Chapter 19: Chapter 19
“LIFTOFF”
Ben walked nervously down the busy hallway of Science Exploration. He was carefully pulling his suitcase with invisible Quazum riding on top. Ben greeted SEA workers with head nods and a smile before pulling up next to the locked door of Dr. Palmer’s office.
Quazum remained motionless and unseen.
Scientists were quickly rushing around carrying equipment and boxes from office to office and out to the Solar Jet, barely noticing Ben looking on nervously.
Alice put down the phone when she saw Ben standing next to the computer drive and smiled. “Well, look who’s here!”
When Chris observed nicely dressed and polite Ben, he shouted out, “It’s Mr. Ben Thomas! Welcome! What brings you into SEA Headquarters for this casual visit on the busiest day of the year?”
“I’d say ‘busiest day’ of the last decade!” said Oliver as he ran by.
Ben then walked up and answered politely. “I spoke to Dr. Palmer and told him I just wanted to offer my help. Anything I can do on this big day.”
“Are you looking to join in on the new expedition?” asked Terry, a female scientist, as she ran by. “Maybe you can be a last minute explorer and take my place.”
“No, I’m really just volunteering to help. Anything I can do on this important day.”
“I remember you were filling out reports on the last Quazmopolis mission, and you were about to get married,” remembered Chris. “So how’s Lacy doing now? We heard she was injured.”
“Not good.” Ben looked around to Quazum, “But it’s a long story.”
“I’m not in the mood for a depressing story,” said Oliver, noticing Ben looking at the suitcase. “You can tell us when we get back.”
Ben finally walked up to the desk of Alice. “Is Dr. Palmer coming in?”
“He said he’ll be here. Dr. Palmer flew down to Louisiana a few days ago when he heard about Lacy. He is now on a direct flight that just landed.”
“Palmer went to Louisiana?”
“Yeah,” answered Alice. “And he promised he’ll be here before take-off.”
“I see,” mumbled Ben. “Is there anything I can do to help.”
“You can help move the sharp cactus plants in the warehouse,” answered Chris. “They’re really heavy, and dangerous.”
“Sure. I guess I can do that.”
“Or you can document some new measured levels of salt water into the Quazmopolis files,” said Alice as she pointed at another computer. “We’ve got lists of readings that just need to be logged in.”
“Sure, I can use this computer.” Ben walked over, sat next to Alice and curiously typed the name “Ben Thomas” and his old password. He looked up surprised to see both were still registered. “Are these the same files from the previous mission?”
“New documents, photos and videos are being recorded now from rotating satellites every second,” answered Alice. “We just need to upload and label the readings, making them accessible to scientists on the new jet.”
“That’s something I’m good at.” Ben then began opening pages on the computer and typing in numbers. As pictures began opening on the screen, Ben studied new close up videos of the colored rock on the surface of Quazmopolis. When he examined the small samples in high definition video, he immediately noticed slight motion. Ben zoomed into different angles to see possible relatives of Quazum, hiding out, and easily mistaken for rock.
Chris then walked up and looked over Ben’s shoulder. “Pretty cool what these new images are showing, hunh? This whole mission is just to confirm what we’re seeing on satellite!”
“Yeah,” replied Ben nervously. “It’s truly amazing the shots Science Exploration is getting.” Ben continued entering information of video tracks and moved files on the touch screen computer.
Ben looked over to the motionless suitcase and waved as a signal to Quazum that everything was okay, then continued working.
Dr. Palmer was riding in the yellow taxi cab through the heavy traffic of Southern California. The driver was sitting back using the auto driving service and was laughing as he watched a television game show playing on his phone. Cars were moving slowly, and there seemed to be no end in sight.
“Could you take it off the automatic drive setting, and just get around all this backed-up traffic?” asked Palmer. “I’m truly in a hurry.”
“Oh no. We have rules with my taxi company. Automobiles must maintain automatic steering. That applies to all vehicles, all the time.”
“So, what’s the point of even having a driver?” asked Palmer.
“I’m just overseeing... Just to keep passengers safe.” The driver then spun around and looked back down to his phone. “That’s an important part of my service.”
“Fine,” mumbled Palmer. “I wish you would at least watch the road.”
“Is there something you’d like to watch?” The driver then pushed buttons to scan through a variety of channels to play on car speakers. “The flat screen monitor behind the driver’s seat, picks up satellite video from stations around the world. You can watch any channel.”
“No thank you,” replied Palmer as he opened his laptop computer. Palmer clicked pictures of SEA on screen and saw a countdown of forty-three minutes. He immediately typed in a message and touched buttons on the screen.
“Hello Dr. Palmer,” answered Alice when she popped up on Palmer’s screen.
Dr. Palmer immediately picked up the phone for privacy and responded, “Is the solar jet fully loaded? And are SEA explorers ready for Quazmopolis press conference?”
“We’re working right now on video and photos that will be presented at the conference,” responded Alice. “Pilot Jenkins will be reading mission goals that were posted last week, along with video and descriptions of newest findings.
“Keep that video classified.”
“Classified?”
“Just use still photos, and I will release the latest video when I see fit.”
Alice seemed surprised. “Yes sir. I’ll put all the new video in your classified files... For your eyes only, Dr. Palmer.”
“Anything else new at SEA Headquarters?”
“Well, the original scientist has rejoined Science Exploration. Mr. Ben Thomas arrived a few minutes ago, and has been helping with labelling and download of new satellite files into computers.”
Heidi looked over to Ben and smiled as Palmer’s voice played on the speaker. Ben looked on nervously waiting to hear an answer.
Dr. Palmer thought for a second then responded, “Did he bring a container or an artifact of some sort?”
“Well, yes actually. He rolled an old suitcase right up to your door.”
Ben and Alice waited to hear Palmer’s response, and they both looked over to invisible Quazum.
Dr. Palmer thought before looking up at Alice on the computer screen, and answering, “Yes, it’s something I asked Ben to bring. I’ll be arriving as soon as possible and will release select information to the media myself.”
“Fine,” replied Alice. “We’ll be ready.”
“Good-bye.”
Alice looked down at her monitor and seemed confused. “What’s in the suitcase?”
“It’s just something from Lacy.”
Ben looked relieved before Chris suddenly hurried in, “It’s time for the press conference! We gotta get out there! Is the video ready to show?”
“We won’t be revealing any new SEA video. Only non-motion photos,” answered Alice.
“Why?” Chris and Oliver both seemed confused.
Alice shrugged her shoulders and answered as she got up. “That was Dr. Palmer’s instruction. All video and data will be classified until he has reviewed and made a decision.”
“Fine. Whatever Palmer wants.” Chris and Oliver looked confused as they followed Alice out to the SEA Briefing Room.
“Come on Ben.” Alice spun around to see Ben looking back at Quazum. “This is something you should witness first-hand.”
Ben finally got up and followed the group of unorganized scientists up the hall. When they got to the door, Ben looked back to see a slight motion of Quazum sitting alone outside of Palmer’s office.
“Why are you watching this?” asked Vera when she saw Sheriff Neil leaning back in his chair in front of the television.
“It’s an important mission. This solar jet is making another flight so someplace far, far away.”
Neil watched as reporters were lined up in the conference room of the Science Exploration headquarters and talking into their microphones.
“So far we’ve got no word on the goals of the mission or an explanation of some of the motion that’s been reported on Quazmopolis.”
“Dr. William Palmer is behind this mission but is avoiding media questions about a possible ulterior motivation.”
Officer Covert walked into Palmer’s office and sat down to watch the television screen. “You think this might all be a way of bringing the Back Bayou ghost up into space.”
“I think there’s a lot we’ll never know,” answered Neil. “Turn up the volume.”
The disorganized press conference seemed interrupted as the explorers nervously came walking in. Some scientists were half-dressed in their exploration suits and reading from notes. They sat down waiting before Oliver awkwardly walked up to the microphone.
“Welcome to the Science Exploration Agency. We are currently preparing for lift off and exploration of the Quazmopolis moon. All information will be documented and posted for the public, and we hope to end all speculation of the survival of the Arid Cacti plant.”
“Where’s Dr. Palmer?” yelled out a reporter interrupting Oliver’s prepared statement.
“Why is he not here?”
“Is Dr. Palmer again paying for this mission?”
Oliver looked around at the explorers and appeared confused, “Dr. Palmer is out on personal business and should be arriving before take-off. But there are a few other things I need to go over about today’s mission.”
Reporters continued interrupting, “What is the new motion detected on Quazmopolis?”
“When will that video be released publicly?”
“Do you have an explanation for satellite images showing blurred colors in the heavy rock?”
Oliver tried to continue, “All motion is being investigated by scientists involved in this mission, but cactus plants will not be moving...”
Dr. Palmer sat in the back of the taxi watching the disorganized press briefing and cringed after hearing the confusing answer to each question.
“Scientists have been working on the survival of the Arid Cacti that will be planted in the extreme temperatures. For the last two years, we have...”
As reporters continued yelling questions, Pilot Jenkins walked up to the stage and interrupted Oliver. “Also, we’ll be flying a new Solar Jet that will be moving faster through space and could set records with speed!”
“Do you have a video showing motion on the planet?” Reporters continued yelling more questions when Palmer’s taxi driver spun around.
“Any idea who’s paying for all this? I can only imagine getting the bill for a spaceship travelling to another galaxy so they can plant a cactus plant.”
Palmer ignored the comment and turned up his volume when Alice stepped up to the microphone.
“This mission is costing taxpayers nothing. All research and costs for scientific exploration is being picked up by Dr. William Palmer.”
“Is it true that Palmer has a record of cheating on taxes and paying off women for sexual allegations? What is Palmer’s defense?”
“Sex allegations?” asked Alice in a surprised voice. “And I know nothing of Palmer’s taxes.”
Dr. Palmer finally leaned back in the car seat and turned off the monitor.
Ben witnessed the confusion and disorganized conference before getting up and quietly sneaking back out and walking back up the hall to Palmer’s empty office area. From a distance Ben noticed a slight motion from the wheeled suitcase outside of Dr. Palmer’s office and hurried over.
“How are you doing? Is everything okay?”
“I don’t know,” replied Quazum nervously. “I’m scared.”
Ben leaned down and whispered. “I think now’s the time to get you on that jet. Just hold on. I know the Arid Cacti plants are laid out in cabinets at specific temperatures. We can get you on as just part of the cargo. Let’s go.”
“Will these cactus plants be sharp?”
Ben began rolling Quazum and the suitcase out of the main office towards the rear doors of the building. He saw nothing unusual in the unoccupied hallway.
“Okay. You’re going to need to remain motionless and out of sight as I lift you into the storage area of the solar jet. I know I can get you in. But you’ve just got to be patient.”
As Ben opened the back door, Quazum saw the large hitech Science Exploration Jet for the first time. “How will I get in undetected?”
“I’ve got it all planned out,” mumbled Ben as he confidently rolled the suitcase out. “Temperatures will remain over one hundred degrees in that bin for the entire trip, and fresh air will be circulating for the plants. So you’ll be comfortable.”
“How will I get out of the jet when it lands?” asked Quazum.
“When the solar jet lands, the crew’s first order of business will be creating links for solar power.”
“So I just wait inside?”
“There is an emergency latch inside the storage compartment you’ll be riding. When you pull that internal release, the doors will immediately open, and you can jump down.”
“But I’ll be a lot heavier on Quazmopolis. Right?”
“You’ll be your natural weight. And you’ll be agile enough to get around. So you can just hide next to any rock before you begin exploring.”
“I’m scared, Ben. So much could go wrong.”
“We were all scared when we started flying in these solar jets a long time ago. It’s much safer now,” answered Ben calmly as he snuck around the gated areas. “You’ll be free... You’ll meet your true family, and you’ll get to know them and learn your heritage. You can tell them about the earth, and humans. And maybe you can talk about a formal meeting between the two planets.”
“What if they don’t want me there,” asked Quazum as he thought about the confrontation. “What should I say?”
“You’ll be a hero, Quazum. Someone who has travelled across the entire galaxy.” Ben reached down to pat Quazum’s head as he rolled the suitcase up to the solar jet.
“I don’t know.”
“Okay. Now I need to get you into the cargo storage section of the solar jet.” Ben quietly creeped around the back, out of sight of engineers.
Quazum looked around and nervously asked, “What if I’m discovered by scientists? What will they do to me?”
“They can’t see you. You’ll be okay. Just remain motionless in the compartment. No one will suspect anything. I’ve got everything under control.”
Ben carried Quazum up to the Solar Jet outer compartment and began climbing a lift to the individual panel doors.
“Hey!” yelled Eddie, a SEA engineer in an angry voice. He then walked up to the side of the solar jet and suspiciously looked at Ben and the suitcase.
“I’m just checking the uhhh...”
“All equipment has been packed, loaded and weighed. New element bearings can only be carried on by assigned exploration scientists.”
“Well, this is just a final seal for examining rock-based artifacts,” replied Ben. “I was part of that mission, and it’s all been approved by Dr. Palmer.”
Eddie looked at Ben and thought for a second. “Is that you? Are you the one and only Ben Thomas?”
“Yeah. It’s me. I’m just trying to help in preparation of this mission’s take-off, and...”
“We heard about Lacy’s tragedy in Louisiana. What happened to you guys.”
“It’s a long story...”
Eddie patted Ben’s back and looked curiously at the suitcase. “Is that what you’re supposed to load?”
“It’s just something small. It’s like a piece of Lacy that we want to return to Quazmopolis. Dr. Palmer said this mission should be in honor of Lacy Meaux.”
“Oh wow... I’m truly honored. I got space in Cylinder Four. It’ll lock automatically when you close the cabinet opening.”
“Thanks Eddie.” Ben then wheeled Quazum over to the storage cylinder and began to climb up the steps.
“You know, you’ve both been a regular topic of conversation around here. You and Lacy! You guys ran off and eloped instead of going through the big ceremony we were all planning. You remember?”
“Yeah. I’ll never forget,” answered Ben as he struggled to carry Quazum and remain unseen. “Things didn’t go quite like we planned.”
“Oh, I understand. We all really miss that girl. Lacy was the smartest, hardest working, and most beautiful girl at SEA. I really mean that.”
Ben then whispered to Quazum when he got to the door. “Just stay invisible, and keep still. No one is to see anything.”
Quazum looked around nervously and whispered back, “I don’t know. Ben, I’m really scared.”
“You can rest comfortably in the compartment,” replied Ben. “The flight will only be about four hours. Just hang in there.” Ben looked into the opening and finally pushed Quazum behind a stack of plants.
Eddie continued, “Lacy was from a small town in Louisiana, right? I never knew she even moved back home.”
Ben continued whispering to Quazum. “I’ll be checking on you and following the progress of Quazmopolis mission from inside SEA Headquarters. You’re going to finally reunite with your real family. You’ll be home.”
Quazum remained completely out of sight as Ben stepped back and waved. The door then began to slowly close and seal.
“That must be a really special honor for Lacy,” Eddie said as he watched. “And it will be a big part of Quazmopolis.” Eddie then smiled and continued sealing the door.
“Yes, it will be some kind of special reunion.”
“All right!” said Eddie, then spoke into his phone. “Storage gates are all closed and sealed. All processing units of measurement are accounted for.”
Ben stepped back. “Thanks Eddie. Now I’m going back inside to help prepare for take-off!”
“Okay. I know that place is like a zoo without Palmer.”
Oliver was awkwardly reading from his speech, and reporters were hardly listening. The unorganized group of explorers were reading from their phones, and no one noticed when Ben walked back in and sat in a chair in the back.
Oliver searched for papers in his stack and continued. “All investigations will be documented and released to the press when Arid Cacti are planted in the Composite Base and laid over rock of Quazmopolis. This will be the first life form growing in another solar system.”
“What’s the purpose of spending all this time and money to plant a cactus plant?” yelled a reporter.
Oliver looked around the press room with a smile. “It’s basically just a new form of life in a new solar system, the first time in human history.” Oliver looked back at scientists, then looked at his watch. Reporters continued impatiently asking questions.
“Why is Dr. Palmer not here?”
“Will this be the last mission to Quazmopolis?”
“What happens if cactus life doesn’t survive?”
Chris got up and again walked to the podium, then mumbled nervously, “Dr. Palmer will be here soon to answer additional questions and release further information. Thank you.”
Reporters continued screaming out questions. “Is it possible that new life forms were found and are being covered up?”
“We will be exploring, recording and documenting all information,” mumbled Chris as he looked around to Oliver standing alongside.
“You will all see photos and videos that are approved,” answered Oliver.
The crew awkwardly walked out and closed the doors as reporters continued yelling questions. “What’s the motion detected by overhead radar?”
“What will be the cost of this mission?”
“Could there be alien life on Quazmopolis?” yelled another reporter.
“That was a disaster,” said Alice as the group of scientists walked up the long hallway. Ben was following them out and joined in reassuring them all.
“I think you guys did great. The reporters were just trying to come up with a shocking story but couldn’t find anything.”
“No sign of Dr. Palmer and no answers for all the alien questions,” said Pilot Jenkins in an angry voice.
“Dr. Palmer is the only one who can handle reporters like that,” said Alice.
“Let’s get on board and get out of here,” said Chris as they walked back into the hall.
“I’m fine with just leaving a little early,” answered Oliver. “With or without Palmer.”
Pilot Jenkins then stood up. “We’re not leaving until the scheduled time, whether Palmer’s here or not.”
“Fine,” said Chris. “I’ll be waiting in my office.”
Alice then turned to Ben. “Let’s get back to work.”
The taxi continued moving slowly through traffic. Dr. Palmer was sitting in the back and watching the news coverage on the variety of television stations and networks.
“It looks like that group is just looking for attention... with UFO claims and monsters on another planet. Don’t you think?” asked the driver.
Palmer was deep in thought watching his computer before he answered. “Science Exploration is planting new life on the Quazmopolis moon.”
“I think it’s a big scandal being uncovered... And our tax money is going into new space secrets.”
The video screen in the cab showed clips of the disorganized scientists walking awkwardly out of the press room as reporters continued yelling questions.
As Palmer reached up to change the station, the video screen cut to a young reporter talking into her microphone, “The press conference at Science Exploration has ended with more confusion.”
Reporters on other stations continued, “Explorers are refusing to answer questions about sightings of motion taken from new satellite cameras.”
Palmer looked out the window before another reporter announced, “Classified video has exposed signs of motion in the heavy rock. But SEA will not answer questions.”
“Ha!” said the driver as he overheard the news. “There must be some strong winds to blow around the big rocks! They’re hiding something.”
“I’d like to arrive at Science Exploration before take-off if at all possible,” replied Palmer.
“Is that where you’re going? The headquarters?” asked the surprised driver. “Why didn’t you say so? I can speed around all this traffic.”
The driver immediately switched back to manual controls and pulled onto the side road. He then began speeding through traffic going over bumps. Other automated cars look annoyed as the taxi sped by. Palmer went back to his computer and called SEA Headquarters again.
Alice answered immediately, “Yes, Dr. Palmer.”
“Is the media still present?”
“They were still asking questions when we left, and I believe they are shooting video from the media room.”
“Did anyone mention the new composite base being laid down to hold Arid Cacti plants? And all the tests we performed creating this soil?”
Alice struggled to read from the computer, “I think it was mentioned.”
“No one is interested in plant dirt. All they’re concerned about is dirt on you and Science Exploration,” answered Oliver as he walked up.
“Maybe we should wait a few minutes for your arrival. Please Dr. Palmer,” said Chris.
Alice then leaned into the phone screen. “Dr. Palmer, did you hear those requests? Explorers all want to delay take-off.”
“Yes, I heard. The mission will be taking off at the scheduled time. We are a professional organization.”
“But doctor,” answered Chris. “We need your guidance.”
“I will be going over further details with the press when I arrive.”
“Yes sir,” answered the group of scientists as they raced around the office. Ben sat quietly watching shots of the grounded solar jet.
Dr. Kjell was sitting in the lounge area of the Hospital. He was also watching the live news coverage of the Science Exploration mission.
The local news anchor was reading, “First we had ghost sightings reported around the state, and now we hear questions of possible ulterior motives for the exploration of the uninhabited moon in the Kepler Solar System. Some of the video shot over the Quazmopolis moon is not being released, but it’s being reported to show unexplained motion around the colored rock.”
“Doctor!” yelled the nurse as she ran in. “Lacy’s heart stopped. She’s losing blood! And she stopped breathing!”
Dr. Kjell immediately rushed into Lacy’s room where Dr. Winston was pumping her heart, while machines were beeping and making warning sounds. Kjell immediately began shining lights into the eyes and adjusting meters attached to her open skull.
Kjell finally yelled out to the nurses, “Inject selenium magnate to the spine connection and continue resuscitation.”
“I don’t know what happened!” yelled Dr. Winston as he pumped. “She had a perfect rhythmic throbbing in her arteries before she lost reverberation.”
“I detect a faint pulse in her neck carried by her left aorta. Continue CPR and resuscitation of arteries!”
“I gave her the prescribed Tegretol and Carbamazepine,” said the nurse. “And she showed no prior reaction.
“It’s a Trigeminal Neuralgia! She cannot have any anti-convulsant chemicals!” Kjell continued stimulating brain waves by injecting fluid directly into the open skull.
When the meter began reading a natural heartbeat again, Kjell immediately began an adjustment of settings on the computer.
“The body is okay now, but what about the brain?” asked Dr. Winston.
“Bipolar episodes will not affect inoculate circuits of the brain,” answered Kjell. “I’m upping the dose of Tegretol directly into brain tissue.”
“Automated life support is back in place,” commented the nurse.
Dr. Kjell immediately began reattaching brain tissue and patches, “We’re in a stage of inoculation.”
“Well, at least the body is alive,” commented Winston as he walked out.
Dr. Kjell continued examining the brain tissue with the flashlight before turning to the nurse. “Tell Rico, the driver, he can return to the hotel. I will call him back tonight when I’m ready to leave.
Chris was the last of the scientists to board the Solar Jet. He was fully dressed in his exploration suit and stood by Alice in the open office waiting for Dr. Palmer.
“Is everyone on board?” asked Chris.
“You are the only one left. All the scientists are strapped in, and prepared for take-off.”
Chris stared at the empty hall and mumbled. “I truly think we should wait for Dr. Palmer. Just one more hour!”
Pilot Jenkins poked his head out. “Hey, we can discuss all the possibilities as we’re flying out of this atmosphere. Let’s go!”
Alice then joined in. “Dr. Palmer insisted the Solar Jet mission leave on schedule! The press will be shooting and broadcasting the take-off. Dr. Palmer will answer their questions when he arrives.”
Pilot Jenkins then announced from the cockpit, “The Solar Jet will take off at the regular schedule. No debate.”
“We’ve got to leave on time just to show we know what we’re doing,” announced Oliver from his seat.
“Fine. I’m getting on board,” said Chris before walking out. He then turned to Ben. “Hey! We’ll all be praying for Lacy. Hope everything works out.”
Ben nodded and smiled as Chris finally boarded the jet.
“I guess that’s everyone,” announced Pilot Jenkins as Chris pulled the doors closed.
Ben and Alice watched on a monitor, when Alice mumbled, “This mission is a little different from the last one, hunh?”
“Yes,” replied Ben. “This is truly a much more important mission.”
Ben was deep in thought as he walked through the crowd into the SEA press room with his hands in his pockets. Ben stood behind the reporters and cameras gathered around the big window.
The computer voice then came over the Public Address System, “Solar Jet Forty-Seven-D engines are now ready for take-off. Mission will commence in one minute.”
Cameras were shooting video, and reporters were yelling out, “Clear shot of open jet. We’ve got to get a video of solar panels during takeoff!”
Cameramen tried to push Ben out of the way, “Can you move to the side please?”
“Hey! You’re blocking our shot of the Solar Jet wings,” yelled another reporter preparing for the jet's take-off.
Ben walked through the crowd of reporters and cameras and up to the corner of the window where he had a clear view of the storage cylinder where Quazum was hiding.
News reporters began speaking live into the cameras, “We now see engines of Solar Jet have started.”
“SEA leader, Dr. William Palmer, is avoiding cameras refusing to explain inside information about this mission.”
Another female reporter pointed to the jet and said, “The Solar Jet may be a danger to onlookers as air channels will be firing straight down from jet engines.”
The computerized voice began announcements over PA speakers again, “The solar jet will be lifting off now in ten seconds. Please clear the area within ten meters of the jet. Air pressurized engines are starting. Takeoff in ten seconds.”
Cameras rolled, and all was quiet as the computer counted down. “Three, Two, One.”
As the solar jet began to rise, it slowed down at about fifteen feet. Media, families and SEA employees looked on in confusion as the jet began to sway side to side.
Another computer announcement began, “Solar Jet Forty-Seven D is experiencing an unexplained transient balance setting. Please stand by.”
The crowd and group of reporters watched curiously through the window.
“Motion detected in cabin storage,” said the computer. “Testing of individual cartridges is now being conducted.”
Everyone stared in confusion as the jet finally began to lower back to the ground.
Reporters continued with their live broadcast, “We are now getting reports of an unexplained motion on Solar Jet.”
“Scientists are now delaying take-off, and possible cause of trouble is being investigated,” announced another reporter.
Ben walked up to the window and stared down at the storage compartment, but the jet remained motionless.
“We are getting reports of a rattling effect in Solar Jet during takeoff,” said another reporter. “First reports could be possible engine trouble caused by excessive motion. Possible causes are being investigated.”
Finally, a storage cylinder at the bottom of the jet swung open, causing Arid Cacti, assorted equipment and Quazum to fall about twelve feet to the ground. The crowd gulped in surprise, then looked on silently.
Ben looked on in shock before the media began shooting closeups of the fallen items. Reporters began speaking about the damaged compartment of the Solar Jet, “It looks like a careless seal on the jet cylinder has caused an unintended discharge.”
“Scientists are investigating exfiltration of the Solar Jet. Mission will be delayed for an undetermined amount of time,” announced the computer.
Ben looked down at the pile of fallen items before noticing a slight motion next to plants and other items stored in the cylinder. He then took off racing through the external hallway and through SEA Headquarters. When the doors opened, Ben raced by the confused scientists.
The computer voice continued making announcements, “Weight of Solar Jet shows an unexplained added weight of thirty-six point three pounds. Quazmopolis mission is temporarily delayed. Please stand by.”
Phones began ringing, and Alice politely answered questions. “We have not determined the cause of the open cylinder or the added weight. We are currently investigating fallen items. We believe there is no damage. Mission is temporarily on hold.”
Chris walked out from the jet and climbed down the staircase being wheeled up. “This mission is temporarily cancelled. I’m not getting back on that jet until everything has been checked out!”
“I can reload cargo and seal the door with a new weight setting,” said Eddie as he hurried out of the warehouse.
Ben ran down to the ground level of the Solar Jet yelling, “I’ve got to help with that fallen equipment. I had some of Dr. Palmer’s gear in storage.”
Pilot Jenkins then walked out of the jet and said, “I’m not flying that jet again until Palmer has checked everything.”
Alice continued answering phones, “No one was injured, and investigation into open cylinder is ongoing. Mission is temporarily delayed.”
Ben and several engineers were examining fallen items under Solar Jet. Ben stopped suddenly when he saw movement of Quazum and leaned over cautiously whispering, “Quazum? Are you okay? I got you. Just hang in there.”
Engineers looked on curiously, and news reporters all stared through the window as Ben rapped Quazum up in a cloth and quickly carried him out of sight. He then laid Quazum down covering him with a blanket.
“You’re okay, Quazum. The engineers don’t know what might have caused the cabinet opening, but I can get you back in when Solar Jet is ready to take off.”
“Ben?” mumbled Quazum nervously.
“Yes,” replied Ben as he looked around. “We can do this. Just sit tight.”
“Ben, I’m the one that opened the cylinder door.”
“What?” asked Ben surprised. “Was it an accident?”
“The lever inside the cylinder,” replied Quazum. “I pulled it to get out.”
Ben was confused and looked around making sure they were alone. “Why? Why would you do something like that?”
“I just want to go home,” said Quazum before he started crying and changing colors.
“I thought Quazmopolis was your home. What are you saying?”
“I just want to move back to the swampland and live with Mom and Grandpa,” answered Quazum. “That’s all.”
“What are you saying? You can’t.”
“I’m just a kid. I don’t want to run off.”
“I didn’t think you were a kid... But I guess you’re not an adult either. I just can’t see you.” Quazum began to cry in Ben’s arms, and Ben pulled the sheet over Quazum and leaned back deep in thought.
Eddie, the mechanic, suddenly walked back behind the wall where Ben and Quazum were lying. “Hey! We’re loading back up the cylinder. You want to put that Lacy memory back on?”
“Uhhh, no!” replied Ben. “This package has to go.”
“Go where? To the headquarters?” asked Eddie.
“No. This package is going home. He’s going back home to Louisiana.”
Ben picked up Quazum wrapped in a towel and stood up.
“You need help with that?”
“No, I’ll be carrying him out. It’s okay,” said Ben as he carried Quazum past engineers back to Science Exploration headquarters. Ben ignored other scientists and reporters as he walked through.
“Ben, are you okay?” asked Alice.
“What is that? Is it SEA equipment?” asked Chris.
Pilot Jenkins noticed Ben carrying the box. “Is that the unexplained weight?”
Ben continued walking at a fast pace down the hall. Scientists and reporters just looked confused as Ben continued without looking up.
In the lobby, reporters immediately surrounded him.
“What was the equipment that fell from the panel? Will you be performing tests?”
“It’s not a problem. Excuse me,” said Ben firmly as he walked through.
Other reporters held microphones out. “Was equipment damaged upon contact with the ground?” asked another reporter.
“Will the mission be cancelled?”
“What are you carrying?”
Ben continued quickly through the lobby carrying Quazum. When he finally got to the door, he suddenly bumped into Dr. Palmer, who was standing in the doorway, on his way in.
“Hello Ben,” said Palmer calmly as he stared at Quazum, covered in a blanket. “Was there a problem boarding this equipment onto the flight?”
“No. No problem,” answered Ben as he tried to walk around Palmer. “I just need to return something to Lacy’s home in Louisiana.”
Dr. Palmer moved to block Ben and continued, “I want to help you.”
Quazum squirmed and made unexplained sounds as Ben continued, “I was just trying to help your scientists prepare for today’s expedition.”
Ben continued adjusting Quazum and tried to hide him from sight. “But everything’s okay now, doctor. The solar jet is ready to take off, and the media is waiting for you.”
Palmer put his hand on Ben’s shoulder and looked him in the eye. “Let’s go somewhere for coffee.” He then looked down at Quazum and smiled. “And maybe some salt water.”
Ben looked confused before following Dr. Palmer out the Science Exploration doors and back to the taxi.
Blanche and the group of media reporters all looked on confused.