Chapter 1 : Memories

New Earth: 2292

        The acid rain fell hard on the rocky soil of the new landscape of the now known home for humans.  Three people stood underneath a tent that led from a rocky outcropping to the long grey desert of the dunes on the planet.  Edward Rihames, a man of power and opportunity stood at the back with another man cloaked in a long black trench coat.  A black hood hung over the stranger’s head covering his features.  He stayed quiet as the rain continued to pour.  Purple lightning shattered the night sky invading the darkness around them.

        The third figure was a woman in her thirties, Moira McNally.  She was a leading scientist in the field of biomechanics and engineering.  She feared this moment for three days.  She knew it was coming.  She was working with Edward Rihames on a new project, a revolutionary project that would change time and space.  Edward was nowhere near completing his part of the program, but Moira, now she was ahead of it by three days.  Her work had already been transferred.  It was in the hands of someone she trusted.  Not a shadow of this man who stood behind her now.

        “What do you want me to do?” Moira looked back at Edward.

        “You need to retrieve the samples you hid out in the desert a day ago.  I know you had them put out here, I needed time to track your movements though.” Edward replied calmly.

        “You can’t do this, you wouldn’t dare!” Moira cried.  Her face was stung suddenly by the wind blowing the rain closer to her.

        “It must be done.  If you know how I feel about the project, you’ll keep going.” Edward stared with a cold, icy glare that kept him stationary, safe under the overhang.

        “But, I can’t find the samples in this weather!  The ground is too wet, the sand will just be washing away the evidence of my hiding spot.  Your results will be flawed.” Moira spat back.  She knew this could be her last chance to end this conversation.

        “My mind is made up, if you can’t get me those samples then I’ll be forced to end our relationship.” Edward kept his face stern.

        “Alright, alright.  I’ll go, but know this, once I’ve returned, we’re through.  I’m handing the project over to someone who cares and I’m going back to my husband.  Is that clear?” She stood with her hair plastered to her face now.  The red strands blackened by the acidic rain.

        “Understood.  Be sure to collect all the samples then.  Good night.  I’ll wait for your return…” He hesitated.

        Moira pulled her hood up over her head and walked on into the wilderness of New Earth.  The samples of soil were but a mile away and it would take her two hours to return.  She didn’t look back and disappeared into the ongoing rain.  

        Once out of sight, the dark cloaked stranger stepped closer to Edward Rihames.  “Is it time?”

        “Release the beast, I’ll miss that beautiful woman, but she knows too much already.  Make sure it looks like an accident.” Edward turned away from the man and entered the cave.

        “It will be done quickly sir.” Without another word he slipped away to carry out his deed.

Planet Earth: 2292, 8:15 p.m.

        “Father, I don’t want to go!” the little boy cried.

        “We don’t have a choice; the planet is not habitable.  Someday you will understand,” the father explained.

        “When will we be back?” The boy shook with anxiety.

        “Dan, this isn’t easy to tell you. We are going to New Earth.  It is not home, but we must make it home.  We can’t stay here and we can’t go back.”  The father sighed, hoping his son would understand someday.  Ron looked out the window of the ship, longing to be back where they had been.  Dan sat in the seat next to him looking up, crying.  Ron looked over at the other seats on the ship and could see the terrified expressions of the passengers around them.  A mother and daughter were across from them, and the mother was trying to comfort the daughter.  The girl wanted to go back to the exit and leave.  She stretched out her arms, trying to escape her mother’s grasp.  Her mother pulled her back into her seat and told her to stay still.

        Ron was devastated over leaving Earth.  What had they done to deserve this treatment?  It didn’t make any sense.  Dan slowly looked around and could see another couple getting on the transport.

        “Dad, why are they so confused? Don’t they know why we’re leaving?”

        “Some people don’t know, son.  It seems our exodus wasn’t explained to everyone.” Ron sighed at the thoughts that now clouded his memory…  

Earth had been invaded.  Aliens from a distant world selected Earth as a test site for their new weapons.  They were a race of slithery beings; snake-like, with no feet--only a gooey substance that allowed them to glide across the ground.  Ron hated the species and Dan had seen more than his fair share of the creatures.  Society on Earth had made deliberations regarding the invasion.  The explanations had been given, debates had been held; in the end, Earth was to be annihilated.  Mankind had to find a new home.

The Sinags, who had initiated the exodus, were evil and full of hatred for the human race.  However, they allowed a few chosen scientists to scout for a new planet to inhabit.  The choices were limited, and finally, the decision was made.  “New Earth” would be the humans’ new home.  Not much information leaked out about the planet, but the few details that Ron knew chilled his blood.  Ron McNally had sacrificed his wife to the effort of finding a new planet to live on.  He only had his son left.  

        Moira, Ron’s wife, had given her life for the planet.  As she was surveying New Earth, a morg beast--an animal with six rows of teeth, a hairless body like a lizard, and the smell of rotting flesh--had eaten her.  It was only one of the many carnivorous monsters that roamed their new planet.  Ron had received the news only a month ago.  He didn’t have the heart to tell his son the gory details.  Both Ron and Moira had understood the risks of her job.  

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Ron thought back over the last hours they had spent on Earth:

  “Come to bed, Dan. Our luggage is packed and we leave on the next transport.  Let’s get some rest while we can,” Ron said as he patted his son on the head.

        “Okay, Daddy. Will there be anything to look forward to on our new home?” Dan asked.

        “With any luck, a new start and hopefully a job, which is what your father needs right now.” Ron had tears in his eyes as he bent down to his son. “Things may change when we get to New Earth. You may have to make a living as well, son.  But let’s not think about that too much yet.” Ron held out his hand to Dan.  Dan willingly took it and they slowly went to the bedroom.  This was to be their last night on Earth, and they were to spend it sleeping until it was time to go.

Ron was haunted that night by dreams of Moira screaming.  He kept picturing his wife being mauled to death by the morg beast.  Ron awoke suddenly.  The morning came too swiftly, at 2 a.m.; Ron and Dan got up, prepared their luggage for departure, and ate two pieces of toast and milk sprinkled with nutmeg.  Dan didn’t like the stuff, but Ron told his son that it was good for him.  He couldn’t help but smile at the sour expression on Dan’s face when drinking the milk.  Soon both were dressed and stood outside the little house, waiting to be shuttled to the spaceport.

  While waiting for the hover-car, Ron sighed deeply as the gentle wind blew at his face.  Dan’s oily hair plastered against his face in the breeze.  They lived not far from the abandoned city of Reno, Nevada.  The desert air continually blew grass and sand in front of the small house.  Dan held himself high, trying to see down the block for the hover car.  

Ron looked in the opposite direction of where the car would come from.  He could make out a brief glimpse of the hideous aliens drilling holes in the rocky, mountainous terrain approximately two miles away.  Massive beams of light came from their drilling site, and two monstrous vehicles tore through the land, wreaking havoc everywhere they went.  Ron closed his eyes and shuddered at the thought of earth being used for weapons testing.  Why was Earth so important to the aliens?  What other sinister plans might they have for the planet?  Soon the hover-car came around the bend in the road, distracting Ron from his thoughts.

The two entered the car with luggage in tow.  The trip to the space port was anything but special; however, it was Dan’s first time there.  Sure, he had seen the giant craft take off many times from a distance, but he had never seen the ships up close.  Dan stared out the window of the hover car.  Ron looked out the other side and saw something that took his mind from the trip.  A group of Sinags was digging up a forest.  He was disgusted by how they slithered along unconcernedly.  Soon father and son had arrived at the spaceport, their hopes and dreams crushed by the sight of ships that would soon take them away.

Ron noticed that the spaceport was falling apart.  Cracks in the pavement jig-sawed their way through the entire area.  Ron smiled as Dan looked up at the giant space shuttles.  Already there were many people being marched into the ships.  The people’s faces were sights of horror and dismay.  Several Sinags guarded each transport and made sure the humans would move.  A few men and women stumbled along the old pavement to the ramps of the starships.  One woman was carrying three bags in her arms and had a young girl next to her.  The nearest Sinag shoved her to the ground, and the girl wailed as her mother stumbled onto the ramp.  Ron turned his head in disgust.

“Will we have a house when we get to New Earth, Daddy?”  Dan faced his father with pleading eyes.

        “For a child so young, you have very many good questions. Come on, let’s get aboard.” Ron chuckled at his son’s questions.  It was only natural for him to wonder.  As they started their way across the cement, Ron noticed several Sinags slithering toward their vessel.  What were they up to?  Did they not trust the human race?  Humans had no defense against the Sinags’ weaponry or technology.  Only by compromise were humans able to receive any technology from planets that were friendly to Earth.  Sinags had no honor though, being the glorified serpents that they were.  Ron directed a final look of hatred at one of the guards.

        “What do you want, human?” the guard asked.

        “Nothing.  I hope that I don’t run into your species again, that’s all.  If I do, it will spell the destruction of your world.” With that Ron spat on the guard.

        “That’s enough of you! Move along.” The guard pushed Ron onto the walkway.  Dan just stared at the alien with a look of shock and terror in his eyes.  “Don’t touch my father!  He didn’t do anything,” Dan screamed.

        “Bold words for a little one,” the guard growled.  With that he rammed the butt of his rifle into Ron’s stomach, causing him to collapse to his knees.  Dan was raging with hatred for the alien now.  He started sobbing at his father’s pain and started to run toward the Sinag.  Ron grabbed his son’s arm in time. “Not now, son; later, when you are older, but not now,” he coughed.   Without another word, both hobbled onto the ship.  Dan looked back one final time at the desecrated land.  Someday he would make his life worth something.  His father was a bold and courageous man.  Dan wanted to have that same courage.  Dan stood proudly for the first time since getting out of grade school; he was going into space with his dad and nothing could change that.  Then the door slid shut.  Dan helped his father to a seat in the back.  He didn’t want people asking questions.

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        Soon the intercom announced, “Thank you for choosing American Space. Your flight will be taking off shortly.  Please fasten your seat belts securely.  We will be taking a six-day flight to New Earth, traveling at a speed of 500,000,000 miles per second.  Let us assure you, your flight will be smooth, so sit back and relax,” the transmission cut out.  A low whine began from the rockets behind the ship, followed by a loud mechanical sound.  Dan knew this was the preflight sequence.  He had seen a film on it in school.  The whine was the engine preparing to release the fuel needed to rocket them into outer space, and the grating mechanical sound was the ship moving into launch position.  Ron turned to Dan, “Buckle up, Dan; it goes really fast from here.  Remember the roller-coaster rides you love?  This will blow them away.” Ron smiled again at his young boy.  He knew that Dan would be turning ten in the next month.  If all went well, Dan could apply for an apprenticeship so that he could make some money too. Ron and Dan sat back as the ship moved into position.  The rockets fired instantly, pushing everyone deep into their seats.  Dan looked out the window and saw the Earth from a distance.

        “Goodbye, home. I’ll miss you,” a single tear rolled down Dan’s cheek.  Earth would be no more; it was time to move on.  What would await them on their new planet?  Would there be school?  Dan just sat back and looked up at his father. He extended his hand to his dad’s arm.  They were to be inseparable for the duration of the flight.

        Arriving at New Earth was a new experience.  Ron glanced out the window at the dark planet.  Off in the distance, many millions of miles away, the replacement sun glowed in the blackness of space.  

The intercom came on once again: “We have now arrived at New Earth.  The temperature is a moderate 25 degrees Celsius, with light rain showers.  We will be arriving at the space port within the hour. Please fasten your seat belts for a smooth flight down to the surface.”  

        Ron smirked at how the computer sounded like a real flight attendant from some ancient airplanes of the twenty-first century.  He also found it amusing that the Sinags would program the computer with an appealing manner to make their new home more attractive.  The ship took a vector that would lead them into the atmosphere.  

        Ron again glanced over at Dan. His son’s eyes were wide with excitement for this new world and, never having been in space before, it was all new to him.  Ron hoped he could give Dan something to remember him by. It had already been arranged: Dan would go to school and his father would be put to work in the New Earth mines to make ends meet.  Ron grimaced at the thought of leaving Dan in the hands of foreigners, but it would be best for him.  His mother could not care for him anymore.  Ron stared at the murky purple hued planet.  It was dark and uninviting.

        An instant rumbling occurred within the ship; the craft would be landing very soon.  Dan looked up at his father, “Are we landing, Daddy?”

        “Yes, son, we are coming to our new home,” Ron said disappointed.  He tried to be positive with his boy, but it was hard when things looked so grim.  The two stared ahead at the other passengers--fear blanketed all faces as the ship came to a halt upon the new runway.  A few moments later the side door swung open and a tall Sinag stood waiting for everyone to disembark.  “This way HUMANS!” he barked.  It was as if people were now some kind of meat, out of the frying pan and into the fire.  Ron knew this would change someday and he felt it was up to the McNally family to change it.

        A Sinag officer continued.  “Out of the ship!  No one stays!  Your new home awaits you.” He growled his orders as the passengers men, women and children disembarked.  They were all in fear for their lives now.  “Find a hover car, find your housing unit.” The Sinag finished as he slithered through the aisles jerking everyone from their seats.  Many were crying by now and soon were hauling their luggage off the ship.  

Ron and Dan disembarked, and the first difference they noticed was the sky.  It was a deep purple hue, with black clouds scattered across.  Thunder rolled through the clouds and white streaks of lightning lit up the sky. A stiff wind blew along the ugly landscape.  Rocks and small wiry vegetation grew through cracks in the slate runway.  In the distance, there were blue mountains ominously close to the runway.

 Ron led Dan away from the main spaceport toward the transportation units.  A tall husky alien stood outside one of the transports.  He had large pointed ears.  His mouth was stretched around his face.  His eyes were set to the front of his face, which was very small.  He had triangular markings above his eyes--probably identifying his species.  His arms were muscular and his legs were powerful and covered with skin pants.  He wore no shoes on his large claw-like feet.  His apparel was very simple.  His tunic was brown and grey, he wore a satchel over his shoulder.   Ron approached him. To him, the alien had a kind face.

        “Excuse me, could you take us to the housing units?” Ron asked.

        “Of course, my business is transport.  If you have anything that you need delivered or hauled, I can do it,” the alien said loudly.

        “May I ask what kind of creature you are?”  Ron was puzzled by this alien.  So gruff in appearance, yet very kind and jovial; it was almost too good to be true.  The Sinags would not have liked this species.

        “My name is Mac Prektar, I am a Rigarnian. We’re everywhere in this galaxy.  I have to tell you though, I have never seen your species so clean,” Mac spoke clearly.

        “Really, why is that?” Ron queried.

        “Most adult humans end up in the mines and never come out,” Mac said solemnly.

        “Then I had better be careful to come out after my first day tomorrow.”

        “Yes, you may want to be careful,” Mac laughed. “Let’s get you to those housing units.” He loaded Ron’s and Dan’s luggage into the back of a hover car.  Mac bent down to Dan a moment, “What’s your name little man?”

        “My name is Dan. I’m going to be ten years old,” Dan said proudly.  He stuck out his chest just a bit after saying it.

        “Ten!  My son is just about your age; perhaps someday you will meet him.  His name is Magnus--we call him Mag for short.  He is a lot of fun.  My boy is back on my home world right now with his mother.  I am out here paying the bills.  Let’s see your housing unit, okay?” Mac smiled broadly at Dan.  Ron was glad Mac was so friendly; he would have hated to see other aliens besides the Sinags who were so rude to humans.

        The trio got into the hover car and rode across the barren hillside of this strange new world.  “You won’t want to venture out of the mines or out of the housing unit areas.  We have carnivorous monsters that can eat a person whole,” Mac warned as he drove.  Ron sat in the front with Mac. “I know about the morg beasts on this planet,” he said seriously holding back deep feelings of sorrow.

        Mac looked over at him and nodded in acknowledgement.  “So you know we have a problem with those on this planet,” Mac whispered. “Humans have gone missing because of those beasts.  Scientists have studied them, but most have been lost to the Morg.”

        “I know,” Ron shifted his weight as he sat; soon he was rubbing his eyes.  

        “Its okay, your secret is safe with me,” Mac said quietly.  He winked and padded Ron’s shoulder.

        When arriving at the housing units, Ron stared appalled by the condition of the houses.  There were several people wandering about, some dressed in rags, others in suits and ties.  ‘Where was a semblance of home?’ Ron wondered.  Cyber jacks sat in corners cuddling their computers, shaking from the cold air blowing through the streets.  Ron thought it pathetic that grown men and women could be so addicted to their computer that they would put a jack in their head so they could receive electricity from the computer into their brain.

        “What is your house unit number?” Mac asked.  Ron shook himself out of his thoughts, “Oh, unit 7715.  It’s quite far down the street,” Ron said.

        “That’s no problem. Once you are settled in perhaps you can look me up.  I’ll be around for a while in this area.” He handed Ron his card. It read: “MAC’S SOAP TRANSPORT.  YOU BRING IT; I SHIP IT OR DELIVER IT.  NO QUESTIONS ASKED. 41^55@123.15.”

        “That is really helpful. I will be sure to keep this in plain sight in case of emergency.  You are the only friend I have right now.” Ron leaned closer so Dan wouldn’t hear, “Also, in case something happens to me, I want you to look after Dan.  Here is my number.”

        “No problem, Ron.  I am always willing to help a friend in need, especially when one’s planet has been used for testing weapons.” Mac smiled.

        “How do you know about that?”

        “You don’t think that I just happened to be there at the space port for the view do you?  I knew business would be coming my way from the former planet Earth.  This housing area is called New Platmos.  Always remember where you are at in here.” Mac motioned around the front of the car.  Outside, Ron had not even noticed that they had still been driving through the same dome-like area with open space to the sky.  The dome encircled an area of approximately ten miles.  It certainly was an impressive structure.   Soon though, they arrived at unit 7715.  The house was very plain.  It was one level with two windows to the right of the front door, a garage to the left, and a very flat roof.  It was painfully brown in color much like all the other housing units.  Things couldn’t be much worse.

        Mac helped Ron and Dan unload their luggage.  Dan had come to like Mac very much in the short time that they traveled to their new home.  Mac had warmth about him that made people feel very protected when they were near him—or maybe it was just the large blaster rifle hanging at his hip.  Once Ron and Dan walked through the front door, they knew they would be comfortable here; still though their hearts ached for old Nevada.  They lugged their bags to the door of the housing unit and entered slowly.   The home had new appliances, and a large organic light emitting diode display blocked out the two windows.  Technology had advanced to where they could access anywhere on a planet just by calling out commands to the A.I.  Also, there was an infinite library of movies and shows they could access without any charge.

        “How much do I owe you?” Ron went to pull out the last of his stash of money as he turned around.

        “You don’t have to pay me right now.  We can get that taken care of when you are settled. Tomorrow morning I’ll pick you up for mining duty at 2c.  New Platmos has a different timing method.  It is with clicks.  From one to ten is day time, while eleven to twenty is night time.  The letter “c” stands for clicks, so each click stands for one hourly unit then.  Every tenth unit is measured with two c’s.  Get it?  So I will see you at 2, okay?” Mac explained.

        “Sure, absolutely. See you tomorrow.” Ron thanked him for bringing them this far.  Without another word, Mac waved and left the house.  The door then slid shut.  “What do you think, Dan?”  Ron looked down at his son.

        “I’m tired and hungry. Can we eat?” he asked, rubbing his stomach.

        “Sure. Let’s put this stuff in the bedroom and I’ll make you some good old-fashioned pizza, okay?” Ron smiled.  Dan nodded vigorously and with that picked up his luggage and followed his father to the bedroom.  Before arriving on New Earth, Ron did a shopping list of things they would need at their new home.  Among them were several earth foods that Ron knew would make the transition much easier for Dan.  Pizza was one of those foods.

        

        After a good evening meal, Ron sat alone in the living room with the O.L.E.D. display on.  Dan had gone to bed shortly after dinner.  It had been a long trip for the little guy; he needed his sleep.  Ron wanted further information regarding the scientists’ findings about this new world.  The computer brought up information stating: “New Earth atmospheric conditions: Electric storms present themselves once every five clicks; temperatures stay at 25 degrees Celsius.  Scientists of the newly formed New Earth government have offered assurance to housing units that morg beasts, as well as other carnivorous animals will not be coming within ten kilometers of the units or around the cities.  The only presence of the Sinag Empire is at the spaceport.  The Sinags have no interest in this world.  A word of caution when navigating electric water mines: Do not stray from inside the mine; otherwise, sudden death will occur.”

        Ron just stared at that last statement, “sudden death”.  Moira had been journeying far from the mine, testing mineral samples to see if anything could be produced from it.  He shuddered. He needed to quit thinking about it and get some sleep.  His own time would come. He needed to be prepared for it.  Ron picked up the keyboard and began typing.

        Morning came too swiftly. Ron had fallen asleep in the living room and he found himself drooling on the carpet.  Dan sat close by, watching cartoons on the screen.  Some things never change. Ron shook his head.

        “Are you going to be okay by yourself today?” Ron asked his son.

        “Yes Daddy. Mac called and he is going to make sure I am kept busy.  He’s taking me on my first transport assignment.” Dan smiled with glee.

        “Oh?  You have already made up your mind about what you’re going to be when you grow up?”

        “Sure Dad, all kids my age know what they’re going to be when they grow up.  I’m going to be a transport person,” Dan smiled again.  Ron got up off the floor; he remembered that he had saved his file under his wife’s name.  Hopefully, Dan wouldn’t look at it for a long time.  He moved to the bedroom and opened the closet, noticing that there was already an outfit for his new job laid out on the bed.  The outfit consisted of a grey tunic with black cargo pants and long black galoshes.  The water mines would be wet.  Mac thought of everything.

        A few minutes later Ron came out dressed as an electric water miner.  Dan looked up from finishing off his heated cereal. “Wow, you look great--just like out of the commercials on T.V.”

        “Commercials?  What Commercials?” Ron wondered.

        “The T.V. has been advertising for the electric water mines all morning, Dad,” Dan explained.

        “Well, I hope it all goes well,” Ron straightened.

        “It looks like fun. Maybe someday you can show me how it’s done,” Dan said.

        “I’m hoping to learn that myself,” Ron said.  He was unsure about himself with this job; it all seemed too good to be true.  He hoped he wasn’t getting himself into something bad.  For a brief moment, Ron thought about backing out of this new opportunity.  It didn’t feel right; something was too convenient for him to find a job so quickly.  Even when he had applied for the position on New Earth, the application went through tremendously fast.  Ron hoped things would go all right.  A minute later, a horn honked outside.

        “That must be Mac. He’ll be back to watch you today, okay?”  Ron said as he grabbed a small bagged lunch he made.

        “I know Dad; he already said he was coming by as soon as he dropped you off.” Dan shook his head; sometimes he wondered about his own dad.

        “Just take care today.  I love you. Now come give your dad a hug,” Ron called.  Dan came rushing over and embraced his father.  Ron felt like it would be the last time he would get to hug Dan; he didn’t know why, though.  Terror still gripped him as he eased himself away from Dan.  “I’ll be home by 11.”

        “Okay Dad, have a good day,” Dan waved.

        “Bye son,” Ron said simply as he walked out the door.  He was greeted by Mac.

        “Hey, you look like one of those electric water miners I keep hearing about,” Mac grinned.  His teeth were sharp but not menacing.  Ron smiled back, “Thanks for getting those clothes laid out for me.”

        “I didn’t do that,” Mac said seriously.

        “You didn’t?  Then who did?” Ron asked.  Mac stroked his chin solemnly.  “I don’t know. Before I met you yesterday, I’d never been to this place before.  Do you want me to look into it for you?”

        “Would you?  Keep Dan out of trouble, too,” Ron became concerned as he got in the hover car.  “Is this the same car?”

        “Nope, mine got used last night; I had to borrow this one.  It seems to do just fine though.” Mac said.

        “Curious, it seems we have a slight mystery on our hands,” Ron smirked.  Mac agreed to that.  “The trip to the mines isn’t going to take very long, maybe a fourth of a click from here.” The car lifted off and they started out.  Past the housing units was an outcropping of hills. Mac drove toward it and then veered off to the east.  Ron sat in silence brooding over the events of the past day.  Things happened so intensely that he hadn’t had time to evaluate them.  Past the hills was a dirt road leading to another set of protected enclosures. They entered and started down a darker path toward an entrance to a cave.  A single guard waited.

        “This is where I have to leave you. Stay safe,” Mac motioned.

        “Remember--my wife’s name was Moira. If anything happens to me, please look up a file I saved under the name Moira.” Ron whispered.

        “No problem, but you’re not going to die. Be positive.  There are worse places to be, trust me.  I’ll watch your son and take care of him today; you have my word,” Mac finished.

        “I trust you, Mac.  Don’t let me down,” Ron said.  With that, he climbed out of the car and headed to the lone guard standing at the far end of the long entrance road.  Behind the guard stood several tunnels embedded in the purple rock and Ron could see the stacks of smoke coming from the mine.  Things looked dark and dismal.  Mac turned the car around and headed out.  He still kept an eye on Ron as he walked into the mine.   He couldn’t figure why someone would lay out clothes for Ron to wear to the mine.  How would anyone know to do that?  He watched as Ron approached the guard.  The guard motioned for Ron to enter the tunnel.  Mac hoped things would go well for him.  Without another glance, he turned and drove back down the path.

        Dan sat at home for close to a click before Mac arrived to pick him up.  Dan hurried to the door.  “Hi Mac, what are we going to do today?” he exclaimed.

        “We have a delivery to make to the government headquarters today,” Mac smiled.

        “What are we delivering?” Dan asked, wide eyed.

        “Your transfer papers to this planet. Let’s hope it won’t take too long and then I can show you around my shop,” Mac said plainly.  He hustled Dan out the door, but not before turning on his pocket pc with video linkup to the house unit computer.  Mac figured it was good to keep that open in case something happened.  “Let’s go, Dan,” Mac said as he closed the door.

Ron stood in dense darkness as he waited for the foreman to come to him.  He saw a single light approaching him. Everything around him was cold and wet.  As Ron peered further into the cave, he could make out several bluish lights electrifying the rock.  Suddenly a larger beam of light shown down on Ron distracting his view of the mines and soon a voice called out.  “Are you Ron?  My name is Dillon Chambers; I’m your foreman for the mines.  Let’s get you set up today. You get to meet our manager Edward Rihames and see what work we have for you today.”  Dillon was tall and lean.  He wore different clothes from what the guards wore.  He was dressed as if he was going out on the town.  A dark jacket and grey trousers were his attire.  Dillon motioned for Ron to follow.  “It’s only dark through this first tunnel; the next set of tunnels has the lighting we need,” he said reassuringly.  Ron looked around toward the second tunnel and could see the vague purple hue of the light.  Ron shivered at the cold environment he came into.  Off to the right was an office, it was carved out of the stone.  Ron presumed that was their destination.

        They entered the office--a typical ten by ten room with taupe walls and a single large flat-screen display on the wall.  The view screen was on, with a picture of an older woman in her late sixties.  She was not an unattractive woman, and her features showed she had some wisdom beyond her years.

        “Just make sure your daughter is kept at college; I have great expectations for her future,” the man behind the desk barked at the woman.

        “You have nothing to worry about. All has been arranged, especially for the disposal of certain information contacts,” the woman replied.  The man wheeled around, suddenly taken aback by Ron and Dillon, “I didn’t see you there!” he blurted.  “Catherine, I’ll talk to you later about the other matter. I’ll get the information you need very soon though.”

        Edward was a tall young man with a large cleft in his chin and long cheek bones.  He wore small spectacles to hide the black circles under his eyes.  He wore a pure white suit that seemed to have not a blotch of dirt or dust on it.  Truly, he was a man who knew how to dress and run a business.  The way he carried himself showed that he was very suspicious, and his eyes darted back and forth from Ron to Dillon.  He engaged a smile that appeared artificial to Ron.

        “Welcome, Mr. McNally. I’m so glad your trip went well.  I imagine you have questions for me and for Dillon here. Unfortunately, I can only tell you so much.” Edward hesitated, and then frowned scornfully, “You are now a slave in these mines. You will not see the light of day for the rest of your life, and if you survive the day you will be put in a bunker at the end of the mine.  I knew your wife, Ron. I know what she meant to you and that is why I have you here--so you can do no further damage to my business practices.  You knew the nature of your wife’s work so you understand.  Dillon! Lock this man up. Oh, and one more thing--make sure you leave a message at his home.  Dan McNally’s father is now dead to him.” Edward smirked.

        Dillon seized Ron. “There must be some mistake!  How could you know my wife?  What does this have to do with me?!” Ron screamed as he was dragged out the door.  Edward stood up and pressed a miniature button on his desk.  “Ms. Thrombeck, make sure to write a memo to the home of Ron McNally.  Ron McNally died on Thursday, the 18th of Jun, 2292.  He has left $14,000 to the account of Dan McNally as inheritance upon his father’s death.  Cause of death: While mining near the surface of the electric mines he was found half eaten by a morg beast.  End of memo,” Edward finished coldly.

        “Will there be anything else, sir?” Ms. Thrombeck echoed.

        “No,” Edward spoke.  He pressed the button again.  He straightened his suit and sat back down at his desk, smiling.  What a day it would be when he finally had what he wanted.  The room remained quiet as he sat typing at his computer.

        Mac and Dan arrived at the government headquarters of New Earth, Resident Platmos.  Dan ran speedily to the front door.  “I win!” Dan yelled.

        “We were not even racing,” Mac laughed.  He came slowly to the door with Dan.  The government offices were a set of brick establishments with minimal windows.  The roof was flat, and the appearance very professional, yet dull.

        As Mac and Dan walked down the empty hallway, a man came walking toward them. He was dressed in a black suit with no tie.  The man was wearing glasses and appeared to be disgruntled about something.  Mac decided to ask what was going on.

        “Excuse me, is something wrong sir?”

        “Yes, I must be on my way to the housing unit 7715.  I have disturbing news for whoever lives there,” the man answered abruptly.

        “This boy Dan is from that unit. What is the news?” Mac asked simply.  He moved Dan in front of himself to give the man the opportunity to speak to the boy.

        “Son, I have bad news about your father.” The man stooped down to be at eye level with Dan.

        “What is it?” Dan asked calmly.  He had begun to shake just a little.

        “Your father has been eaten by a morg beast while he was near the surface of the electric water mine cave.  No one was around him when he died.  He did leave you a will, though. Would you care to read it?” the man explained grimly.

        Dan screamed out in horror.  His eyes welled up with tears and he collapsed to the floor.  Mac was instantly at his side trying to comfort him.  Mac scowled at the man.  He grunted “When did this happen?”

        “No more than an hour ago.  News travels very fast and we receive it from the sources very quickly.  I’m sorry.  I guess there is a coded message on the housing unit computer.  Here is the password.” The man handed Mac a small piece of paper and then walked back to his offices.  Mac held Dan close as he continued to cry and wail from the suddenness of the news.  Mac used his one hand to open the note.  Inside it said one word…Moira.