloody existence. Its people made up of many Nations and many Cultures rarely agreed on anything. Nearly all of their leaders and a majority of the people believed only violent confrontation held the only resolution to their petty disputes.

Shortly after the turn of the twenty-first century, the Planet’s larger Nations and a great many smaller ones began to realize this type of existence was leading the Planet and its inhabitants to the brink of extinction. Earth was doomed to destruction unless alterations of attitudes and behavior patterns permitted exchange of knowledge and idea’s; bringing about solutions to the huge growing list of compelling problems.

Populations spiraled out of control. Food supplies grew progressively shorter each year. Most of the raw materials were on the threshold of depletion; while some had been exhausted years earlier. By the year 2036 it became evident, in order for Earth to survive, this path of destruction and abuse could not continue. Earth’s problems, compelling as they might be needed positive solutions. Any Solution contained only one option. All Nations must put aside their petty disagreements and work together to insure human survival. Three possible avenues in which to expand Earth few remaining energies and resources remained open to utilization. First, Earth needed the wealth from its vast untouched Oceans. Second, the Moon could supply untapped mineral resources and third, the endless Parsecs of Space itself held untold treasures which could contribute to Earth’s survival.

Early into the New Year 2038, most countries of the Planet collectively decided to stop fighting each other and start working together to achieve what they now perceived as Earth’s common goals. Since the fall of Communism over the past six decades, nearly ninety six percent of the World’s population now lived, worked and thrived in a free and open Capitalistic type Society.

In terms of wealth and resources, no one Nation could afford the high cost involved in solving Earth’s growing number of salvable problems. It quickly became all too apparent that pooling of the Planets assets remained Earth’s only viable option. The future would require vast changes. After nearly four years of constant debate; Earth’s Nations reached an agreement. Creation of One World Government was the first step. This new Government would be responsive to the needs of all Earth’s Citizens everywhere. To satisfy this end, a new World order was established, voted on, approved and quickly ratified by each Nation. In 2042 when Elections ended, representatives of this newly created World Government took control. This new Union would carry the Name United Earth Nations or (U.E.N). Each nation of this newly formed Union received structured status similar to those of the United States of America. The (U.S.A), now the World’s leading Nation would become a model and would house the New World Government’s Capital. Its head quarters would be located in the State Of Alaska

A new Constitution was drawn up mainly using the United States, the United Kingdom and small parts of a few other smaller Nations as models for this new Government. Free Elections and the Electoral vote chose the President, Vice President and Members of both Houses of Congress. There was one major political change. Now the Vice President was chosen by his or her own election, separate from the President.

Each Nation was allowed to manage its own affairs, but was required to operate strictly within the guidelines of the laws mandated by the New World Constitution.

So it finally came to pass; by the end of the year 2046 The (U.E.N.) Congress with the help of the Scientific and Industrial Communities devised and implemented a plan which if successful would over time save the Earth from its self.

Four Colonies of Miners were equipped, trained and placed on four separate Moon Luna Bases. These Moon Bases would mine raw materials and ship them back to Earth for processing.

To help ease the food shortage, seven Underwater Research Cities known as Aqua Colonies were constructed, and each placed in Strategic locations along the Ocean floor; One on each Major Continent.

Four giant Research Space Stations were constructed in high Space orbit above the Earth. Each Space Stations Primary Mission was to search Deep Space for knowledge which would aid Earth’s salvation. Their secondary Mission was to prevent loss of raw materials, food supplies and the dangers of overpopulation.

Documented credibility was utilized in selection of the men and women who would live and work in these Save Earth Projects. Each applicant must be between the ages of eighteen and forty. Half would be Male and half would be Female. Each must display exceptional knowledge, ability and expertise within their chosen field. Last, all must be in excellent physical health. There were no exceptions to the health rule for any reason. Married couples were accepted and even encouraged to apply when possible.

In the beginning, each Project by design began operations with a fixed population. Moon Bases would get One point five Million each. Space Stations would receive one half million each. Each Underwater Cities received One Million each. Combined total from all sites total of fifteen Million.

In addition! The state of Nevada, hosted a huge secret Underground Space Propulsion Laboratory. Working day and night their Mission was to design, build and test the first Hyperspace drive which could propel a new type of Space Ship through Space faster than the Speed of Light. Should this new drive be successful, man’s confinement to home Space would end. All the endless bounds of Deep Outer Space would become mans playground. The manned population of this site was one Million workers and their families, bringing the Save Earth Project total to Sixteen Million plus.

One of the unique feathers of all these new and daring site designs included room at each for expansion. Expansion designs allowed for each population to double over the first ten years.

These daring Projects Combined successes attributed to and far exceeded design expectations; consequently insuring survival of Earth’s Species far into the future. Earth’s future until now had never been brighter.

**    **    **

Year 2082 Earth Time

Thirty Six years

After World Government

Unknowing to the inhabitance of Earth or Space Projects; far out in the Galaxy, far beyond the outer edge of Earths Solar System, a strange and unusual Phenomenon was accruing in Open Outer Space. Even if man could distinguish what was taking place, his subliminal mind could never contemplate the unmolding catastrophic events for which he was about bare witness.

It began with a small shimmer of light. Almost like a mirrored reflection cast in the open unlimited parsecs of Space. A diminutive time later, a narrow split began to open like a giant tare in the translucent fabric which was Space itself. Starting small the opening moved tediously slow at first. However, with the passage of time it began to increase in size and accelerating at an alarming rate. In two Earth days the tare opened up along a million miles of open Space. A Giant Galactic Storm unlike any ever encountered by mere mortals passed from one side of the tare to the other as the opening progressed in width. Except for being large and black, this Storm System appeared nether threatening or dangerous at first. It appeared only as a large black hole moving through the endless voids of Open Space.

This rupture in Space which allowed the Storm to penetrate lingered only moments after Storm passage; finally disappearing with one last shimmer of reflected light. No evidence remained to mark it’d arrival or departure. In terms of Earth days, its short life cycle lingered only a few hours. Nevertheless, in the complexity of time and Space, it existed for only a moment in time.

Within the laws of universal Space and Time the Storm moved at an enduring snail’s pace, but in human terms the Storm traveled at an amazing rate of speed. Its course of travel lay directly across a portion of the galaxy supporting Earth’s Solar System. Because of its girth and mass, it would encompass more than half of the Solar System in its passing. With constant unhampered speed through the undisturbed vacuum of Space, the Storm’s movement would bring it in full contact with Earth and its Moon and Space Stations in four-hundred-twenty-three hours-eleven minutes and thirty nine seconds.

Earth is about to add one more name to its already long and sometime bloody list of Endangered Species. -––- Man!

**    **    **

CHAPTER 1

T - 26 Days Earth Time

Friday June 26, 2082

Miami International Airport

It was hot and humid in Miami; the thermometer topping out at ninety-six degrees in the shade and rising steadily each hour. Approaching one hundred percent humidity, the air felt thick and harsh, making breathing outside the confines of air conditioning exceedingly difficult. Common for July in Southern Florida; the beaches were filled to capacity with skimpy clad people occupying every available square foot of sand along sixty some odd miles of coastline. In addition to coating themselves with gallons of sun block, the enormous crowds consumed thousands of gallons of assorted beverages; ate tons of sandwiches and snacks during day-light hours, seven days a week.

An ultra light breeze blew in from the North West; its strength sporadic, yet never constant enough to make a difference. Hundreds of kids and dogs playing games ran around dodging sweat soaked adults stretched out on blankets soaking up the sun. The kids, laughing and screaming, the dogs barking; all seemingly at the same time, appeared unconcerned about their surroundings or the unbearable heat.

At Miami International Airport, activities conducted along South Florida beaches, bore little resemblance among the hustle and bustle of the World’s fourth-busiest Flight Control Center. The only point of similarity except articles of clothing might be the endless numbers of people jamming every ticket counter, shop and concourse. There were Uniformed Policeman and civilian clothed Secret Service Agents from both the US and World Government scattered throughout the Crowd. Security was unusually tight.

A World Government owned 680-C Strata Plane, with engines idling, stopped its taxi roll short of the active runway threshold awaiting take off clearance. The aircraft provided was exclusively used by United Earth’s Head of State and authorized guest. Today the Plane was carrying Earth’s First Lady, Marlana Morfield; having boarded the multi engine Space Plane only minutes earlier for her flight home. Seated in her favorite recliner, she cleared her mind and let the tension relax at the back of her head and upper spine while she waited takeoff.

Resembling a moderate size family room, the aircraft’s master quarters feathered among other extras, all the comforts of home. Her security detail and staff, numbering twelve men and ten women, were quartered in another part of the plane. Designated World Air Force Two, because today it carried the First Lady, was one of six such aircraft supplied to the Office of United Earth President and Staff for official use.

Experiencing movement once again, Marlana’s mind pictured the plane turning onto the runway, as she felt the acceleration steadily build. Pressed hard into her seat the plane raced forward. The (G) forces eased gradually as it lifted gracefully into the dense south Florida air. With the pressure gone, Marlana sat up straight for the hand held intercom mounted next to her seat. Not feeling at her best, she selected audio only, deactivated the video option. Speaking quickly, but quietly, her conversation lasted only a few moments. Deactivating the unit she rang the Stewardess and Marlana ordered a mild pain reliever and water and once again relaxed. Hands folded in her lap; she closed her eyes and waited for her order. Her thoughts returned to her Mission.

Seven exhausting packed days, one in each of the seven Underwater Aqua Cities, had taxed her strength, while eroding her courtroom resolve only vaguely.

A Sitting United Earth Judge; she’d requested and received from the Justice Department, permission for a temporarily leave of absent from her post allowing her to assume the duties as First Lady for the duration of her husband’s term in office.

Earlier, departing Aqua Colony One by shuttle for Miami, she reexamined her activities of the last seven days, seeking new improved ways of putting her message across. She understood with full comprehension, her mission completed only yesterday, ended more in failure than in success.

With the full weight of the President solidly supporting her, she was absolutely convinced more than ever of the need for her mission to succeed. Hopelessly flawed, the World’s current Legal System was totally out of date and control. Basically a combined copy of the systems used by pre-World Governments of the United States and Great Britain and a few other democracies, strongly needed overhaul. When asked by her husband to take over the project she did so willingly having long been an opponent of changing the system. Enthusiastically she set out to accomplish such an overhaul. Her position as First Lady opened new avenues by which to vigorously pursue their Legal Amendment goals. Slowly gaining new followers wherever she went, she steadily made progress; but all too often, she came against an invisible wall of resistance. She was astounded to discover earlier on that a rather large percentage of her legal colleagues and members of Congress headed the resistance and undercut her efforts at every opportunity both publicly and privately.

Letting go the past for a moment, she turned to the future; thinking of her Husband and Daughter she smiled for what seemed like the first time in days. She cherished the thought of spending five whole days at home with her family before leaving for a scheduled forty city tour, renewing her efforts to sell her and the President’s Legal System Reform Package.

Marlana, suddenly felt light headed. Her vision blurred and her headache worsened as the pain recessed downward to the base of the scull and along her shoulders. Memories of past events flashed through her head like a never-ending ribbon of film. Finally the motion stopped and lingered; but her vision was unclear. There was something she had to do, but she couldn’t remember what. Something about the Stewardess or, something the Stewardess was supposed to bring her, but all the details were missing. She tried harder to think, but now, along with her other problems; she was having trouble keeping her eyes opened. Sinking even farther in to her seat, she tried to focus on her family again, but her thoughts refused to let go of how tired and thirsty she now felt. Suddenly her thoughts shifted again to the Stewardess and her earlier request. For a second, she remembered their last conversation. She hadn’t responded. Yes, that was it. Why hadn’t The Stewardess responded with her request? For a moment, her memory cleared becoming almost normal. The flight Crew, they would know. Yes she thought; I must check with the Flight Crew. Mustering all her strength, she tried desperately to raise herself to a sitting position, but failed. A dimming mental image of the Pilot, followed quickly by those of her family flashed through her fog-filled brain before losing themselves among thousands of other images trying to surface at the same time. The reel of images slowed, and the diminishing light continued to gain momentum toward total darkness, further submerging Marlana into total obscurity.

CHAPTER 2

T - 26 Days Earth Time

Friday June 26, 2082

Common Alaska

It was a gorgeous bright sunny day in Earth’s Capital City of Common. Carved straight out of the heart of the Alaskan Wilderness, its unique location subtracted nothing from its gratifying magnificent beauty. Though isolated by design, the City ranked high among the most modern on the Planet. Designed to capture the respect and admiration of the World’s citizenry, Common, had recently become the most visited attraction in Earth’s recorded history; proudly hosting vacationers by the millions. Tranquility Gardens, which physically marked the City’s heart, measured nearly six square miles, and displayed flags and Art Work from every Nation on Earth.

A few short miles to the south, stood the gleaming white State House; home and work place of the President of United Earth’s Government. Although far larger in size, its architecture unmistakably derived from many historical Great Mansions which once dominated the southern landscape of the United States. Other Government buildings representing many cultures formed a half circle to its rear along twenty well-manicured streets. The House and Senate Chambers, divided by a Congressional Library, consumed all of Second Street.

Inside the State House Concert Hall located within the third floor of the east wing; United Earth President Alasdair Morfield listened intently as his twenty year old daughter Sharna, splendidly manipulated the ivory key board of a huge Grand Piano she was playing. At fifty seven Morfield’s six foot three foot well proportional body sat proud and pleased as he concentrated solely on the music. Profoundly imprisoned by its passion, he allowed himself to sink farther into its beguiling depths. Time seem to move ever so slowly before the music reached its final climax.

Following the decaying conclusion of the final note, the room broke into enthusiastic applause as the gallery came slowly to their feet. The admiration went on for several minutes. Sharna, now standing in front of her piano smiling, bowed to the audience and motioned her Father to join with her and share her joy. As a Father he would have liked nothing better, but as World President, he did not wish to diminish her personal moment in the spot light. He declined by nodding his head and remaining where he was.

Lost in the moment, he was totally unaware when as his Chief of staff Ty Winslow hurried across the room. Winslow, a short five foot nine slightly balding man with graying hair and deep totally black eyes tapped his boss gently on the arm. Beckoning the Chief Executive closer, he whispered in his ear.

Mr. President, I just received some very disturbing news Sir. Maybe we should go to your office.

Is it in regard to Governmental Affairs Ty, or is it personal?

Personal Sir!

Then I’d rather hear it here, if you don’t mind.

Winslow glancing around considered their privacy before making a decision. Stepping close to his boss, he whispered softly so only the President could hear. Sir, contact with your wife’s plane has been reported lost.

For a moment it appeared Morfield had not heard Ty’s words. Then his face displayed both shock and concern. What do you mean lost contact, he demanded?

Are you talking radar; communications; what?

I don’t have many details sir; taking the President by the elbow, and steering him toward the door. Sir, suggested Winslow, I suggest we go to your office and get away from all the press gathered here."

Yes, Yes of course Ty, replied Morfield glancing first at his Daughter then around the room. Catching the eye of another of his aids standing nearby, he beckoned her to his side. Phyllis, inform my Daughter I’ve been called away, he ordered quietly. Wait about fifteen minutes and bring her to my office under some pretense. I’ll leave that to you!"

Without waiting for a reply, he followed his chief of staff from the room. Stepping off the elevator he crossed the hall and entered his office followed only by Winslow. Five feet inside the door, he turned on his chief of staff as he shut the door softly behind him.

What’s going on Ty? Explain about this lost contact business. I did hear you correctly. We’re talking about Marlana’s plane.

Yes Sir, Mr. President. Global Tracking called me and said they’d lost communication contact with United Earth Air-Force Two. It could, and I hope very much it will turn out to be nothing. But, we just don’t know at this time, he said punctuated by a sigh."

Well what the hell do you do know, demanded Morfield angrily and stormed around to the backside of his desk.

Stunned, and a little surprised by his boss’s irate outburst, Ty Winslow’s stopped dead in his tracks. Morfield almost never lost control, thought Winslow. But, considering how close he and the first Lady were, his actions were certainly understandable. Not knowing how to respond, he refrained from comment. Seconds passed. Regaining his composure, he opened his mouth to speak, but was cut off when the President gestured him to stop, by waving both hands in front of him.

Recognizing the injured look on his friend’s face, Morfield instantly regretted his heated last words, and apologized.

I’m sorry Ty. I shouldn’t have raised my voice like that. It won’t happen again.

It’s Okay Mr. President. I understand, Winslow replied, taking a seat on the arm of a chair near the desk.

Morfield paced back and forth a few steps. "Do we have radar contact and a location on the plane? Do we know if it’s still flying or is it on the ground?

Sir, I don’t have the answer to either of your questions. General DuPont, Head of Global Air Traffic Control, is on his way here as we speak. I assume he will have those answers for us when he arrives.

I guess there’s nothing left for us do but wait his report, said Morfield, looking defeated. How long before he arrives?"

At any moment Sir, answered Winslow. While we wait, can I get you some coffee Sir," asked Winslow?

No thanks Ty! I think I need something stronger. I’m going to have some bourbon. You look like you could use one too! Join me?

Yes Sir, I think I will. Thank you! I’ll get them Sir; you might want to check on your Daughter.

Morfield nodded. In light of the recent news, he had completely forgotten his Daughter. He activated the office intercom.

Cynthia! Is my daughter in the outer office?

No Sir! Should I get her for you Mr. President?

No! That won’t be necessary. She’s on her way. Send here right in when she arrives.

Yes Sir, Mr. President.

Divided into two distinct areas, the rectangular shaped office with curved ends was actually two large open rooms joined together. There was lots of room to move around when opened as one room. Recessed sliding walls separated the two spaces. Normally left open a few feet along either side, the walls when needed could be completely closed off creating two isolated rooms.

Area one, was a huge working area, with ample seating arrangements, all facing toward an enormous dark hard wood desk standing at one end. The decorations were similar to those found in most Head of State offices located around the Planet.

Area two, decorated like a den contained low tables and lots of soft chairs and sofas. A small kitchen opened