Chapter 3: Chapter 3

“QUAZMOPOLIS”

The scientists were uncomfortably strapped into the fold out beds. Their battery powered exploration suits were tightly wrapped around their bodies, and the explorers were wearing helmets and boots. Microphones, speakers and picture screens were all resting about two feet above their face.

Pilot Jenkins examined the meters and gauges in the cockpit before speaking into a small wireless microphone floating by the window. “Don’t let the little tremor bother you. It’s a standard part of every solar jet flight as we move through different levels of the atmosphere.” Just as he finished, the solar jet engines started to shake.

Scientists immediately began adjusting their individual video touch screens to see information about the mission, along with overhead shots of the Pacific Ocean taken from the wings of the solar jet. Computers containing personal pictures of family and friends of each explorer on the mission uploaded from SEA website, and began flashing on the three dimensional screens.

Pilot Jenkins continued from the cockpit, “This is one flight I’ve always wanted to make. We’ll be seeing some of the most unique and unexplored land in this universe. I’ve flown over Quazmopolis many times, but I’ve never actually landed on it before. I didn’t think it was safe enough with twice the gravity pull and the bumpy rock surface.”

As the jet speeds increased, the solar jet flew higher and travelled rapidly through the earth’s clouds. Jenkins continued, “Many rockets have neared Quazmopolis because of the atmosphere. It’s one of the few oxygen and nitrogen based bodies of land we’ve discovered. Since new video of this land mass was taken I’ve been wanting to get on this mission to see for myself. This is truly a one of a kind exploration.”

As the jet travelled outside the earth’s atmosphere, Pilot Jenkins turned his attention back to the solar jet controls and turned off the microphone.

Lacy looked around thinking about her situation and future. She then reached up and began opening files on the computer screen. After touching a few icons; photos, video and family history of each crew member began popping up. Only two poor-quality pictures of her Dad in the old swampland from Louisiana popped up, with a short description, “Father, Gabriel Meaux, lives in Louisiana.”

As Lacy continued searching, a graphic page finally covered the screen, “There is no further information on the family of Lacy Meaux”.

After a cynical nod, Lacy began touching icons and pictures of Ben’s family. Multiple icons of files containing photos and video began to download with in-depth coverage of his large family. Video going back to Ben’s great grandparents, aunts and uncles rolled on various parts of the screen, then shots of Ben’s mother and father -- from their childhood to dating.

With each touch, video continued rolling in boxes around the screen showing Ben as a little boy performing music, playing sports, to multiple graduation ceremonies. Ben and his siblings moved around in the fancy city before attending the big schools around California.

As more videos and photos popped up showing long lists of Ben’s cousins, friends, and their deep involvement in SEA exploration, a video finally popped up showing her and Ben beginning to date. Photos and video showed them taking classes together, celebrating, and going on various space missions together. Lacy finally turned off the video and closed her eyes.

The scientists were strapped into their masterfully laid out individual beds. Their battery powered exploration suits were tightly wrapped around their body, and helmets and boots were strapped in place. Microphones, speakers and the large thin picture screens showed a variety of shots of the unique solar system of Quazmopolis.

Pilot Jenkins examined meters and gauges around the cockpit wall, then began speaking into the microphone. “Don’t let the little tremors bother you. It’s a standard part of every Solar Jet flight. The atmosphere on Quazmopolis is thicker than earth so it will get a bit bumpy as we begin to lower.”

Scientists adjusted individual video touch screens to see close-ups of the pilot and overhead shots taken from wings of the jet.

Jenkins continued, “We’ll be seeing the most unique unexplored land. It’s the moon of a very unique solar system. There may be no life now, but that’s about to change.” Jenkins paused, then continued sarcastically, “We are like God, on a mission to create life... With a few sharp thorny cactus plants. Truly exciting!”

Jet speeds decreased as the Solar Jet entered the solar system. Jenkins continued, “Previous missions have run into so many problems when just getting near this moon. I’ve never been on one of those missions, but based on satellite photos and video. This is truly a one of a kind exploration.”

Pilot Jenkins went back to concentration on the jet controls and turned off his microphone again. Scientists each laid quietly watching the screen.

Ben was sitting alone in the busy Master SEA Headquarters, crowded with engineers and scientists. The big screen monitors around the room showed shots from all angles of the Solar Jet along with video from the Quazmopolis moon.

“Lacy, I miss you already.” Ben typed the message into a small box on his computer when no one was looking. The master computer suddenly burst out in his voice, “Lacy, I miss you already.”

Everyone spun around to see Ben trying to turn down volume and delete his message. “Ben’s already starting to lose it! Can’t do without his girlfriend for just six hours,” yelled out a variety of scientists after they heard the message.

Ben looked embarrassed and immediately went back to his job documenting the individual readings.

Dr. Palmer looked annoyed, then walked over to the embarrassed Ben. “The Solar Jet will not be receiving personal messages until it sets down on Quazmopolis. Please refrain from using master computers to send your private messages.”

“Yes sir. Not a problem. I was just checking the connection of the insular circuit. “I won’t be sending anything personal.”

“What’s the current temperature on the moon?”

Ben quickly opens individual pages and reads out, “Temperatures reached hundred and fifty-one today, and had low last night of minus eighteen.”

Dr. Palmer then carefully leaned over to see details on the monitor while reading from the chart of data, “And the atmosphere?”

“Seventy-nine percent nitrogen and slightly more than twenty percent oxygen. Nearly the same as earth,” answered Ben as he quickly typed and touched data from his computer screen.

“Maintain constant readings and report any variations. The Arid Cacti has been tested to survive variation in Fahrenheit temperature of nearly one hundred fifty degrees.”

“Yes sir,” answered Ben. “I’ll document all temperature variations on land, water and air.”

Dr. Palmer looked suspicious before finally walking over to other engineers where he began asking questions. Ben continued opening more files while looking at video from inside the cabin showing Lacy lying down.

As the solar jet continued lowering, Pilot Jenkins turned his microphone back on. “Looks like steam coming off parts of the colorful rock hard stone. I’m getting a reading of temperatures now close to one fifteen. The orange sky is clear, and it looks like little to no chance of clouds, for at least the next week.”

Jenkins then opened an animated weather graphic map showing temperature highs and lows for each day. “Where I come from, no chance of rain is good news. But for a mission like this, I guess you could take that as bad.”

Lacy smiled and began typing in a message to Ben on her personal computer. “I miss you already, Ben. What are you doing?” Lacy waited nervously, but got no response. She then continued typing, “Are you taking measurements of Quazmopolis? Do you see anything unusual we can expect?”

Again, no response. Lacy finally touched her personal computer screen and whispered quietly, “We’re slowly going down. Quazmopolis temps expected in mid-one thirties. I feel really hot already! Wish you were here!”

Juji waited for a response from the computer before Jenkins came back over the speaker, “I’m turning up the air condition a little now to keep us in the eighties. This will use extra amounts of energy from our solar powered wings, but also keep things cool in the cockpit. And that’s important.”

The solar jet continued lowering into the atmosphere at a slow rate, and Jenkins continued making announcements. “You can close your monitor screens and tighten your belts. The gravitational pull will be much stronger than we’re used to so we’ll be lowering at a slow pace. As you know, this gravity will make you all feel heavier. It’ll be like you’ve been consuming five thousand calories a day for about ten years. I think that’s about right.”

Lacy and other explorers finally closed their video screens and adjusted their belts closer to their body. The pilot continued announcements, “Full mask and bodysuit will allow for cool air temperatures in the mid-eighties. Remember to keep the mask, helmet and body suit fully sealed at all times. If you feel temperatures rising higher than ninety degrees Fahrenheit, suits will automatically adjust to upper seventies. Inside suits should not go above eighty-five degrees.”

As the solar jet continued lowering towards the rough colored stone surface, scientists on board braced themselves. Lacy reached down to grip handles next to her bed.

Pilot Jenkins then continued, “When we come to a full landing, the first job will be getting up solar panels within twenty feet of the Solar Jet. Panels will be adjusted and angled to receive full power automatically for the nearly ten hour daytime sun. And those solar reactions will build up energy to keep the jet fully air-conditioned and heated -- day and night. And we’ll also be building enough power for the trip home.”

Animation then began playing on Lacy’s screen showing the setup of solar panels and charging of batteries. Lacy finally cleared the screen and began pushing buttons to check personal messages. Again she was disappointed to see no response from Ben. She then began entering another message, “I love you, Ben. And I can’t wait to marry you!”

Lacy again anxiously waited for a response before turning off her phone and lying deep in thought.

The solar jet continued slowly working its way down to the surface before landing awkwardly on the hard rock surface. Metal legs begin spreading out around the solar jet to a level setting, while the crew looks around nervously.

Pilot Jenkins then continued making announcements, “Okay. The Solar Jet has officially landed. Please remain in a locked private zones while landing gear is spread out on the hot granite surface. When the belt sign is turned off, you may unlock and release your belts. You will first head to the Vestibule area and begin preparing for the first trip onto the surface. Have your C4A bodysuits, shoes and headgear properly sealed and ready. When everyone is secured, Vestibule doors of the jet will be sealed, and outer doors will open to this one-of-a-kind moon, Quazmopolis.”

Everyone remained calm and motionless before the seat belts suddenly began to detach. With no hesitation, all struggled to get up and move around in the heavy gravitational force. Wearing full exploration suits, helmets were sealed and bags were carried as each scientist slowly walked towards the enclosed Vestibule area.

“You got your tephra gauge?” Chris asked Lacy as she ran by carrying her bags.

Lacy looked surprised before answering, “You think I should bring that now?”

“I knew it,” replied Chris. “You’ve had one thing on your mind since we left. Get the tephra gauge while you still have a chance.”

“Yeah right!” Lacy struggled to get back through the small area and into the main jet to begin searching through piles of tools.

Pilot Jenkins finally walked back overseeing the group of scientists, when he noticed Lacy outside the crew. “What is this? You don’t have set-up tools ready to go?”

Lacy continued sealing the bag before replying politely, “I got it, sir. I’m all prepared.”

Jenkins then checked his clock counting down and yelled, “All scientists in the Vestibule. I’m closing the seal!”

Solar Jet doors closed and sealed while digital temperature gauges on the wall showed a rising temperature in the Vestibule. It was past mid-day, and the constant temperature was dropping from one hundred thirty-four degrees.

The exploring scientists waited nervously and looked at each other before the vestibule doors began opening. Scientists then struggled to make their way out of the ship to begin pulling out boxes and unwrapping solar panels. As the gear unfolded and was laid out around the Solar Jet, scientists began stretching cables and adjusting angles of the solar panels. Computers were programmed to maintain the strongest power from the sun.

Pilot Jenkins waved at the crew of scientists from the window before giving a ‘thumbs up’, approving the strength of the solar power. “That is fine,” said Jenkins through the outside speakers. “The jet is now fully powered. You can begin your tests ‘round the Quazmopolis surface, and I’ll be laying out in the air-conditioned jet if you need anything.”

Jenkins then laughed and turned off the speaker. Scientists walked slowly dealing with the added weight as they began testing the variable colored sharp rock using chemistry kits, a tephra gauge, and many paper-thin computers.

Chris was beginning to remove tools and test tubes from his tool kit when he noticed Lacy hypnotized by the view. “Well, are you ready to start testing?”

“I think so,” replied Lacy with a hesitance. “This colored rock surface with the unique color sky is incredible. It’s just beautiful...”

Scientists began by laying out dirt pulled from insulated bags. The soil was spread out carefully, and small Arid Cactus plants were taken out to be planted in cut out holes. Water from fresh bottles and chemicals were poured over the plants, and temperature gauges were placed in soil showing numbers reaching one hundred and twenty degrees.

Other scientists were measuring and taking samples of the beautiful rock in the sharp mounds and surrounding the solar jet. As scientists chipped away at the various colors of granite and placed them into individual airtight containers, computer scanners measured size, weight and consistency of chemicals in each of the rocks.

Lacy pretended to be helping before taking out her box of instruments and curiously made her way across the sharp mounds of rock. Each step was taken cautiously considering the added weight on the sharp rock surface.

Ben was tapping his fingers on the desk while sitting behind a flashing computer screen in the SEA Headquarters overlooking the constant video being shot from satellites and helmets of individual scientists. He continued seeing “Message Blocked” popping up on the small computer screen. Ben was annoyed.

Dr. Palmer noticed Ben reading from his personal computer and again walked over, “Have scientists discovered anything on their first day? Perhaps a new combination of elements in the rock.”

“No,” replied Ben. “So far everything looks the same directly on the Quazmopolis moon as it looked from photos shot by satellite... So far, but you never know.”

“What’s the temperature now?” asked Palmer.

“Currently scientists on the rock surface are now facing a temperature of one twenty, but that temperature is going down.”

Dr. Palmer studied the gauges around Ben’s computer screen before commenting, “Get explorers back to the ship when temps drop below fifty.”

“That could be fast. I think in a couple of hours, temps could go below freezing.”

“Follow all explorers. And if you see any unexplained motion on any camera, follow it closely. Zoom in and record in high definition,” said Dr. Palmer before walking to another scientist.

“Movement? Sure.” Ben looked confused by the comment.

Ben then looked around and began typing another personal message into his portable phone. Again, “Blocked Message” popped up. After looking around, Ben turned off the phone and went back to documenting information.

When a new satellite video popped up showing Lacy and Chris standing close, Ben immediately zoomed in to see close up shots. He examined facial expressions and seemed very annoyed. Using high definition cameras, Ben tried unsuccessfully to read lips.

Chris was walking alongside Lacy when he saw her typing on her personal computer. He immediately walked over, “You heard anything from Ben?”

“What?”

Chris got closer to Lacy and tried again to speak closer to her ear. “Are you getting messages from Ben?”

“No, I think he’s just working... He’s documenting all the video and element calculations we’re sending in.”

Chris then moved his head closer to Lacy’s ear and whispered, “I think they’re just blocking all personal messages this first day. You can have a long conversation with him later. Maybe you can seal up in your chamber for a little phone sex...”

Chris laughed, and Lacy pushed him away also laughing. “I’ll talk to Ben later.”

Ben stared at the video screen of Chris and Lacy in the close up shot. The two were laughing and touching each other, and Ben gritted his teeth while continually monitoring them from different angles.

Dr. Palmer noticed Ben’s monitor shots and walked up to Ben again. “What is this? Get shots of all scientists who are exploring. I don’t want to see close up shots of your favorite scientist. This is not a game.”

“Sorry sir.” Ben immediately zoomed out to shots of the group and continued documenting findings and measuring elements.

Lacy looked around and finally began walking away from the group of scientists. In spite of the added weight, she climbed up big sharp rocks and headed towards a nearby hill.

“Hey! Where are you going?” shouted Chris when he looked up.

Lacy looked around the beautiful colored rock before answering, “I just need to explore the Quazmopolis surface before I can begin doing simple tests.”

“Don’t get lost,” replied Chris as he turned and walked back towards other scientists chipping at the rock and filling small bags.

Lacy nearly tripped on the sharp stone and tried to watch her step as she made her way towards the center of the mound. She pushed buttons on her helmet and talked into a microphone. “What we see here on Quazmopolis is a very unique surface of unidentified stone. Colors vary, and slick jagged edges could be very dangerous to the step... especially with the added weight.”

The sun was beginning to set, and temperatures were dropping below one hundred when Lacy spun around.

“Oh! It looked like motion on a rock formation near red and green rock. Possibly wind blowing caused a dust formation. Must get in closer to examine.”

As Lacy moved across the line of boulder rocks, she continued shooting video from all angles but saw nothing to explain what she saw. “No sign of movement in colored boulder, and the silvian monitor is showing no signs of possible aerial winds.”

The smaller rock formations showed heavier granite-type boulders, but as Lacy walked up to examine, still no movement. “Motion witnessed cannot be verified.”

Lacy pointed her camera at all angles and zoomed in to tighter shots. She examined shapes and sizes of all surrounding rock. “I don’t believe any animal or living organism could survive with the heat coming from this hard rock surface. Rock formation has no absorption, and water evaporation is immediate due to heat. No possible drinking water on Quazmopolis surface.”

The examination continued, and Lacy shined her light between cracks along the heavy rock surface.

“Oh!” Lacy suddenly jumped back again when she saw another unexplained motion next to a nearby boulder. She immediately pressed the button on her helmet and began recording, “Okay. I saw something again. It wasn’t a dust compound or simple movement of air. It was something moving in the opposite direction of the wind, and it quickly disappeared.”

Curiously, Lacy then walked over and tried to reach into the crack between the heavy boulders but detected no further motion. She finally reached up to adjust video recording on her helmet.

“I truly believe I detected a motion. It was slight and between small cracks in the rock surface. Closer examination has revealed no visible insect or life formation. Possible heat and thirst are causing visions.”

Lacy leaned forward to aim the camera between the large rocks but again saw no further motion. Video continued recording as she carefully continued stepping between the sharp boulders. When she glanced down at the tephra gauge near the bed of rocks, she saw slight temperature moderation and stepped back.

“I was not able to record, but I believe motion could possibly have been caused by some form of life,” mumbled Lacy into the microphone. “Further tests must be performed.”

Lacy nervously examined the area and continued shooting video, but saw nothing. She picked up tiny grains of sand with tweezers and placed them into small containers. Computer scanner then measured weight and elements making up the stone.

When Pilot Jenkins began making the announcement over the speakers of the Solar Jet, Lacy was surprised. “The first day of exploration will be coming to an end in just a few minutes. Please document all video, audio recordings, and experimentation before returning to the Solar Jet. Vestibule doors will be opening for five seconds. All scientists will have one minute.”

Lacy immediately grabbed her containers from experiments, sealed them, and began carefully walking back to the ship on the rugged surface. Lacy was again last to return to the Vestibule. Scientists looked on, and again were impatiently waiting.

Chris turned to Lacy as she climbed in, “Well, did you find anything? Anything we can experiment with?”

“I don’t know. I think I saw something unusual, but I don’t know.”

Impatient scientists all waited for Vestibule to cool off. “You can experiment all you want, but you’ve got to keep track of time,” said Dr. Oliver, an older scientist.

“You can’t keep the Solar Jet waiting like that,” said another explorer.

When doors finally opened to the Vestibule, scientists climbed into the Solar Jet, and temperatures began to quickly equal out. Scientists removed masks and helmets and immediately gathered at the conference table in the center of the jet.

Oliver spoke up first. “I saw nothing unexpected. A few piles of small orange colored rock... located under larger dark greener granite-shaped stone.”

“The temperatures from some rock surfaces were more extreme than air temperatures,” replied Terry, an older female scientist. “Some stone temperatures appeared stable in the one fifties.”

Scientists continued commenting on the first day of exploration, “Possible new combination of elements were in one rock formation.”

“Computers did not recognize the substance I found and came up only with questions.”

Pilot Jenkins stepped in. “Just lay out discoveries, and we will document more information tomorrow. Let’s give it a rest.”

“I think this entire trip is going to be a rock hunt,” joked Oliver.

Lacy finally stepped up. “I believe I saw motion atop one colored granite stone on the hill.” Everyone looked on suspiciously as Lacy opened video from her personal computer. I found a crack in hard rock along with close-ups and wide shots of the colored stone.

“Where is the unexplained motion?” asked Oliver.

“I didn’t get a recording, exactly. I just saw a slight movement atop the rock that scared me.”

“Movement? What did you see?” asked Chris.

“You saw movement but have no documentation?”

“No verification at all?” replied Jenkins in a confused voice. “Maybe your mind saw movement in the one hundred and thirty degree heat?” Scientists laughed, then continued examining their findings.

Lacy thought calmly before responding again, “I don’t know what the motion was, but I will study it more on the next mission.”

Oliver then announced, “I saw no signs of anything but hardened lava and colored rock surfaces in the record setting temperatures.”

“Me too!” replied Terry with a laugh. “Life is not possible on Quazmopolis, and that is the only documentation we have.”

“The steam that burns off rocks in hundred and fifty degree heat can appear as motion to the human mind,” answered Jenkins calmly. “But we have to step back and be realistic.”

“I believe her,” Chris then said. “Lacy’s got no motivation to lie about motion that she witnessed. We’ve got nine more days to investigate.”

“Thanks Chris,” said Lacy before turning and walking over to an empty computer desk.

Scientists then sat down at computers and moved around to private quarters. Rocks were laid out and examined. Pictures and video were downloaded and filed.

Lacy immediately began uploading information from her helmet and examining photos and video. Shots began with wide shots taken from her helmet as she set up solar panels. Close up shots of conversations with Chris then popped up.

Video moved quickly forward as Lacy walked over to study individual rocks. Lacy studied video in slow motion, but no sign of motion could be detected. Tight shots of cracks between rocks also showed no motion or anything unusual.

Lacy continued her examination and was deep in thought when Pilot Jenkins began another announcement over the speaker, “Our first full day on the Quazmopolis moon is coming to an end. Please return to private quarters, turn off all lights, and just try to get as much sleep as possible. We have just enough power to supply heat through the night, and tomorrow’s investigation will begin two hours before sunrise, when temperatures reach forty degrees.”

Scientists all got up and began making their way to private quarters. Lacy remained in deep concentration and was again the last to get up and turn off the computer. Scientists each seemed annoyed when Lacy finally rushed over and climbed into her personal bed. She lay wide awake, thinking about the movement she saw and all the possibilities.

Although her computer continued flashing personal messages from Ben, Lacy closed the computer screen without even noticing and tried to sleep.

Ben was sitting alone at the desk in his office reading from the long list of private messages he’d sent to Lacy with no response.

“I miss you.”

“I love you.”

“I can’t wait to see you.”

Alice walked by turning off lights before noticing Ben sitting alone in his office. “Ben? What are you still doing here?”

“I’m just going through some messages. No big deal.”

“Oh,” answered Alice. “You’ve just been sending messages back and forth to your fiance’. I bet you both are just making plans for the big wedding day.”

“Yeah. We just have to be patient.”

Alice looked surprised as Ben began packing up personal items and finally shutting down his computer.

“Ben, you’ve really got nothing to worry about. It sounds so scary travelling across the universe, but Lacy is safe. And I know she’s partnering up with other explorers. I think Chris will protect her.”

“Great...” answered Ben with a smirk as he turned the lights off and closed his door. The two then walked quietly down the long hallway.

Early morning, an hour before sunrise, the day began with another announcement from Pilot Jenkins. “Okay scientists, please get prepared for another big day! Drink some fresh SEA Vitamin-Aid, and gather tools for exploration. Then make your way to Vestibule enclosure. When exterior doors open, temperatures will be in the low fifties. Those numbers will be rising to around one hundred in just the next few hours.”

The explorers immediately moved slowly around the open area of the Solar Jet, drinking from sealed vitamin packs and putting on full exploration outfits. Lacy continued studying information on her personal computer of video and photos she’d taken. There were no signs of motion recorded, but she had a strong curiosity where to begin the day’s search.

Pilot Jenkins continued making announcements from the cabin, “Please keep your suit temperatures around eighty degrees. Settings will adjust automatically when outside as the temperature changes. When we return to the ship, you will again have one minute to gather in the Vestibule. Doors will be closed for ten seconds as temperatures even out, and exterior doors will then open.”

Lacy again rushed back and forth putting on her suit and attaching her helmet. When she got to the Vestibule, she looked around for her personal computer, then sealed her helmet and rushed to join the other scientists. The group of explorers again seemed annoyed as the vestibule doors began to close.

“All scientists are ready. This is the second day of investigation. Please be careful to shoot video and take photos of any unusual sightings... be it stones, or of course any ‘possible forms of life’.”

Scientists looked over at Lacy and smiled. The group of explorers were all wearing their white compressed suits and helmets as the Vestibule doors opened, revealing the unusual Quazmopolis surface. Temperature was rising slowly into the fifties, and scientists slowly began moving out.

“Hey! Catch some of those ‘life’ forms, Lacy. I want to bring some home!” quipped Oliver as he took slow steps onto the jagged surface.

“And put ‘em in a jar,” said Terry.

Chris then walked over and said directly to Lacy, “Just get some video of movement. That’ll shut these scientists up.”

“At least, that could give us something more interesting to study when we get done tonight,” replied Terry.

“What are scientists exploring today?” asked Dr. Palmer as he walked up to Ben’s position in the Master Headquarters.

“Oh! Lots of things! A formal reading of the gravity level seems to be at a one hundred seventy-three point seven percent of the earth’s gravity. That’s up about point zero one percent. Heavy scientists are making their way around the surface and conducting tests.”

“Do we have a readout of elements in the chemical nuclei of the rock?”

Ben immediately began searching through files on the computer before answering confidently. “No definite identification yet. But more tests are being performed.”

“And the Arid Cacti?”

“Natural water is being refracted through a chemical reaction powered by a small solar panel. The thirteen cacti plants have survived now for nearly twenty three hours in spite of the temperature changes,” replied Ben with an insincere smile.

“Maintain measurements of all life forms on the surface of Quazmopolis, and document all motion detected. Can you handle that?” Dr. Palmer then turned and walked down to another scientist reading from his computer.

“Not a problem sir. I’ll get on that right now and lay it all out. For sure.” Ben then reached down quietly to open files on his private phone and began checking personal messages again. There was still no response to the loads of messages, and the computer screen continued showing close-up shots of Chris and Lacy. Ben seemed to be getting angry again as he zoomed in.

Chris and Lacy were testing from a variety of colored rocks, when Chris turned to Lacy and quietly asked. “Have you checked the possible moving rocks you saw yesterday?”

“I will,” Lacy mumbled. “I just don’t want to make a scene.” Lacy continued carrying the heavy bag of rocks to a labelled pile next to the Solar Jet.

“Why don’t you go find us a monster?” commented Oliver with a smirk. “Just one life form could justify this whole mission.”

“You find that life form, and you’ll be the star of this whole mission,” added Terry with a laugh.

“Go search for movement, Lacy. I don’t think you imagined anything.”

Lacy looked down in thought considering her options. “I don’t know. I think I should just mind my own business.”

Chris then reached out to Lacy’s hand. “You’ve got my support, and I’m your partner. Just go out and explore.”

The group at the Science Exploration Master Headquarters were all getting readings and documenting discoveries on their personal computers while a large video was playing live over the walls of monitors.

Ben’s computer was locked on a new shot of Chris and Lacy holding hands with the beautiful sunrise behind them. Ben looked around before zooming in and examining the smiles on their faces as they looked each other in the eye.

After a few seconds, Ben got up. He reached out and turned off his computer screen, then shoved his chair out of the way and began heading out.

Dr. Palmer noticed Ben leaving and looked confused, “Ben, did you document temperature changes inside the roots of the various cacti on the first day?”

Ben didn’t answer but continued walking.

When Alice noticed the unnatural silence, she politely asked, “Do you those cactus plants will survive?”

When Ben got to his office, he began putting papers and files into his briefcase. He then turned, locked his office door and began heading down the hallway.

Alice looked confused as she walked over. “Ben, where are you going?”

“I’m just not feeling well. I’m going to have to take some sick time.”

“Oh, I’ll fill out the forms and let personnel know,” replied Alice. “Hope you feel better!”

Ben continued down the hall and slammed the door as he walked out.

Lacy began to slowly walk away from the Solar Jet and carefully stepped across the hard rock surface. She saw the same area of rock alongside a hill and wanted to search again to verify any possible motion.

Pilot Jenkins began making announcements as Lacy began maneuvering up the side of the sharp rock hill, “Please keep cameras rolling at all times during any individual exploration. Personal commentary will also be helpful in documenting what you are seeing as well as what is being recorded.”

As Lacy approached the colored rock where she believed to have witnessed motion, she saw nothing unusual. Lacy began speaking into the mic as she moved in closer. “Motion was detected in several places yesterday. First, I noticed a distant wave of motion. And second was a closer movement between two large rocks. Neither sighting was recorded, and neither could be explained.”

Lacy then began checking the monitors and immediately noticed temperatures rising. Phone and computer screens showed numbers closing in on one hundred and forty. Lacy looked around to see she had a full view into the distance and could still see scientists around the jet drilling into large stones and taking samples.

Surrounded by sharp rocks and the colorful land mass, Lacy made her way around the jagged stone hill. She continued taking photos and videos and spoke softly. “I have seen no motion today and am circling around the large mound of rock to what appears to be a possible once volcanic stone. The added weight makes walking more difficult, and more dangerous. I see temperatures around the mass of stone are quickly rising.”

Lacy continued moving carefully along the sharp rocks making her way up the side when she noticed a possible small hole in the side of a protruding rock. Lacy looked around but the ship and crew were now out of sight. She immediately pushed buttons and spoke into the recording microphone.

“I see a possible opening in the stone mountain side.” Lacy carefully made her way across the sharp edge focusing on the unusual rock formations.

With a quick step on the jagged edge, plus the added weight, Lacy began sliding. She regained control by planting a foot and grabbing the side of the large granite rock. Lacy was okay, but it looked like the side of the enclosed cooling outfit may have a slight rip. Lacy continued climbing slowly and gripping the sharp, heavy stones while staring curiously at the possible rock opening.

“Again, I am climbing up the side of this mound of sharp rock. I want to examine the possible opening in the formation... And... Oh!”

Lacy started to fall again smacking her helmet on to the rocks. As she regained footing, she looked around in a circle ready to call for help but was completely out of site from the solar jet and the crew.

While carefully peeking through the opening, Lacy continued. “Appears to be a possible cave... I believe I can possibly fit through the hole and use the grip on the solid rock to keep my balance...”

Sliding in one foot at a time, Lacy crawled slowly to get part of her foot inside the opening and out of the sun. “I am moving inside an enclosed area. I’m now turning on a light attached to the suit. Camera will continue recording. Temperatures inside appear to be lower than temperatures outside the rock surface.”

Inside Lacy could see the empty opening surrounded by the heavy colored stone. As her arms freed, Lacy reached for the control panel on her helmet and adjusted the light. As she pulled her back leg through the hole, she continued, “All is dark inside the rock formation... I am using the umber flashlight now, but I detect no movement and no forms other than the same rock as the surface...”

As she documented computer readings, Lacy continued poking around the cooler and softer rock. “Temperatures inside the cave have now dropped down to one hundred degrees Fahrenheit. And the atmosphere is the same nitrogen and oxygen base. I can breathe.”

As Lacy made her way farther, she began removing her helmet. “I see what looks like a pool of water. It seems to be draining through tunnels under the granite. Wow. Looks like it might possibly be coming from a salt water source underground... Not drinkable for humans.”

“Oh!” Lacy jumped in fear, then quickly spun around and shined the light around various parts of the cave. “I believe I may have seen motion inside the cave... It appeared as just a small shadow, but it has now disappeared.”

More motion and shadows begin flashing as Lacy spins around again. “The moving shadows seem to be appearing and disappearing at the rear of the cave.” As Lacy nervously spoke into the helmet microphone, she noticed another hole at the end of the cave.

“I am making my way towards another opening in the rock. This hole is a little bigger... Not sure I could fit into this opening, but I will try to get this shot on video.”

Lacy shined her umber flashlight at different angles, and continued speaking, “Temperatures continue dropping, now into the low nineties... Quick motion and shadows seem to be flashing all around as I shine my light... Not sure if any of this can be seen on video, but there is definitely unexplained motion inside this cave... A possible form of life?”

As Lacy moved closer to the opening in the wall, she shined the light at the boulder rocks and saw a unique rock formation in various colors. “Formation of rock follows a colorful pattern... Does not appear natural. It’s beautiful.”

As she moved closer, she again saw unexplained motion in the distance. “Not sure if motion is caused by light or possibly some type of gas, invisible to the human eye... The entire crew must begin an investigation of this cave and perform major exploration right here.”

Lacy then turned and headed for the same opening where she entered and spoke out, “I’ve got to get help now. I’m leaving the cave and will return with scientists and testing gear.”

When she got to the hole, Lacy spun around and shined her light thinking about the light she didn’t investigate. “There is an unexplained light source I must examine. Looks like this light may lead to another possible enclosed area. Must confirm. I’m moving towards the opening to just get an idea... A possible clue... Stand by.”

As Lacy walked up to the small opening, she struggled to just peak in before stopping and dropping her light in amazement.

“Oh my God,” said Lacy as she looked around.

Through the hole was what appeared to be a big city, with moving vehicles and large buildings. Lacy looked on in amazement. “I don’t believe it!”

While reaching for her microphone, Lacy mumbled, “Inner granite cave appears to contain an opening to an entire city with state of the art technology... Oh my God... I have not only discovered moving shadows... It’s true intelligent life!”

“Bam!”

Lacy was suddenly pounded on the back of the head with a strong force. As she fell to the ground, Lacy could see unexplainable shadows of colors and figures moving around in all directions. She struggled to remain conscious, gripping the hi-tech hand-held computer and the earpiece before falling to the ground.

Lacy was unconscious.