Tales of the Sentinel: Spectrum

By Jason Farmer

The aeons passed on Earth, its evolving simians unaware of a strange artefact that patiently waited for them to make their introduction. Inevitably, as the ancient guest continued its orbit around the Sun in the void between Venus and the blue world the humans noticed its presence. However, would their inquisitive nature truly want to know the story recorded within the artefact? Was humanity prepared for the revelations that the ancient object had to offer? A set of ideas and mathematical understanding that would gift them a means to take control of their technological destiny. Yet as a notable human once said, nothing is free. So what price would have to be paid to claim their quarry?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Feb 9, 2023
• ISBN: 9781665590884

Jason Farmer

A knee injury I suffered during my school years caused me to alter my ambition to play sport professionally. I instead chose to study the arts—specifically performing arts because it could be just as physical as sports. Whilst learning the craft , I discovered a love for observing the world. Watching civilization rapidly expand across the planet inspired me to create a portfolio of artwork depicting abstract connections between life and future technology. After exhibiting my work to welcome approval , I felt spurred on to convert my ideas into story form.

Book preview

I

‘Seventy two hours.’ Lamented William Hayle as he tried in vain to avoid looking once more at a wall mounted digital clock.

Sitting on a coffee table in front of him was another silent frustration. A circular dial telephone that he would glance at ever more frequently desperate for it to ring.

The expected call, Will hoped, would clarify a start date for his new employment.

Having previously been contracted as a junior engineer maintaining jet engines for the air force, Will’s highly merited skill was much appreciated by his former employers.

Yet, as comfortable as he was in the job, there was always a nagging urge to expand his horizons. An ambition to not just repair engines but also design and build them.

Inspired by the fast evolving space age and it’s call for new technologies the ambitious technician began writing thesis which if published could rapidly advance his career.

After years of research and garden shed practice he submitted to the usual scientific journals another revised paper describing an inventive new method of ionized propulsion.

Will ruminated his numerous designs that had failed at the patent level and decided the newest proposal was a last gasp attempt at success. Accepting the notion that failure could well be the ultimate fate of his idea.

However, upon this occasion, optimism did not have to be so easily denied.

Although Will had not received any formal letter confirming a patent there was an informal request for him to wait until contacted by contract executors.

So on a dull rainy day, similar to that which rattled the sash windows of his temporary apartment, Will was approached by representatives of the most prominent transport agencies, N.A.S.A.. And on their person a contract describing the preliminary time frame in which to build his engine.

Contrary to William’s original design, which had modeled a craft unable to push anything more than a hundred pounds in weight through the vacuum of space, the contract suggested a payload of sixty tonnes.

The imaginative engineers first speculative thought was that of a Luna swing-boat. A craft with low fuel cost that could regularly ship large amounts of cargo between Earth and Moon orbit.

However, William’s Swing Boat concept was neither acknowledged or denied as being the reason for the build.

‘All we can say is that it is a once in a life time opportunity.’ Said the space administrations representative.

As far as William was concerned nothing more needed to be said. He was easily sold on the notion that momentum could be added to his career by signing the contract.

After happily inscribing his signature on a disclaimer preventing him from speaking about the meeting Will was taken to the address at which he now waited for further notice.

Concluding that staring at the telephone was not going to make it do anything Will sighed, lifted himself from the couch and wandered over to the window in search of some entertainment.

The street was in the middle of a squall. Driving rain and hail pummeled those unlucky enough that their daily routine required them to battle against the English weather. Their enduring faces hidden either by wet newspaper or umbrella made Will feel relatively happy that he was indoors. With the caveat that it was becoming mind-numbingly boring to be so.

‘I should have asked for a guitar.’ He said to himself feeling morbidly inspired by the gray scene.

The sound of a clattering bell caused the daydreamer to jump in his skin. After a short moments contemplation he flew into action and hastily snatched the telephones hand piece from it’s mount.

After taking a deep breath he patiently placed the cold, plastic speaker against his ear.

‘William...Hayle.’ He said with a nervous stammer.

‘Thank you for your patience Mr Hayle. Replied a posh Englishman. Your instructions are as follows. A taxi will take you to Gatwick North Terminal. A representative will be waiting with your flight plan. Please remember your original briefing and thank you for participating in project X-One.’

The line went dead before further inquiry could be made about the project.

Another racket buzzed through the air originating from an intercom at the front door. Noticing that a taxi was already waiting outside Will grabbed a satchel carrying his traveling effects and rushed to leave the apartment.

He would have preferred to head straight for the airport; adrenaline causing Will’s feet to jitter with anticipation. Yet the driver was clearly taking a scenic route through the city.

‘By request of the bill payer.’ Explained the cabby.

It was the long way to the airport. So what the bill payers suggestion seemed to imply was that there would be no return home anytime soon for the passenger.

Thus Will allowed himself to enjoy the spectacle. Studying the passing topography so as to keep a clear memory of the day he hoped his life would forever change.

There was also a nostalgia to be gained from the view. Water stained stone facades, like the moors he and his family would annually walk, constantly changed their mottled fashion as sunbeams came and went with the shower clouds.

The historic structures, even in their obvious age, stood proud against the glass and steel of modernity. The ancient city having found a satisfying balance between the revered past and excitement of it’s future.

After leaving the streets of the metropolis Will was soon at the airport. He was then quickly greeted by a waiting representative.

‘Hello Mr Hayle. My name is Elara Carnegie.’

Her smooth Gaelic accent made his name sound like an ice-cream topping.

Momentarily distracted Will almost did not register the handshake which had been politely offered.

Wearing an earth colored suit that slid over rounded hips and sporting big sparkling eyes which magically parted her loose fringe Will found himself instantly attracted to his concierge. He subconsciously looked for a ring but an envelope she was handing to him blocked the view of her wedding finger.

‘I’ll escort you to the project facility and aid in your inception. Said Elara. I’ll forewarn you that the projects scale will be a little vexing.’

From the envelope Will took a ticket printed upon which was their flights, somewhat odd, destination.

‘Chengdu. Shuangliu international. China?’ Inquired Will with bemusement.

The confusion was understandable as to the best of his knowledge there were no United States installations in the red zone. At least not any associated with NASA.

It was all very strange and definitely something that could only have been achieved by high ranking state officials.

‘Don’t worry. Said Elara as she leaned forward with a subtle grin We are all friends here.’

‘It’s nice to know that the notion of universal joy still exists.’ Quipped Will.

They made their way through check-in security and passport control eventually reaching the terminal restaurant. All the while Will tried to think of something intelligent to ask yet nothing came to mind such was the vale of secrecy surrounding project X-One.

‘What would you like to eat? Elara asked drawing Will’s attention from his own thoughts. Wait. I know. Cod in batter, chips and braised peas.’

‘And I thought we had only just met.’ Will said pedantically; instinctively defending the uncomfortable feeling gained from someone knowing virtually everything about oneself without having previously made their acquaintance.

‘And to drink? I’m having a bloody Mary.’

‘I’ll just have an orange juice, thanks’

‘Suit yourself.’ Said Elara before heading to the restaurant counter.

Drawn to the view of his escorts straight backed and satisfyingly sophisticated stride Will saw a person that did not appear to be just a stiff in a suit. Instead she walked with an air of exuberance. Clearly confident but not power driven.

Will told himself off for staring and subsequently managed to defy the urge to rudely spy on Elara.

Attraction aside Will did have an ulterior motive for his inquisitiveness. That being an attempt to glean clues about the project via profiling it’s staff.

Upon Elara’s return Will was once more lost in thought as he watched through the restaurants panoramic window a production line of planes come and go from their bays. Pondering not only their mechanics but also where their precious cargo was being taken.

‘What are you thinking about?’ Asked Elara.

‘I was trying to take it all in. Musing about where I am going.’

‘Musing?’

Elara bore a wry smile which Will did not want to accuse of being patronizing. Although he suspected she was actually laughing at him. After all his escort had probably been through and suffered the same uncertainties as he now wrangled with.

‘How did you become involved with the project?’ Will asked expecting his own story to be a given.

Elara took a sip from her drink before patiently placing the glass down. She slipped her fingers away from it’s dewy surface before describing her relevant history.

‘I gained a masters in biology and graduated as a veterinarian. She said with a proud undertone. Then I begun lecturing on animal metabolism.

‘However, in my spare time I had begun reading about the Jovian satellite, Europa. I quickly became interested in the possibility of life within it’s ocean. I teamed up with my university’s engineering department and helped design a system that could possibly detect chemical signals originating from life within the ice. We made a prototype and submitted an application to the European space agency for payload space.

‘To our disappointment, ESA told us there was no funding for a mission which could fly close enough to Europa that would allow our ambitious system to be effective.

‘However, we were not left in total despair. No sooner had we recovered from our self pity fueled hangovers when my team was offered to work on this project.’

‘Just like that?!’ Inquired Will.

‘Just like that.’ Replied Elara, at first with her palms up which she then succinctly placed on her lap in an awkward attempt to show some semblance of modesty.

Will thought upon his record of rejected technical correspondences whereas his escort had been noticed by her scientific peers after just one proposal.

He would not however, allow his envy to override the wish to know more about X-One.

‘So is the project a mission to Europa?’ Whispered Will across the table like a student spreading secrets in the classroom.

‘I have been instructed not to discuss the project details with you.’ Parroted Elara.

Obviously lacking a security level needed to glean information concerning X-One, Will instead moved the conversation on to subjects other than what awaited in China. The sharing of family stories helping pass the time before heading to their terminal gate.

Once on the plane Will started to feel of some importance.

He was shown to a first class seat; loungers with personal monitors for a choice of in flight movie; on the spot attendants and the freshest air conditioning he had ever breathed. An abundance of luxuries that helpfully relaxed him before beginning their ten hour flight to the eastern hemisphere.

After waking Will needed a few moments before remembering where he was.

‘You’re still here.’ He murmured, noticing the now familiar freckled face looking at him from across the cabin aisle.

‘There were no stops in Siberia.’ Joked Elara.

‘Are we nearly there yet?’

Elara indicated a monitor at the front of the cabin upon which was a map showing that they were south-west of a lake called Qinghai Hu in the region of Gansu.

He may have built planes for a living but rarely did Will actually fly commercial routes. At least not so far from home that names on a map were as unfamiliar to him as the contour colors.

Yet, to look out of the window did not allow for a view of the extreme topography rushing passed below them. Instead there was an almost endless blanket of cloud. The extensive plane of strata-nimbus broken only by two extensive triangular shadows propagating from closely set dual peaks.

‘That is Laji Shan. Said Elara over Wills shoulder. It is very beautiful but you can see a lot more through my window.’

Will tailed Elara over to her seat where he was invited to sit. Together they leaned into the starboard portals and with a small gasp Will gazed upon the majestic vista.

As far as could be seen, disappearing into Earths receding terminus shadow, were multiple snow crested mountains reflecting the sharp morning light.

‘That is the Burhan Budai Shan. Narrated Elara. Roughly translated it means Mountains of Buddha. Beyond them is the Tibetan Plateau.’

‘I’ve seen this.’ Said Will excitedly, remembering a dream he had had during his sleep. An image that would have remained in obscurity had he not been witness to the incredible view.

‘There was a woman. I think. Continued Will. Giant. Drifting. Walking between the mountains. Her skin was a cold blue and she was crying. It felt like she was looking for someone. Her eye’s were jet black but...’

Will paused to examine Elara’s features in an attempt to gauge whether or not it was her face in the dream.

‘What?’ Inquired Elara.

‘You haven’t answered my question. Will stated with a mind not to embarrass the escort by suggesting she was his dream girl. Are we nearly there yet?’

Elara tried to hide a smirk as again she indicated the monitor whilst cautiously striding over to and sitting in what was Will’s original seat.

Quickly realizing his faux-pa Will spent the remaining time till landing watching the monitor, anxiously nibbling on complementary biscuits.

Only once on the ground and after exiting the terminal did the silence between the pair end. As streaming into the terminal were crowds of Chinese military personnel. A sight which was somewhat intimidating for an air-force engineer hailing from the western hemisphere.

‘They’re on holiday rota. Explained Elara. Not exactly from where we’re going.’

‘Not exactly?’

‘Our contractor is a publicly funded organization Mr. Hayle. They have no official connection or obligation to any military force.’

Will was not naive to the fact that since it’s conception NASA’s assets, originally funded by United States military defense, had been unashamedly used for black book projects.

Will begun to suspect he was entering a joint international all be it covert military project.

A land rover drove up to where they waited. The cars innocuous matte rendering had hidden the vehicles approach so was already parked in front of Will before he could acknowledged it’s relevance.

As he followed Elara onto the back seat Will’s gaze was drawn to a colorful clock tower in the center of a street roundabout. Standing upon the clock was a cartoon style effigy of a Panda wearing red overalls.

‘Is this where the Panda’s live?’

‘Apart from numerous zoo’s around the world. Yes it is.’ Replied Elara.

The driver, a stocky male who’s shoulder mass pushed at the hems of his tailored navy blue suit, sat quietly whilst the passengers buckled up.

As they accelerated away from the terminal Elara started to give a soliloquy.

‘In May of two-thousand and eight, Sichuan, of which Chengdu is the capital, suffered a large earthquake. You might remember the disaster from news reports. In the news reel there were soldiers helping to locate Panda’s after a sanctuary wall collapsed.’

‘Were the soldiers from your instillation?’ Asked Will.

‘It’s our instillation." Replied Elara which not only inadvertently contradicted her previous statement concerning the projects military connections but also inferred she and Will were already work colleagues. Even though he had not signed anything which would formalize such a statement.

‘I was also at the reserve that day. Continued Elara. I’m a member of A.Z.A.. The Association of Zoo’s and Aquariums. It was my obligation to help. You won’t see me on the reports as I was in the sanctuary’s surgery attending to surviving Panda’s.’

‘How many died?’ Asked Will conscientiously.

‘One died a few days after the quake due to stress. A mother named Mao Mao was one of two other Panda’s that were missing for a while. One was discovered wandering in the forest but Mao Mao’s body wasn’t discovered until a month later under the collapsed wall of her pen.’

Elara started tapping her leg. Then for a moment looked blankly at the back of the drivers seat.

‘Irreparable.’ She said ominously.

Her finger slowly halted it’s soft but noticeable crescendo before she resumed telling the sad tale.

‘Tragically five of the sanctuary staff died. And we lost one on the project base.’

‘So you were there when it happened. What was it like?’ Inquired Will exited to hear a first hand account of natural disaster which momentarily negated his sense of compassion.

‘I was told small quakes were quite regular. Magnitudes of five or six were a rarity.’

Elara looked at the passing town which to Will looked a whole lot more residential than hilly. He had expected, judging by his escorts description of the area where she worked, that they would be heading towards green mountains which strafed the western horizon.

‘Then on the twelfth day of the month, Continued Elara. A mere week after I had arrived, the seven point nine hit. The shaking seemed to be never ending. And above us a column of rock two hundred meters deep with no way to avoid it should the massif fail.

‘I can never forget the fear in everyone’s eye’s. The lights flickered and water begun draining down the walls. Fearful of being crushed I actually considered putting my finger in the water. If it was running across electrics that way I might make my end quicker.

‘To answer your question Mr Hayle. It was the scariest moment of my life. I thought I was going to die. We all did.’

Elara finished the story with a positive all be it in a melancholic tone.

‘Amazingly, the clean up only set us back a month.’

The rear view mirror gave Will a more than obvious chance to see their chauffeurs expression. An unnamed agent who though still silent was not shy about observing his passengers actions.

This inferred the notion that every action Will performed from here on would be watched and noted with stringent due diligence. Thus he suspected Elara’s tale was some sort of test to help profile his reaction concerning extreme working environments.

They eventually arrived at a university campus. Among the red and white painted dormitories that overlooked the Funan; the Old Silk River, stood the glass facade of the campus reception building.

Soon after Elara announced hers and Will’s presence at the reception another intimidatingly formed gentleman arrived to escort them down a long unoccupied corridor.

After turning a corner they halted in front of a panel that appeared no different to any other wall section. Elara placed a segmented bracelet up against the panel which glowed a pale yellow before sliding away. The opening revealing an elevator cabin.

‘That was quick.’ Will said making an obvious observation.

‘So you must know what happens next.’ Replied Elara as all three entered the spacious cabin.

The speed of their descent was quicker than Will had ever experienced in an elevator before. He was sure if they fell any faster that they would become completely weightless.

Elara swung her hair exhibiting how slowly it settled as if they were standing on the Moon.

Their virtual free-fall did not last much longer than a few seconds before the cabin slowed to a comfortable stop. The elevator door opening to reveal an underground rail station.

A number of adjoining carriages waited beside the concourse. Their palette mirroring pine green army fatigues worn by soldiers waiting to take over the job of escorting Elara and Will to the waiting train.

Frosted glass windows made seeing inside the carriages awkward but subtle shadows suggested that there were people within.

A hefty yet silent door slid open to reveal a tall, facially scarred Chinese soldier. The worn in skin suggested a man of experience. Whilst stars on his shoulders described a rank of General.

‘Welcome Mr. Hayle. I am General Sang. Head of project security.’

Upon viewing the cabins interior Will was taken aback by the splendid decor. There were a number of large black leather recliners each with their own polished oak side-table.

The equally plush mahogany framed windows, Will was quick to notice, were crystal clear when looked through from inside of the train.

At the other end of the cabin a tweed suited, gray haired bearded fellow was sitting at a small bar waiting for his glass to be filled. Whilst in one of the leather chairs sat a smartly dressed, rather overweight gentleman nursing a tumbler of whiskey.

Also present was an American General who was handing to Elara a leather bound folder. From the ocher binder she removed two pieces of blue paper along with a thick white document.

‘If you could please sign these confidentiality agreements Mr. Hayle, we will be able to continue your briefing.’ Said Elara with a cold professionalism.

Recognizing a disclaimer so wasting no time to read it Will signed the numerous X marked dotted lines on the blue pages. He was then invited by the American to take a seat as the train, although it’s motion was virtually imperceptible, begun to leave the station.

Once the train had completely entered a tunnel beyond the platform there was a noticeable thump.

‘We are entering a vacuum tunnel Mr. Hayle. Said the General in a Washington smoothed, Texan accent. That sound, as I am sure you realize, was residual air being released in to that vacuum from a pressure vessel surrounding the train. Can I offer you something to drink?’

‘Just an orange juice, thanks.’ Replied Will whilst noticing the figure propping up the bar was being served a tall shot of peppered Vodka.

‘Isn’t it a little early for elevenses?’ Inquired Will. His comment was not made with any thought to offend the drinkers free will. He just wanted to make an honest observation having not expected the party type scene.

‘My watch says a different time to yours Mr Hayle.’ Replied the Frenchman without actually looking at the timepiece on his wrist.

Elara drew Will’s attention to a laptop. Upon it was an image of a microphone.

‘When the image turns green clearly speak your full name.’ Requested Elara.

‘William...Christopher ...Hayle.’

Elara then turned the screen to face herself and performed the same action after which so did the American general.

‘Elara...Poppy...Carnegie.’

‘Bruce...Peter...Trumpler.’

Trumpler then proceeded to introduce the others in the carriage.

‘This is our European liaison, Hans Olbers.’ The General said indicating the large man. He then twitched his head towards the bar.

‘That is professor Jaques Loup. He’s just finished a long shift and feeling a little cranky. A dam good physicist. Genius in the field of electricity.’

The General leaned forward and spoke in a loud whisper.

‘But a lousy drunk.’

Jaques charmlessly thumbed his nose at the General’s back.

‘Sorry if you don’t want me here but it is the only bar in this place. Et je voudrais obtenir de ma part. If you didn’t already know Mr. Hayle that means, that I don’t care.’

Jaques ended his rant with a tut and a wave of his index finger.

‘And I am a Marine General. Continued Trumpler doing his best to ignore the cheerless Frenchman. I was stationed at Berkley naval academy. My job there wasn’t too different from what I do here in that I deal with human resources. Any questions before we continue?’

Trumpler’s soft explanation of his duties washed over the fact that he was in control of an army. And General Sang was clearly no mere security guard.

Will felt somewhat overwhelmed by the strength of authority surrounding him. Yet he smartly worked the situation until an intelligent question came to mind.

‘Is there a problem with my engine design?’

‘No. Merde! Said Jaques as a rise in the trains acceleration caused him to fumble his drink. I did improve your injection system.’

Will felt a little aggrieved at the reply. His main problem with designing the new engine was due to a lack of funds. This fact had limited his access to materials which could have better aided experimentation. Materials Jaques obviously had much easier access to.

‘Please tap the screen Mr. Hayle.’ Requested Elara.

Will obliged the request which caused the laptops screen to transition into a field of stars. At the center of which sat a small dark circle. It’s perimeter only visible due to the background of over exposed points of light.

‘In nineteen ninety, whilst on the way to Venus, Elara explained. The Magellan Venus polar orbiter begun calibrating it’s radar by viewing a particular type of small body called an Apollo asteroid.’

‘They are rocky objects that spend most of their solar orbit within Earths own orbit. Said Hans in a deep Bavarian accent describing the motions of celestial bodies with his thick fingers. I am a keen astronomer Mr. Hayle. I am not here just to talk money.’

‘Magellan saw a shadow cast upon the asteroid. Continued Elara. As with most new finds of this kind a cache of images was given to Earth-Guard for definition and classification. After mapping the shadows trajectory it was concluded that the progenitor would never cross Earth’s path.’

‘However, Earth-Guards’ technology could not find the object in question. Said Trumpler. Thus the job of finding it was given to the military. We would use downgraded tactical orbiting camera stations as exercise tools for satellite tech recruits.

‘When there is spare time we give the trainee’s some play time with the big mirrors; like an old non-consequential problem. The missing moonlet a favorite of the recruits. I wouldn’t usually expect the grunts to seriously solve such a deep math problem. And it had been around for sixteen years before a bright air-force techy finally solved the mystery. And it’s no moonlet.’

Upon closer inspection Will noticed three tiny pix-elated crescents within the objects circumference. Surely this was just a rock with sunlit craters he thought.

‘I’m not sure I know enough about astronomy to understand what I’m looking at.’ Said Will whilst trying in vain to take his eye’s away from the screen.

Elara tapped the monitor initiating a video of the object. Whilst it’s silhouette stayed fixed the background star field moved and skipped as different points of view were used to make the movie.

‘That is the X-One.’ Stated Trumpler.

‘Two things can be derived from these images. Said Jaques as he carefully walked, without his drink, down the gangway. One. It does not sublimate anything.’

Jaques put a hand to his mouth so as to cover a small belch. The gastric odor causing Trumpler to crease his nose.

‘Strange to have such a perfectly shaped asteroid but not impossible. Continued Jaques as he slumped into a free chair and slowly relaxed his eye lids. The second fact however does create a quandary. It only ever shows one side to Earth.’

Will knew now that he was either being made fun of or this was itself some kind of an exercise. Although, he had signed no waver to allow such an experiment to be performed on himself. Plus comedy seemed to be a mite pathetic considering the amount of effort being dedicated to this one image.

‘How big is it?’ Asked Will.

‘About four meters wide.’ Replied Elara.

As Trumpler checked his watch the tunnel lighting turned green.

In the meantime Elara had opened a computer file showing an artists graphic of how the X-One