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  The operational personnel at the Tucson Space Center worked all night with final preparations for the launch. It was cold outside due to the elevation, yet down in the city it was ninety degrees. All the supporting structures around the ship had been moved out of the way except for the entrance ramp. Flood lights kept the outside of the ship well lit. The weather was excellent, clear and dry as forecast. The great ship stood on its five self-contained support legs. In the ground control room, the consoles, housing duplicate system modules, all showed green lights indicating all systems “Go.”

  Lance and Ashley were up at 0500, and already had their special bland breakfast. Lance felt it was better than nothing. Their personal items were already in their staterooms aboard the ship. The shuttle picked them up and drove them to the launch pad, where they boarded the ramp and entered the ship on Deck One. They took the lift to Deck Three and entered the command center. Andy said, “Attention on deck.” Lance gave a quick salute. He positioned himself in his flight chair in front of the main console. Ashley sat to his right in the co-pilot’s chair, checking her instruments.

  Everyone on board were alert and busy with routine procedures. The operations personnel were already in their flight chairs. Throughout the ship, all personnel had specific flight duties to perform during launch, and they were going through pre- flight requirements. Each of the operations crew reported their instrument status to Lance as they completed the check-off. The launch panel indicated all systems GO. Lance watched the green lights come on as the ramp was removed. Ground control reported to Lance, “Aquarius is clear to launch.”

  Lance turned the master computer to auto control. “Aqua, are you ready for launch?”

  A pleasant voice replied, “Yes, Commander, I am ready.”

  Lance said, “Aqua, plot course to position the Aquarius in orbit around the planet Earth on my command.”

  Aqua replied, “Course plotted and locked, Commander.” Lance turned and looked at his crew. Everyone was in position and strapped in. He glanced at Ashley and said, “Activate.” There was a slight shudder as the magnetic drive powered up and overcame the earth’s gravity.

  The great ship lifted off the pad, smoothly, as the support legs retracted, and rose straight up into the atmosphere gaining altitude by the second. Ground control reported “LIFTOFF.” Andy sat quietly in his flight chair next to the master computer. He seemed content. He was tuned in to Aqua and knew exactly what was going on at all times. The Aquarius flew straight up through the cloud cover, and the atmosphere and settled into a stable orbit, around the Earth.

  Lance motioned to Lieutenant Walker. “Walt, what is the status of our gravitation system?”

  “Working as designed, sir; it’s close to earth’s gravity.”

  Lance announced on the intercom, “Attention, crew; prepare for space travel.”

  The crew started moving around the command center with ease. Mila Johnson said, “Sir, our life support systems are up and running.”

  “Good,” replied Lance.

  Andy came over to where Lance was standing and said, “Commander, I monitored our departure from planet Earth, and I believe I need to adjust the stabilization module for the magnetic propulsion system. We should not have had a slight shudder at liftoff.”

  Lance turned to Walter. “Go with him, Walt, and take care of it. Thank you, Andy.”

  Lance moved back to the control console, and said, “Attention, all personnel. From here on out, you will address me as captain, and I will address you by your first names. We don’t need to be that formal. We’re a team.” Everyone smiled and agreed. After all, they would be together for the rest of their lives, and Lance had their respect. He was their captain.

  The Aquarius was designed to fly in a horizontal attitude, capable of going in any direction as a disc-shaped craft. The diameter of the ship was eight hundred feet, with a height of one hundred feet. It had three decks, successively smaller in size, with a special dome at the top that had a weapons systems directional turret that housed a large laser for defense. The ship was designed to be a completely functional mobile community, necessary to colonize a planet.

  Deck One was the largest deck housing the magnetic drive, the hyperdrive systems, the gravity control systems, life support systems, the ship’s retractable support legs and storage facilities, including six all-terrain vehicles (ATV’s), several various-sized trucks, several inflatable watercraft, two drones, and a special shuttle craft, all nested in specified hangars. Included were selected farming machines and heavy-duty equipment for various types of construction as required. It also contained several electric motor bikes and spare parts. The entire base of the ship was protected with a reinforced special shield that was highly insulated, necessary for re-entry protection.

  Deck Two contained the support crew’s apartments, the special hibernation chambers, various laboratories, the main dining facility, recreation facilities, a large auditorium, and storage areas. Each apartment had one bedroom, a living area with an efficiency kitchen, and a private bathroom. There was a ship’s store for food and supplies. It was designed to be a small, self-contained community.

  Deck Three contained all operational systems, the command center, defensive and offensive weapons systems, navigation, communications systems, and Aqua, the master computer. This was the heart of the ship. It also contained the operations crew’s apartments, the captain’s quarters, and a conference room. The operations crew spent most of their time on Deck Three. The command center was located at the front of Deck Three and had a full-view special observation window. A reinforced shield could be deployed whenever necessary, which covered the window port.

  When in space, using the standard magnetic drive system, the crew could move about the ship, having artificial gravity, and total life support. Space suits were not necessary, unless you left the ship, through special airlocks. For the next two days, the crew ran tests and fine-tuned the systems, preparing for space launch. They also attended classes held in the auditorium, covering suspended hibernation. The medical team reported to Doctors Jonah Johnson, and Mila Johnson for assignment, as required.

  Suddenly, Andy announced, “Captain, there was a huge explosion in North America. It looks like a thermal nuclear cloud. There are explosions appearing all over the world. I believe a world war has started and is out of control.”

  Lance immediately called Tucson Ground Control. They did not respond. Lance, without hesitation, announced over the ship’s intercom, “Attention--this is the captain speaking. I believe Earth is presently experiencing a world war. Our worst fears have been realized. As of now, we’re on our own. We cannot stay in orbit. We will shift to hyper drive at 2300 this evening.”

  Throughout the ship there was a dead calm, as if time had stopped… this couldn’t be happening.

  Lance continued on the intercom, “We are all that will be left of the human race, all two hundred twelve of us. At least we have a chance for survival. Thank God for that.”

  Everyone in the operations center watched the screen showing Earth being annihilated. Each of them felt as if their heart had stopped, and they couldn’t breathe. Lance walked over to Ashley and held her close. “Check with Jonah on the status of the hibernation chambers. When do we get our shots?”

  Lance felt a surge of emotion. He must complete his mission. He felt the total weight of his command. He thought, I need to spend some time with Andy. There is no time to waste; we may be affected at any moment. He said to Ashley, “We have two hours to go.”

  Walter overheard and commented, “That’s not much time, Captain. I have a lot to do.”

  Lance replied, “Do it now.” Lance smiled, and thought to himself, He’ll get it done; he always comes through.

  Doctor Mila Johnson approached Lance. “Captain, I talked with Ashley. The chambers are ready. I have notified the crew. My staff has been working for the past two hours assisting the crew with their assigned chambers as necessary. Jim and I will administer the req
uired shot to each crew member as they enter their chamber. You and Ashley will be last, just before me. Andy will close my chamber and verify the status of all chambers. With your permission, I will start with the crew at once. Time is of the essence.”

  Lance said, “Permission granted, Doctor, but leave Walter for last, just before me.”

  Lance called Andy over to him and said, “You will ensure that all systems continue to function as programed for each chamber. That shall be your top priority. Per my orders you will be acting Captain of the Aquarius until I relieve you.”

  Andy saluted Lance and said, “Affirmative, Captain.”

  Lance walked over to the main console, and said, “One more thing, Andy; at exactly 2300 the ship must reposition out of orbit and set course for the constellation of Aquarius. Review all course changes and specific navigation requirements with Aqua. When you are satisfied, and the course is set, on your command the ship will switch to hyperdrive. Changes in course will occur automatically for three different wormholes. Aqua is programmed to place us in orbit around the planet Tara. The chambers are programed to open in fourteen months. I’ll see you then.”

  Andy looked at him and actually smiled. “As you ordered, Captain.”

  Lance knew that Andy would constantly check all aspects of the ship; that’s what he was trained to do. He did not eat or sleep and never got upset, and he had Aqua to keep him company.

  All the chambers were pre-assigned and located on Deck Two, near the medical laboratory. They were designed to maintain hibernation for long periods of time. Fourteen months was a short time. Lance was not concerned.

  The crew’s training included hibernation physics, where the human body was placed in suspension and all life support was slowed down to a point where only special instruments could pick up a heartbeat when necessary.

  One by one, the operations crew departed from the command center and reported to the chamber lab. Finally, only Lance and Ashley were left. Andy followed them down on the lift to Deck Two, into the chamber area. Four chambers were open; the others were closed and in operation.

  Lance took Ashley in his arms and kissed her. “I’ll see you in the morning, honey.”

  Ashley squeezed his hand and said, “I can hardly wait,” trying not to let him know her fear.

  Ashley received her shot and lay down in her chamber, the top closed and sealed. Her mind cleared as she drifted off to sleep. Lance entered his chamber and lay back. Mila took his arm and administered the required shot. Immediately Lance felt a warm feeling going through his bloodstream. The chamber slowly closed and sealed itself. The special gas filled the chamber. Lance closed his eyes and fell into a deep sleep. Mila attended her husband Jonah, and then entered her own chamber. Andy administered her shot and watched as her chamber sealed itself.

  The laboratory was totally quiet except for the slight hum of the support systems. All the chambers showed a green light. Andy scanned the area, and when satisfied, took the lift to Deck Three. He was content that he did not have to sleep like humans must. What a waste of time. Andy sat down in his flight chair and connected his harness. He reviewed the course settings. “Time 2354,” Aqua announced. “Good evening, Andy. Prepare for hyper drive.”

  Andy took one last look at planet Earth, for the record. The planet looked like a piece of smoldering charcoal. Andy closed the port shield and replied, “Ready when you are, Aqua.”

  “Affirmative, Starting countdown.10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1.”

  The Aquarius slightly repositioned itself and shot into space, disappearing from sight in a split second. Andy sat frozen in the command chair with no facial expression. After the initial thrust, the flight was smooth. Andy got up from his flight chair, and walking around the control center, checked the instruments.

  All the navigation indicators flashed green lights. The hyperdrive monitor glowed green, indicating ACTIVE. Andy inspected all areas of the ship on every deck continuously. He checked the status of the hibernation chambers every four hours. The ship’s clock continued on earth time, although the ship’s speed was approximately 186000 miles per second.

  Time passed; Aqua informed Andy each time the ship had to maneuver into position at predetermined locations in space, in order to jump through the wormholes.

  The wormholes enabled the ship to travel great distances in a short time due to a fold in space, this happened three times before reaching the Aquarius star system.

  The flight program was flawless, and the ship avoided all contact with black holes, where a planet’s gravity is so great that even light cannot escape, which would have been fatal to the ship. The ship made its final maneuver and switched to magnetic drive. Aqua announced, “Hyperdrive disengaged; arriving at destination.” Andy directed Aqua to open the observation shield’s and settle the Aquarius into orbit around the planet Tara.

  In the hibernation laboratory, the chambers started to stabilize. Andy arrived and checked each chamber. The green lights had switched to yellow, indicating “Standby” status. He opened Dr. Jonah Johnson’s chamber first. Jonah opened his eyes and looked around. “Good morning, Andy,” he said. “I’m glad to see you.”

  Andy replied, “I’m pleased to see you as well, Doctor, May I ask, how do you feel?”

  Jonah replied, “I’m a little queasy, but I’ll be fine in a short while. Give me a hand, Andy.” Jonah extracted himself from his hibernation chamber and, going to a lab cabinet, administered an injection intended to stabilize his metabolism.

  Jonah tended to Mila, and with the help of Andy, assisted Lance and Ashley, before moving on to the rest of the crew, starting with the medical team. Lance made sure Ashley was alright; he felt a little strained but tried to take it all in. He glanced around the laboratory; seeing Andy, he pulled him aside and holding Ashley’s hand, asked, “What is the ship’s status?”

  Andy replied, “Captain, the Aquarius is in orbit around the planet Tara as you directed, sir.”

  Lance, feeling relief, said, “Andy, you are a credit to the survival of this ship and its crew. Thank you.”

  Andy stood at attention, “Thank you, sir. It’s an honor to serve under your command.”

  Ashley turned toward Lance and said, with a big smile, “Captain, we should go to the command center ASAP. I can’t wait to see the planet Tara. I’m shaking all over.”

  Chapter Three

  At first they felt dizzy, and then they realized they were really alright, just a little weak. There was a feeling of euphoria when they thought about what they went through, and they made it. It’s like awakening after a serious operation. Of course, they needed real food, and craved it.

  Lance turned to Andy. “Effective immediately, I relieve you of command.”

  Andy stood at attention, saluted, and said, “Affirmative, Captain.”

  The three of them took the lift to Deck Three and entered the command center. Lance and Ashley walked over to the main console to get a good look at Tara for the first time. The observation port window showed a beautiful blue planet in the distance.

  Ashley stood next to Lance and Andy and was speechless. There was no way to describe her feelings. It was beautiful. The sliding door to the lift opened, and Walter and Lois, along with Frank and Terry, entered the command center. They walked over next to Andy.

  “It’s like a dream,” Terry remarked.

  Frank just grinned. They all stood in silence, just letting it soak in. They had made an incredible journey. The excitement was starting to build up. Lance called Dr. Jonah, using his communicator. “Let me know when all personnel are up and alert.” He looked at Frank and said, “Tie in with Jonah and assemble all available personnel in the auditorium--contact me when you are ready. I want everyone to know we have reached our destination.”

  “Yes, Captain,” Frank replied.

  Ashley said to Terry, “It is like a dream.”

  Lance moved to the main console. “Aqua, give me a brief analysis of Tara’s atmosphere.”

  Aqua rep
lied, “Captain, the atmosphere contains adequate oxygen to sustain human life. The surface temperature is averaging approximately 80 degrees Fahrenheit on the light side.

  “The surface temperature averages 60 degrees Fahrenheit on the dark side. Its gravity is close to that of Earth, just slightly less. There is one body of water covering 60.2 percent of the surface. There are two specific land masses, almost equal in overall size. The rotation indicates a twenty Earth- hour day. There is one moon. The probability of life is 100 percent positive.”

  Jonah called Lance. “All personnel are up and about, and Frank has everyone assembled in the auditorium. They are overjoyed and exuberant. The feeling is almost overwhelming.”

  Lance pressed the intercom button. “Attention all personnel, this is your captain speaking.” In the auditorium, people were milling around talking to each other. It seemed like only yesterday they were in orbit around Earth, and then the devastating news of Armageddon. They were happy to be alive. When they heard the Captain’s voice, they quickly took their seats. Lance announced, “I am pleased to tell you, we have arrived. I would address you in person, however I need to stay in the command center for now.

  “We have traveled forty light years to the star system known as Aquarius. We are presently in orbit around the third planet from the star known as Trapper, T3. This planet we have named Tara. This planet will be our new home. The size of this planet is slightly less than Earth, the temperature is moderate, and the atmosphere indicates adequate oxygen to support life. It has one moon and one large ocean, with two large continents. We believe it is inhabited with intelligent life. We will orbit Tara while we evaluate its surface and monitor specific conditions. I will keep you informed. That is all.”

  Lance moved to the main console and said to Andy, “Position the ship for the closest possible distance to Tara, while still maintaining a stable orbit. Notify me when we are in position.”