Ark II

By R. J. Feeney

229

Some say fourteen-year-old Erin McCoy is naturally gifted. Her uncanny swimming skill as a US Olympic team hopeful and her ability to understand even the most advanced mathematical equations lends considerable credence to those assumptions. As well-adjusted and content as any teenager could ever be expected to be, Erin describes living with her NASA scientist father and small craft-shop owner mother, who also happens to be her best friend, though she will never admit so in public, as "not horrible." She has even recently started what she secretly hopes will become a very, very good relationship with a classmate named Stu. Only time will tell.

Unfortunately, time is not always friendly, and Erin is about to learn just how mean it can be. an unexpected family tragedy soon turns her protected life upside down. Erin and her father are soon faced with decisions that will forever change their futures, as well as the future of the world, in ways they could never have imagined. Taking their places as part of an elite four-person crew onboard the Stellar-1, Erin and her father join Lt. Trevor Robbins and Dr. Kelly Rainier as they are thrust into an incredible adventure that challenges time itself.

The intellect, character, and physical endurance of the Stellar-1 crew are soon tested to their limits as they cross the globe to complete a mission that is constantly changing and holds the world's history in the balance. Along the way they discover some of the world's most spectacular places, find themselves joined by the unlikeliest of allies who agree to join their quest and are threatened by the most violent and dangerous of enemies who will stop at nothing to ensure its failure.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jul 30, 2021
• ISBN: 9781098084899

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Madam Prime Minister!

Belem, Brazil, 2085

AMBASSADOR HALL

Private residence of the prime minister of the League of Indigenous Sovereign Nations

H ow does one go from being a carefree Irish Catholic girl of the early 2000s, to the leader of the most respected and influential free-world organization of the twenty-first century?

The question hung for a moment in the welcomed, cool breeze of the Brazilian evening as seasoned journalist Joseph Hale leaned forward and sipped from the glass of ice-cold lemonade that was set on the table just prior to his arrival. Keenly aware that being inside Ambassador Hall and having a private interview with the Prime Minister of the League of Indigenous Sovereign Nations was the holy grail of his profession, he forced himself to keep his private thoughts from becoming a distraction. The memories of his boringly normal childhood in a small New Jersey suburb, with his seven brothers and sisters, seemed almost unbelievable at this moment. Recalling how journalism had taken root early in his life, and the pride he witnessed in his mother’s eyes the day he received his degree have been a driving force in his career ever since. But even the often unbearably hectic pace of his mid-twenties, receiving literary acclaim as a biographical author and securing the host position on Histories Mysteries, one of the hottest international news programs on the web, seemed little more than a blur to him now. Despite all his personal achievements, he long ago conceded that they could not hold a candle to the remarkable life of this barely five-foot tall woman who sat directly across the table from him now. She was, and always will be, the greatest success story of his family. From the second he received the unexplained invitation for this interview, he hoped he would finally learn the answers to at least some of the countless questions still surrounding what she and his grandfather experienced during their now historic flight onboard the Stellar-1. Before refocusing on the interview, Joseph cautiously took the liberty of adding a slightly more personal note to his opening question.

And still be as stunning and graceful as any movie starlet of the last two decades.

Silently evaluating the prime minister’s reaction, Joseph relied on all the skills of his craft, as well as his gut instincts, to keep him centered as he walked the thin line between interviewing a dignitary and visiting with his beloved aunt Erin. However, any apprehensions he may have felt quickly evaporate when she flashed him a playful smile and gently ran her hand through her fading red hair. This subtle hint of the little girl still deep inside this woman of great dignity sparked Joseph’s recollection of their all-too-brief video-com communications over the last few months. He recalled the increasing and troubling somberness that seemed to have developed a death grip on her normally cheerful and light-hearted personality. Until this very moment, Joseph had been fighting his worst fear, that the weight of the recent loss of her twin sister Amelia, his mother, just eight months earlier, may have been more than his aunt was able to handle.

Erin McCoy, daughter of NASA Commander Pat McCoy and the prime minister of LISN (the League of Indigenous Sovereign Nations) sat across the table from the eager journalist. With deliberation, she paused briefly before responding to her nephew’s opening question.

You know, Joseph, I’ve turned down a lot of persistent interviewers over the years. I must admit there is no love lost between myself and most of your colleagues, but you have managed to soften my opinion on that subject recently. Besides, your mother always believed you’d be the one to find ‘The Story of the Century’ and who am I to doubt such a heart-felt prophecy. Particularly after recalling the skillful way in which you handled that incredible soccer expose.

Realizing her nephew would be unable to allow her comment to pass unanswered, she felt a tinge of playful antagonism revisiting one of the more memorable moments of his young life.

With all due respect, Madam Prime Minister, they really should have been more careful to double-check my work. I mean, being the first freshman editor in the College’s history, I was under a lot of pressure to dig for the ‘juicy’ stories. How could I have known the team captain’s mysterious older girlfriend would turn out to be the coach’s wife?

Erin McCoy made no attempt to hide the grin on her face. She knew how worried her nephew had been about her recently and it was no secret he had been feeling guilty for not visiting more often since his mother’s death. But realistically she was well aware that one did not just casually drop in on the prime minister of LISN. The few times he had tried to arrange his schedule to be in South America, she was not.

Your mother was very proud of you, Joseph. I know how much you must miss her.

I do, very much.

It was always such fun when she would bring you by for those afternoon visits. You were such a nosy little thing even back then, always snooping around. And the endless questions, how you would go on asking one after another until you finally wore your little mind out enough to fall asleep in your Uncle Henry’s favorite chair.

Pausing, the prime minister caught herself briefly taking note of the striking physical familiarity her nephew bore to his mother. His deep-set hazel eyes and slightly mussed black hair stirred her memories, as she saw so much of Amelia in him.

I can’t begin to tell you how often Mom spoke of you, Aunt Erin. To this day, I still find the story of the two of you truly amazing. Finding out so late in life that she had a twin sister was quite a shock for her. Considering the totally different lives you were each living, it was nothing short of a miracle that you ever found each other at all.

You have no idea how miraculous it truly was, Joseph.

Despite her best attempts at sincerity, the prime minister knew her responses did little to answer the deeply rooted doubts that had plagued Joseph for years. The circumstances of why she and her sister were separated and what occurred the first time she and Amelia met as adults never really sat well with him. Neither did the accepted story of their father’s mysterious, near-fatal illness just months after they were delivered. Even as a young teen, he openly questioned the idea that his grandmother would have given away one of her own children, even though she was suffering through severe financial hardship and an uncertain future concerning her husband’s recovery. She also knew her nephew’s professionalism would prevent him from raising his doubts during the interview without her opening-up the subject for further discussion first. The prime minister chose to avoid revisiting this particular point, for now. She did however, know he would get his answer before this interview was complete, and that fact was causing her great anxiety. Just as she had anticipated Joseph moved on to his next question.

Before he was able to finish his first serious question of the interview, Joseph was abruptly reminded of the importance of his aunt’s position as they were suddenly interrupted by an apologetic young female aid. Waiting patiently as the prime minister was briefed on one of the many situations she needed to be kept fully informed on, Joseph allowed himself a momentary indulgence of the grandeur that surrounded him. From the moment his private, two-seater Helo dropped him off inside this magnificent estate, its incredible landscaping and breathtaking view over the Para River were simply overwhelming. But what he truly found noteworthy was that despite the unyielding barrage of rain and smothering humidity, he’d felt a great sense of peacefulness and purpose permeating from every person he’d encountered.

As the young aide exited, Joseph realized the extraordinary effort that must have gone into freeing up so much time in his aunt’s obviously full schedule.

I want to thank you for granting me this extended interview. I know how busy you and your staff must be with just two days left to prepare for the Global-Peace awards ceremony. It’s sure to be a spectacular event, and may I offer you my deepest congratulation on being recognized for your great work in bringing about twenty-five years of world peace. It is quite an honor.

Joseph was surprised and pleased to see the slightest hint of pink in his aunt’s cheeks.

I’ll admit it has been unusually busy around here for the last few weeks. But I put my foot down early in the week and made it crystal clear that this day was reserved for a special guest, and I was not to be disturbed.

As if on cue, and with a subtle twist of irony, the double-doors at the rear of the room unexpectedly swung open once more. The entrance of another of her aides, this time a tall well-built gentleman, again interrupted the prime minister’s thoughts as he approached her seat. Handing her a single piece of folded paper, he stood silently, awaiting her reply. After a quick glance at the message, the prime minister graciously excused herself, assuring her nephew this matter would take just a few moments of her time.

With yet another pause, Joseph’s thoughts again wandered as he contemplated his surroundings. The moment he stepped foot inside the prime minister’s private residence, he became acutely aware of the grandness of this great hall. Just inside the main foyer, which lay beneath a twenty-foot-high domed ceiling easily rivaling the most beautiful of cathedrals, Joseph was awed at the detailed portrayals of wildlife, which filled the vastness inside the dome. Equally amazing were the intricate teak moldings which surrounded its edges. Before being allowed to enter the main residence, he was handed a pair of light brown lamb’s wool slippers to replace his then slightly muddied shoes. Being led through a series of long corridors, his senses were saturated with sheer elegance as his feet sank into the ultra-plush softness of the emerald green carpeting beneath his feet. The muted lighting hidden just above each of the masterpieces which lined the multicolored pastel walls seemed to give a breadth of life to both the exquisite paintings and countless pieces of iron, glass and bronze sculptures he passed. Even the air itself was filled with a light and soothing aroma from the various floral arrangements, which lined the hallway floor inside their delicate pewter vases. Finally, being escorted inside this smaller, more private dining area just off the kitchen, he found himself unable to resist running his fingers along the meticulously restored Louie XIV chair he was seated in.

Once more the double doors at the rear of the room opened, and the prime minister retook her seat across the table. But before he had the opportunity to utter a word, she firmly took control of their conversation.

It appears that despite my best intentions, our day together may not go without interruption. Therefore, I find myself forced to get right to the point of why I have asked you here. I assure you Joseph; before you leave here today you will have the interview that I promised. However, you deserve to know up front, the reasons I gave for granting this interview were untrue. Perhaps my countless years of refusing interviews was a mistake, but I had to be sure that when the time came it would be with someone I could trust implicitly.

Joseph had always heard that his Aunt was a formidable woman, and she must have been, to have risen to the position of power she now held. But up until this very moment, he had never seen that side of her first hand. Although well aware she was attempting to manipulate the interview right from the start, he also knew it was probably for good reason, and it would be wise to let her reveal her story at her own pace. So once again he sat back patiently and listened with great anticipation.

CHAPTER 2

The Interview!

The prime minister could not recall the last time she felt this restless answering questions. She hoped her nephew would not notice.

For the record, Joseph, let me start by clarifying the true history of the League of Indigenous Sovereign Nations. Although the size and political power of this great endeavor has far surpassed what any of us could have ever predicted, none of its current leadership, me included, can lay claim to being part of its founding. LISN’s roots were established during the last decade of the twentieth century when independent Indian nations stretching from Canada and the United States to Central and South America, allied into a new political organization. A few years after the devastating global conflicts in the early part of this century, I found myself drawn to this struggling organization and the strength of its original framework. In time it was revitalized as others who shared our desire for a true representational government recognized the power behind its simple and direct tenets. Peace through unity and unity through honoring and drawing from our diversity.

Slowly walking to the open bay window and gazing out over the landscape, she could almost feel the presence of old friends and allies as she sifted through a myriad of memories. Taken aback by the unexpected clarity of her past, she suddenly took the interview in a very different direction.

I must warn you before we go any further, Joseph. The information I am going to reveal during this interview will have a global impact I’m sure. But just as important, it will also reveal certain truths about your family ancestry. Truths that will have a significant effect on your personal life.

Receiving no visible response to the words she had just uttered, the prime minister continued. It is also vitally important that you understand how much your mother wanted to be the one to tell you certain details of our family history and how much it broke her heart to keep secrets from you. Honoring her wishes I promised her long ago I would not interfere. I would not go public until she talked with you first. Unfortunately, her recent passing has dictated a different course of action.

As the seconds passed in total silence, the prime minister tried to get some sense of what Joseph might be thinking or feeling. Unable to interpret his stoic stare, she returned to her tale.

Once you’ve heard the whole story I’m confident you will understand why the truth has been kept secret for so long. This is not just ‘My Story’ but the story of a small band of brave and selfless individuals who were thrown together by fate and endured great personal hardship for a cause much greater than any man, or woman in history ever had to fight for. Let me also be clear that even though I may not have been physically present at every crucial moment as they occurred, I was there to witness first-hand the emotional and physical scars these events left on those who suffered through them. I also spent countless hours listening intently to recollections of what they saw and felt while the adrenalin was still coursing through their bodies, and every minute detail was still fresh in their minds. So the accounts I am about to share with you are much more accurate than an old woman’s hearsay. Even after those involved came to the disappointing realization that no truthful accounts of their actions would probably ever be told, they continued to do whatever they could to secure this glorious new era of peace which we are all living in today.

Before the prime minister was able to add anything else, she was taken aback by the title Joseph offered in describing this period in history.

The Second Renaissance of Man?

Deeply moved, she gave Joseph an approving glance. Your grandfather would have loved to hear those words. In fact, that’s all he ever truly wanted."

Once again surprised by her own sudden recollection of long buried memories, she let go a barely audible, Incredible.

Madam Prime Minister?

I have not entertained such clear thoughts of my father in years, and here you’ve brought them out in mere moments.

History speaks highly of the commander, Aunt Erin. You have good reason to be proud of all he achieved.

There was no need for her to tell him how truly proud she was of her father. She knew that her now misty eyes were answer enough.

Though history may well have recorded all my father’s wonderful accomplishments, it did not record his dreams. I can still recall how he and your uncle would sit for hours talking about the future. It was amazing how similar they really were. In fact, the only real thing I can recall them ever vehemently disagreeing over was the fact that I chose to continue to use my maiden name in my professional life. Oddly, it wasn’t your uncle who opposed it, but your grandfather. He thought it was disrespectful toward my husband. I’ll bet they took that argument all the way to the good Lord himself, the minute your uncle joined your grandfather there.

Suddenly, the prime minister was overcome by an undeniable epiphany and embraced the simple fact that the moment she had agonized over for so many years was finally here. Slowly, before a captive audience of one, she began to unfold the first chapter of her extremely unique life story.

Despite all the military and scientific recognition he received, my father was driven by a much simpler ideal. He desperately wanted to make this world a place where man could achieve again. A place where people could grow and learn, not simply survive like animals in the wild. In fact, that’s really where it all began. The simple frustrations of one man who couldn’t see enough of the good in this world and dreamed of somewhere better for his wife and little girl.

Consumed by the saga that was now being recreated so vividly in her mind, the prime minister took no notice as Joseph slid his recorder closer toward her.

It was the early 2000s. I was still in school. Mom stayed home taking care of me and running our small craft shop that was adjacent to our home, while dad spent his days solving engineering problems at NASA. Mom was a true Italian and a wonderfully creative woman. She could sew, do beautiful tole paintings, and had an incredible eye for design and color. It was just a small shop, barely big enough to hold all our displays, but our customers always got what they were looking for and never a day went by without someone praising her work. Mom was also a woman of deep Christian convictions and solid common sense. Sometimes I had to laugh as I watched them together. On more than one occasion she and I would return home after running our errands, only to find Dad roaming around the house somewhere or other, totally engrossed in whatever it was he was working on at the moment. When mom would ask him if he had gotten around to any of the simple chores she needed him to do that day, he would just glance over the top of his glasses, rub his hand over the slight bald spot on the back of his head and give her a look of total confusion. Then she would gently remind him, in detail, what it was he was supposed to have done. I’m not saying dad was absent minded; I guess it was more like being obsessively single-minded. He was so intellectually curious that once he got his mind wrapped around some new idea, he became totally oblivious to the more obvious things in life, like directions or remembering a simple schedule. But it was a great life for us then. Mom and I got to spend a lot of time together, usually doing nothing very special, but it’s a time I will always remember. She understood me, and I felt I understood her as well. But Dad, God bless him, I don’t think anyone understood him. He was a whole other story.

CHAPTER 3

A Frustrated Life!

Titusville, Florida

The morning rush hour was just getting underway as Commander Pat McCoy pulled his two-year old jeep onto a stretch of sunny highway, just as he had done every weekday for the past four years. But for the past week, he had the company of his thirteen-year-old daughter Erin along for the ride. Still beaming with excitement over recently being awarded a very impressive two-day-a-week internship in the programming department of her father’s office, Erin was ecstatic not only at the idea of working at NASA, but also at the thought of having the chance to spend more time with her father. In just these few short days she had already learned, and subconsciously started imitating, her father’s morning ritual. As they started their early morning commute, she instinctively pulled her sunglasses from her purse, as she watched him switch to his prescription sunglasses. She then reached over to the radio, tuned into the local news station and quietly listened to the overnight numbers from the Tokyo Stock exchange, as if she actually preferred this station above the countless music channels available.

KBNG radio time is 5:45 am. It’s a beautiful one out there today folks, with our highs straining to keep in the ’70s, and a chance of scattered showers overnight.

In the news at this hour, after a long meeting with the heads of the International Disease Control Center, White House Spokeswoman stated there have been some major breakthroughs reported in the ongoing fight against the AIDS epidemic. The president expects some major announcements by the end of the year. The federal crime report was released early yesterday, and although the overall crime rate is up, the number of murders in most major cities is showing a remarkable decline. Officials believe the main reason for the overall increase in the crime rate is the growing number of youth-oriented hate crimes. Anti-Semitic and gay and lesbian assaults are rising at an alarming rate, and recruitment for Neo-Nazi youth groups are also on the rise. From the world of science, rumors continue that NASA will attempt its first manned interstellar flight in the very near future.

Startled by her father’s knee-jerk reaction to crank up the radio, Erin’s curiosity was immediately aroused.

Although White House officials have continued to deny growing allegations, there is increasing pressure from both Houses of Congress, as well as grass-roots organizations throughout the country to continue investigating NASA’s alleged technical and financial involvement with a number of aeronautic companies who are developing privately run space-shuttle programs.

Pulling off the highway onto a private road, the commander slowed his vehicle as he approached a secluded building just beyond a guarded entrance gate. Noticing her father’s growing agitation over the morning news report, Erin wisely decided to not say a word as she watched a very attractive young woman in a military uniform step out of the guard shack to greet him. Turning down his radio as she approached, her father reached for a small picture ID badge, kept tucked in his overhead visor.

Good morning, sir.

The cheerfulness of the young guard went unnoticed by the commander as he weakly returned her salute and impatiently handed over his badge without uttering a word.

I see we made the top of the news again this morning, sir.

A quick verification of his ID, and a slight hand gesture from the attentive guard signaled a second soldier to open the electronic fence. The commander retrieved his badge with little more than an unintelligible grumble and another half-hearted return to the guard’s salute. Just before pulling away Erin noticed the soldier shaking her head slowly and overheard what she knew was intended to be a private comment.

That’s one boy who sure needs to get away for a while. A looong while.

In the shaded area of his private parking spot, Erin watched as her father tried to gather himself together for another day’s work but could see that his mind was terribly preoccupied. She was sure it was due to the heated debate she overheard her parents having late last night.

"No Pat! I don’t understand! It was an isolated incident! Nobody was hurt. Erin was on the other side of the school during the entire ordeal. She didn’t even know anything was going on until she saw the lights from the police cars. The school security stopped and disarmed the two students as soon as they entered the parking lot. They never even entered the building. Erin is fine! It’s over!"

Un-noticed by her parents, Erin sat silently behind the railing outside her bedroom. From her second-floor perch, where she could plainly see the frustrated looks in her parent’s eyes, it was obvious to Erin that her father knew his wife was only trying to keep him from over-reacting, but his anger and frustration were quickly reaching the boiling point.

It’s only over till the next group of screwed up kids decide to demonstrate their loyalty to some other crazy cult! I know you don’t understand, Claire. Sometimes, I’m not sure I understand myself. All I know is that I’ve had enough! Where’s the good side of things? The little spark that might grow into something worthwhile, something good that will be there for the next generation. I just don’t see it anymore. This chaotic mess we all live in, is not how it’s supposed to be!

How is it supposed to be Pat?

Not like this. Look, Claire, all I know is there’s got to be a place where we can live a normal healthy life and raise our daughter safely. There must still be a place like that out there somewhere. Lowering his voice to almost a whisper, he added "Or some time?"

The second those words left her father’s mouth Erin’s heart sank. She immediately realized exactly what his muted comment really meant, and it was something neither her nor her mother ever thought the family would be discussing again. Erin also knew her mother’s reaction was going to get very ugly.

You Son-of-a-Bitch! You’re going back on your word! We spent months arguing over this the first time. I thought the matter was settled. You told me you turned them down!

I did! But now… I’m not so sure.

So you’re just going to fly off on some ultra-secret mission for a year, maybe two. Then what? I suppose this giant hand of God is going to miraculously appear and show you the way to some new, perfectly pristine world for you to colonize? I know you work for the largest space agency in the world, but you really need to get your head out of the clouds and do a serious reality check here! And what about Erin? At this age she needs both of us to be here for her—now more than ever. You know she hangs on every word you say as if it was gospel. Damn it, Pat, you keep this up and she’ll be just as neurotic as you! We’ve been so lucky with her up to now. She has good friends, and actually enjoys school. My God, she’s already got her foot in the door at NASA. She’s got a good life ahead of her; she’s worked hard for what she has. Don’t let some insane ‘Mid-life Crisis’ screw it all up now.

Fighting back her own tears, Erin watched her father take a deep breath; they listened silently as her mother tried to calm the situation by adding another thought for her husband to consider. She’s even got her first little romance going on.

Feeling the tension in the room drop dramatically, Erin smiled as her parents exchanged a quick glance toward one another. You mean Tonto? The light-hearted tone in her father’s comment caused her mother to playfully smack his arm as she defended what she saw as her daughter’s first serious suitor.

Stop it. He’s a good kid. Haven’t you ever noticed how protective he is of her?

I still say he lies about his age. I served in the Gulf with Marines who were only half his size.

As a brief pause filled the room Pat took a long look at the petite woman standing before him, her arms crossed in anger, her sea green eyes filled with compassion and concern. Erin could tell he saw how hard she was fighting to work through this hopefully temporary crisis and fully understood the pain and confusion he was causing her. Yet he could not bring himself to say the words he knew she so desperately needed to hear.

Look babe, it’s getting late and I still need to go over a few things for the morning. Can we talk more about this when I get home tomorrow? I just…I just need to clear my thoughts.

With a gaze that seemed to penetrate her husband’s very soul, Claire leaned forward and gently kissed him.

I’m a little tired myself. Tomorrow’s Saturday, Maybe we can make it ‘date-night’? Erin’s been asking if she could spend a night at my sisters, I’ll call her and see if she’s up for a guest. Okay?

Sure.

Not wanting to end the evening on any bad feelings, Pat added one final comment. You know I love you babe, right?

The twinkle in her eyes was answer enough.

"Yeah babe, I love you, too.

Dad?

The dazed look in her father’s eyes, like how he looked when she woke him from snoozing on the couch, would have ordinarily made her giggle. But she found nothing funny in thinking about the obviously painful daydream that she just watched him suffer through.

Sorry, baby, I guess I’m more tired today than I realized.

Seeing through her father’s weak attempt to hide his concerns over last night’s argument, Erin attempted to ease her father’s mind.

Don’t worry about it Dad. After I go to Aunt Maria’s, you and Mom will have plenty of time to talk. Everything will be back to normal before you even finish dessert.

Getting a strange glance from her father Erin once again tried to ease his mind as she also tried to keep herself out of trouble.

It wasn’t like I was eavesdropping or anything. You guys were plenty loud enough to reach my room last night. Anyway, you should listen to some of the arguments I hear at my friends’ houses, they make you guys sound like amateurs.

As her father affectionately mussed her thick red hair, Erin knew he was only trying to put her mind at ease as he changed the subject.

"Enough talking, we can’t risk you losing that