sixth sense,force fields activated, teleportation

***************

Suspended Animation.

by deep bora.

Suspended Animation

A two hundred square feet chrome-steel inter-planetary board attached to the rear units of an inter-planetary orbital satellite appeared unusually bright in the star filled expanse of the solar system.

“That, I believe is the marker which signifies an end to our present journey.” The astro-physicist remarked casually, seated neatly into the confines of a passenger chair.

True to his sudden statement which was nevertheless anticipated, the remaining members of the inter-planetary voyage gradually reverted their sight in unspoken abeyance. Their main preoccupations were the individual computer screens mounted upon flight data display panels in flight control cabin.

“End Limits.” The words glared in a combination of unearthly colors as nearly one hundred and fifty feet long letters constantly changed colors—adorning the vertically placed inter-planetary board. This board was carefully parked at a chartered route leading to star walks beyond the solar system of 5634 C.E.

It seemed like a usual inter-planetary team preoccupied and satisfied with the culmination of a journey--to the furthest limits of their solar system. They were by now collectively watching a large, flat paper thin computer screen. Conversely, colder than average conditioned air was beginning to create an aura of discomfort inside the zero-gravity inter-planetary space ship as they gradually realized the intended meaning of that inter-planetary sign board.

Parked at a few light years distance from the actual external limits of their solar system, they could not decipher much in their 5634 C.E. days.

However, the three and one quarter light years distance between their inter-planetary zero gravity space ship and the end limits were now a precisely calculated distance. The ship’s computers displayed an accurate distance, existing temperature of the inter-planetary glow sign board, it’s accessible parameters if near parking were required and other useful data.

Now temporarily parked in the wilderness of space flight, the inter-planetary zero gravity space ship’s auto pilot made matters more confusing to the occupants of the space ship mainly because none amongst them had made any schedule for that forced halt. They wondered how the ship’s auto pilot derived that unscheduled stop, particularly since a parking venture at this juncture was an uncalled for matter. The present state of affairs left them with no time to brood over their recent status.

“That space walk-board parked approximately five light years prior to actual end limits of our solar system is a direct landmark…..rather a space marker!” The astro physicist continued.

“Do you think earth command will judge our case favorably when they learn our present flight paths?” The man seated immediately at his left asked deftly. His obvious remark was made in direct reference to the inter-planetary space marker. He also made an advance , the reasoning precipitated by the space ship’s auto pilot assisted abrupt halt.

“Hmmm, I don’t think so for our total progress in outer space appears like a moving blip in earth records, particularly in the computerized radio-light telescope-radar screens. Then, there are other machines and computers in Pluto and Mars -- Forward space research labs, continuously tracing our ship’s flight paths—our trajectories in space. These machines print it upon paper and computer records upon earth and Pluto space stations. We cannot escape detection my dear friends. Earth command knew our intended star walks flight paths many days earlier; perhaps after we crossed Venus space stations.

The third gentleman added. “Therefore our proposed visit beyond the outer limits of the solar system stands cancelled.”

“Proposed?”

“Well, we thought we could somehow elude our people back upon earth space stations!”

“You know without doubt one cannot hood wink the world council members. Their ears are ‘glued’ to every sound outer apace can produce—at least that is how serious their reputation is.” The astro physicist stated deliberately. “Then again, they will obviously report such matters to their senior hierarchy…..the earth command. Do you think the world governor is unaware about this matter?”

“You mean…..”

“Yes, he refers to the totally close knit coordination and functioning of inter-planetary Forward space research laboratories. He has also taken into account the innumerable inter-planetary intelligence agencies at work, which deal solely into inter-planetary, outer space and extraterrestrial matters. Then there are the inter-planetary star-fields agents working directly under earth command.” The first gentleman countered leaning back upon his individual chrome-steel chair.

“Are you missing out the inter-planetary star-fields counter intelligence people?” A light, silky voice permeating across the confines of passenger cabin contained rings of metallic tones and it took them by surprise. That voice belonged to the conversation computer assembled and devised for the most arduous and longest deep space voyages. All inter-planetary journeys were assuredly converted into pleasure trips because of its favorable companionship in form of verbal speech.

However, on this occasion the group of six inter-planetary cosmonauts remained unmoved. They were toying with the idea of crossing over to the other side—beyond the boundary limits of their existing solar system and into unchartered realms of space. All amongst them except one—the astrophysicist. Now, he observed them repeatedly and commented after five minutes of total silence.

“We shall need express consent from none else than the highest governance body of our inter planetary worlds— the Earth Command! You all know the regulations very well. Even World Council—which ranks directly under earth command, is not individually allowed to okay our deep space exploration projects. Lastly, our World Governor will finally accord the space journey.”

“Or else?”

“One…..We shall be unable to cross over even for the simple sake of a pleasure journey. You see, the space ship’s primary transmission fuel computer is located at the central undercarriage portions. This particular computer regulates forward thrust of our zero gravity space ship and shall be immediately deactivated the moment we cross over internal solar system boundaries. The computer is auto programmed for such an event and it’s data base includes a separate set of flight instructions, controlled of course, by the auto pilot.” He referred to an actual line defining inner territorial limits of their solar system. They all knew that the external limits of the solar system commenced one light year further away.

“Secondly?” The fourth outer space companion was quick to query.

“Two, our inter-planetary zero gravity space ship will be blasted out from its orbit path by long distance laser beams. These beams incidentally, shall be fired from the inter-planetary orbital satellite, designed for activation and attack upon all unscheduled flight ships! Needless to state, its computers are fed data from earth space stations and Pluto stations.

We gentlemen, occupy a space ship which is not registered with its computers as one authorized to fly outside the solar system limits. Its computers do not recognize our ship!

The very first volley of calculated laser bursts will damage our rocket propelling engines, thereby deactivating every proton battery. As a result, each mini explosion of non nuclear origin—there are one million such explosions occurring every second—shall subside. The resultant dormant propulsion mechanisms which are activated in relay every fifth second shall also cease to function.”

“And then”. The fifth gentleman’s eyes were becoming opaque.

“Well, those primary laser blasts shall basically perform a ‘deactivating procedure’. This will happen as soon as the performance of our proton dry cell batteries’ is cut down to ‘performance zero’ levels. The bombardment of lasers is auto controlled by sensor mechanisms within the inter-planetary orbital satellite designed to cut down the thrust function of our rocket ship. However, our ship shall continue to experience a forward thrust procedure of an unknown kind; even our remote guidance semi auto-pilot will be rendered inoperable. Our manual flight controls need not even be considered as an alternate method of maneuver in outer space!”

“You mean to state…..” The first gentleman was clueless by now.

“Yes. Our space ship shall meanwhile, utilize its own forward propelling force—which is supposed to be cut down to zero levels one millisecond after crossing over. Absence of vacuum brakes, or reverse proton explosive counter thrust, will ensure that we be hopelessly lost in hyper space.”

After a minute of silence, he continued.

“That is, until the nearest rescue team from either Mars, Jupiter or earth stations locates us within due time limits and tows us. Rather tows our ship back to earth. I can assure you gentlemen,” his voice assumed tones of despair, “the return journey through space shall not be a pleasant one. For our allotted speed shall not exceed one micron throughout the journey.”

He waited for them to compose themselves before continuing.

“Additionally, we shall not be allowed to indulge in any form of deviation—mental or physical—upon moon central space stations. There shall be no earth water baths or good fresh food. Neither shall we be privileged by human company.” He knew without turning around to confirm that they appeared pretty glum and awestruck.

“Are you aware of the final outcome to hyper space voyagers traveling without express permission of earth command or the world council? Or even earth council for that matter?” He waited for the complete duration of a two-minute silence.

Finally satisfied that his companions were totally unaware of stricter earth command regulations pertaining to hyperspace travel, the astrophysicist continued.

“Deep space travel is a far more delicate matter and only applicable to select humans. Each top-level hierarchy upon earth okays their status, including senior members of forward and advanced research space labs.

Secondly, the mechanisms within our puny inter-planetary zero gravity space ship do not correspond to deep space flight requirements. Earth command is tightlipped about their modus operandi and deep space cosmonauts do not talk. No way!

Immediately after landing upon earth, we will be escorted to waiting zero gravity transporting systems—to space observatories located at 19,000 feet heights above sea level. Unconditionally, our duration of stay there shall be in excess of a year. You see, physicians and scientists will study us constantly from behind glass houses.”

“Do you state here that we shall be under ‘status observation’ for more than a year?” An exclamation.

“Yes.” The answer was abrupt. “We shall be scrutinized under the highest form of earthly observation twenty four hours a day and will have to cooperate in total! You see, it is highly probable we become carriers of unknown diseases or virus strains for hyper space—as the relative area between outer space and deep space is defined—is rather vast and unending.

Contact with unknown virus and bacteria strains is a negligible factor yet not completely ruled out. Therefore we are surely bound for earth—‘status observation’ for an indefinite time period.”

He paused to rest for a while.

“Er, if we show signs of contact with…..well, with the undesirable strains of a long gone virus?” The voice of the first gentleman trailed away. “Or perhaps with an advanced bacterial infection for which there exists no known form of treatment—are we therefore? He cut short the sentence midway with a semi question.

“Yes?” The astrophysicist asked in acutely kind questions.

“I mean, shall we be placed on suspended animation therapy for…..?”

His reference was drawn to the factor of extreme punishment meted out to wrongdoers of the 55^th. Century.

“No my dears, placing us on suspended animation is a long forgotten art of punishment; in our case. We don’t utilize such methods even for the purpose of deep space flights.”

In the mid fortieth century deep space flight procedures required cosmonauts to rest upon special beds—which were intricately connected to advanced mechanisms available within space ships on deep space flight missions; favoring inter-solar-system voyages. Immediately prior to acceleration from hyper space and inter-stellar boundaries, the cosmonauts would lie down upon those special beds. Special oxygen masks were also worn.

As the deep space flight ship moved across unknown zones—or the ‘star-walks’ of the universe-- the cosmonauts would gently experience the following feelings in physiological sense.

The body functions slowly decreased in comparative efficiency; rather the heart beat rate was recorded at the most unusual and efficient pattern: One heart beat for every one hour of earth time. Accordingly, every corelated function of the human body functioned likewise.

It was as if humans subjected to procedures of ‘suspended animation’ were living a life of ‘forever’. Instead of the normal seventy six heart beats per minute their comparative heart beat registered one beat per hour!

This factor resembled a near halt of all biological factors present in such humans—as their deep space-flight ship accelerated away at tri-micron speeds cross unknown, unchartered star walks of the universe.

Traveling undisturbed and silently in deep space, they covered great distances ordinarily not possible. But the ageing factor! They did not age as in earth terms for the distances covered. Simultaneously, traveling at such relative fast speeds also meant they were bound to age faster as their bodies were subject to the ravages of accelerated time factors.

But the influence of suspended animation procedures meant:-

One, they were successfully enabled to counter the ravages of accelerated time factors upon their physical bodies. Two, as a matter of explanation, a journey of two light years across unchartered space would create an impact of living through approximately six months of normal earth time! Therefore reaching a journey point of two and a half light years in deep space; then returning back through another 2.5 light years would mean a total of five light years journey.

Yet, upon reaching back to earth or pluto, jupiter or even mars they would not have aged more than one year of earth time—the same as their age-contemporaries upon earth.

However, in the mid fortieth century, conditions were being created to facilitate further deep space travel. Cosmonauts could therefore travel for hundreds of light years in unchartered space; and remain as young as the neighbor next door in the future.

5634 C.E. earth command hierarchy anticipated a return flight from constellation “Zebra”. It was located at the inner reaches of the fifth solar system from theirs, located very much outside the Milky Way. It was situated neighboring the third galaxy from the Milky Way…..supposedly existing at the diametrical and opposite end of the Milky Way.

A group of hyper-space cosmonauts numbering thirty one—earth records described—was on schedule since the late fortieth century. The deep space-flight ship was on course. Computerized light-radio telescopic-radars electronically beeped the ship signals constantly across hyper and deep space. Receptor computerized telescopic-radars located upon mars and Pluto stations also constantly received all such electronic signals.

The ship was scheduled to land directly at earth forward research space lab, one year later, in 5635 C.E.; then to be translocated to earth-advanced research space lab—priority one; located at 22 thousand feet above sea level and within protective confines of some of the tallest mountains of the world..

That was for the future, however.

Records of earth command of the late fortieth century were explicit in all data pertaining to its latest and highly techno-advanced method of extraterrestrial travel.

…..So that computer generated electronic sensor transmitters probing the vastness of the universe within three to five galaxies would duly register the presence of other living beings—aliens or extraterrestrials. Someone, somewhere within the presently unguarded and unidentified ‘electronic vector’ points would surely detect those sensor probes trying to identify other living organisms.

“In the present age at 5634 C.E. we utilize different variants of space travel and subsequently, micron based speeds are fastest yet.” The astrophysicist continued in the same intelligent drone. “However, considering all old fashioned methods of space explorations, Earth awaits the arrival of the hyper-deep space inter-planetary zero-gravity space ship sent out in the late fortieth century!” He cheered their moods.

“…..And therefore utilizing suspended animation procedures as a form of punishment is out, at least for us.”

As an involuntary volley of questions commenced, he cut short with. “I know, gentlemen. Please bear up with me!”

“It is a far fetched program—keeping us dormant through limited time and under constant observation; as we sleep our way through suspended animation. They, the scientists and physicians shall observe and study us under microscopes until a certain time into the future. By the end of this time proper and efficient cures for suspected diseases are to be evolved. For remember, we are supposed to be carrying external space virus and bacteria; diseases or bacterial strains that we may have contacted in deep, hyper space; from the external limits of our solar system.

After a certain amount of time elapses, the process of ‘waking’ us will commence and we have to take those anti-viral shots or injections. Even tablets via vegetables grown in our kitchen backyards may correct imbalances of the body caused by those strains!”

He stood up and walked over to the autopilot chair. He was aware of millions of unfelt electronic probes scanning every pore of his body; until a total similarity between his dual dna patterns were established. One set was implanted into the space ship sensory- computers and the other set of dna molecular structure was fed into computer networks upon earth, mars, Pluto and Venus space stations. Both sets needed to be compared and superimposed over each other without the minutest flaw, for confirmation,.

This simple procedure implied the manual functions of the inter-planetary space ship would respond to his verbal directives and manual control.

Converting the functions to manual flight, the astrophysicist disengaged the forward thrust of the space ship, ensuring it successfully ‘floated’ forward toward an intended docking berth in space. In this case the inter-planetary orbital satellite, stationed in outer space, was the intended objective. He immediately activated all personal computer-television screens numbering six—one for each occupant; and then walked back to his favourite chair inside the passenger chamber.

“The truth of this fact is that we will be exempt from suspended animation procedures though will have to spend the rest of our eventful lives at altitudes above 14 thousand feet. Mainly for one significant factor.”

“That particular factor is well understood!” The second gentleman added in assured tones.

It was a known factor that all unknown virus strain and bacteria remained in dormant status above fourteen thousand feet above sea level. Such unknown viral strains and bacteria were rendered incapable of attack. They remained inactive and preserved within snow, cold climate.

“A lifetime of activity at isolated places upon earth’s higher reaches—the mountains! It is a formidable thought to brood upon. No thanks gentlemen. I opt out of our proposed venture to ‘beyond solar system limits’. The fifth companion stated with finality in his tones.

The group of six inter stellar voyagers decided to opt for auto surface docking procedure at the end of one solar day. They graciously acknowledged the astrophysicist’s suggestions. He coaxed them to a thorough understanding of inter-planetary laws governing humankind.

They watched the docking procedure—as the inter-planetary zero gravity space ship engaged its computer assisted electro-magnetic fields to correspond with that of the orbital satellite. The latter’s opposite and dormant electro magnetic landing surface was located at its charged central and flat portions.

The entire docking procedure went off very smoothly and efficiently. Their ship did not register a single sign of quiver or tremor—as super hard platinum cum stainless steel alloy docking plates captured and electronically locked the ship’s maneuverability to a total halt.

In unison they moved away from one and a half feet thick plastic-glass windows; satisfied the inter-planetary orbital satellite was capable of ‘holding’ their ship—attached to its upper surface-- for as long as necessary. It was only then that they detected faint rumblings in the stomach signifying hunger and satisfactory food requirements. While rushing to the dining chamber, all except the astrophysicist recalled they had consumed nothing except one cup each of strong black Martian coffee.

Dining chamber resembled an exact prototype of earth’s sunshine fields in November. The special effects lighting surrounding this chamber left nothing to chance. Effectual ‘clouds’ obliterating the sun at regular intervals during monsoon climate was duplicated in utter seriousness. Computers controlling this particular chamber were designed to perform accordingly. One simply had to select earth’s country one northern climate and punch a corresponding button in its consoles. Immediately, an exact replica of the climate existing upon earth would be duplicated inside the dining chamber.

There were innumerable buttons imbedded into the central consoles near the entry-exit door. One could also simulate ‘rain drops’ to fall in a dizzy clash of light thunder—provided earth’s actual and selected replica portion was also experiencing rainfall!

“How many earth weeks shall we require for an outer space holiday?” The second gentleman, an inter-planetary physician, spoke up at length. He was oblivious to the sidelong glances his companions took at his countenance. They were busy devouring Pluto salad with Jupiter corn soup. He went through the act of smacking his lips while wiping them with a napkin.

“The next inter-planetary shuttle express is due within two solar days and shall return to Venus directly. It will skip all phased halts at Pluto, Jupiter and Saturn. However, it is evident we are stationed at the farthest end of the solar system….. at the opposite direction of Pluto. Therefore our return voyage in the shuttle express will be slightly longer because inter-planetary laws demand we fly past plutonic atmosphere.”

“That does not worry me as long as we reach Venus in time!” The third gentleman sounded cheerful.

“Particularly since we have decided to avoid a brush with earth squads and mars inter-planetary intelligensia. Hell, we are just not equipped, physically or otherwise!” The fourth gentleman added.

“Venus space city was built in record time. Did you know that”?

Every flight originating from any corner of the solar system required a rendezvous via Pluto stations. Therefore the six member inter-planetary team decided to relax back with an awe for the inter-planetary orbital satellite and its innumerable functions—a ‘space marker’ at the extreme limits of their solar system.

Observing it from closer angles one was able to deduce another factor.

Its multi colored lights which blinked incessantly, visible for hundreds of miles in all directions, were actually simple reflections of star lights of the universe.

“…..Come in shuttle two, this is canary-one singing near exit doorway”. The astrophysicist’s voice trailed away within grim silence of the pilot chamber. He studiously repeated the distress call for an umpteenth time. They were thoroughly assured of one important factor; that their coded inter-planetary distress call could easily be deciphered by all space stations capturing those radio-light waves. They knew perhaps earth stations would be first to read the distress call the moment he spoke into the ship’s radar-microphones.

A shuttle express or an emergency landing zero gravity inter-planetary space ship was capable of speed traveling 3.5 times faster than the ordinary space ships. There were many such inter-planetary space ships ‘patrolling’ unmanned skies of the universe at this side of the galaxy-- The milky way of the 5634 C.E. All crew manning such shuttle expresses slept as little as possible—scanning earth records and mars flight data. They were alert and always on the lookout for stranded space ships, voyager-passengers and deep space personnel requiring immediate assistance.

The captain of shuttle-two immediately intercepted and decoded an urgent inter-planetary message being transmitted to earth forward research stations.. Taking immediate bearings of the stranded space ship now positioned at the extreme limits of the solar system, his reply was brief, devoid of inter stellar static.

“This is shuttle-two. I am the captain speaking. I confirm your presence in our computerized radio-light telescopic-radars. I repeat…..We detect your presence very near to the outer solar system limits. You are to continue docking procedures and refrain from proceeding further out. Please acknowledge. I take liberty in stating that:-

This is by order of earth command!”

“Canary one replying confirmation of order acceptance immediately.” The astro-physicist replied

Ever since the ‘inter-stellar’ team began their space adventure, inter-planetary radio-light telescopic radar computers inside shuttle-two were intently following their orbital path from a respectable distance of 5 light years. However, their ‘research inter-planetary’ space ship was not equipped with many advanced technological instruments. Therefore, they were unaware of its presence and neither did its computerized telescopic-radars detect the presence of the tailing shuttle express.

The shuttle two and its mechanisms operated 3.5 times faster than the inter-planetary zero-gravity space ship! If required, it was capable of accelerating beyond 5.5 times normal ship speeds.

“Earth command’s order is accepted. We don’t want to disobey inter-planetary advice at any time. Our space ship will remain docked to the inter-planetary orbital satellite. We await your arrival.”

The captain of the shuttle-two acknowledged the astrophysicist’s voice as sound waves were converted into light waves via special inbuilt mechanisms. These were further transmitted into nth. limits of speed, hurtling across time and space—finally captured within nano seconds after utterance. Highly advanced mechanisms further reconverted light-sound waves into proper sound waves; again reconverted into proper human speech patterns; thereby safely carrying intended speech to the listeners.

The captain’s voice was steady as he spoke yet again into the microphone.

“I shall apply primary thrust to my space ship mechanisms and reach you within one solar earth day. That is the fastest I can travel under the conditions, professor!”

“Very well, captain. I hope our supply of Martian coffee does not run out till then.” It was a statement made in light vein and accepted in cool attitude.

A faster than average flight to Venus space city was on the cards for them. The astrophysicist nevertheless requested a brief halt upon Pluto stations. The time allotted to them equaled one earth day of Pluto time. They reveled in fresh water baths followed by earth cuisine imported a few days earlier.

Munching through a quick burger cum mars potato chips dinner, the astrophysicist began:-

“I can bet venusian airs are as condusive as any other planet’s atmosphere.”

The second gentleman added quickly. “I shall look forward to a fortnight’s rest upon Venus.”

“Do we carry our earth cheese and sandwiches?”

“Mind your calories! Cheese is pretty high in cholesterol.”

“I say we return to the inter-planetary orbital satellite. I suggest we spend the rest of our holidays in outer space.”

“I’ll second that.”

“I propose the Venus holiday schedule instead.” The fifth gentleman.

Well, okay.” The second gentleman.

The astrophysicist’s primary space companion—a space biologist, remarked in his usual earth tones. “Now that we have officially reported to Pluto stations, I can safely conclude we are at liberty to travel forward. To Venus then, gentlemen!”

“Therefore, our primary objective remains an unspoken rendezvous.” The astrophysicist spoke slowly, measuring his voice as he talked. Obviously, he referred to their joint statement about keeping silent about their supposed rendezvous outside the solar system limits. He also convinced them he would talk to the earth command senior hierarchy about their scheduled space holiday up till the inter-planetary orbital satellite.

The third companion amongst the six member team of inter-planetary researchers was carefully selected by earth command—the highest body of worlds’ governance. These members literally controlled almost every activity within the ten planetary solar system—and the remaining habited satellites and moons; including satellite one or moon one, the primary and humanly constructed satellite of the moon.

Few amongst ordinary citizens belonging to the inter-planetary worlds were aware of the third gentleman’s actual identity. Again, there were several members within world council who had perhaps ‘heard of the investigator’ through the usual grapevine and hear say of inter-planetary or ‘space talk’. The world council was an apex body in inter-planetary worlds’ governance immediately after earth command.

There were innumerable rumors rife within unscalable walls of the solar system. Some said the investigator belonged to the one and only primary and pioneer organization of earth--The inter-planetary counter three intelligence. An organization involved intricately with earth command in matters of worlds, or inter-planetary governance. Rumors also stated earth command received total back up support from “ipc intel 3”-- the short form of inter-planetary counter three intelligence three.

Without its support, matters would have been different in star governance—or worlds' governance.

The investigator glanced sideways briefly, once. He looked at the astrophysicist who stood up, walking deliberately towards the edge of Pluto station exit cafeteria. It resembled a large, wide hall providing total benefits of a restaurant.

“Gentlemen,” he commenced. “Inter-planetary regulations demand that we remain nearest to compression and decompression chambers, whilst upon Pluto. Accordingly, our rest chamber is located at Pluto exit stations, the farthest locations prior to the inter-planetary hangars. It is deemed unnecessary we extend our stay beyond one earth day, or…..one and a half inter-planetary solar day.”

Their coffee table was situated nearer to the exit door and away from hearing range of the next table and its occupants.

There were scores of smaller ‘Pluto stations’ interspersed through out Pluto space city. The inter-planetary research team was allotted one chamber located in such a unit—nearer to the departure facilities of Pluto space city.

“I think that is a good idea, gentlemen.” The inter-planetary space biologist seconded their unanimous decision in maintaining their scheduled and necessary halt upon Pluto restricted to an intermediate space halt. “Perhaps a few hours remain for completion of one solar day.” The astrophysicist replied.

“Is it incorrect to understand we are scheduled for a detailed explanation to world council?” The interplanetary physician asked.

“No, certainly not.” The investigator replied. “We certainly veered away from our scheduled course in star walks flight paths. The space ship was accordingly and manually deviated from its pre arranged chartered orbital paths. We also partook in conversation that labels us conspirators against earth laws! We spoke of ‘planned’ excursions into outer solar system regions. Were it not for my intervention, the astrophysicist may have landed us out of those limits. Perhaps our space ship would be dangling outside the solar system by now.”

“But…..The orbital satellite can surely halt any unauthorized progress into deep space the moment one crosses over!” The fifth member intervened quickly. He and the others immediately accepted the investigator’s superior attitude, unaware of his actual identity. They realized the latter sounded tough, intelligent and practical; enough reasons to make him the leader and make a way out from the predicament they had placed themselves in.

“Aha! That issue labels us as conspirators. You see, we need prior permission of the earth Command which is seconded by world council. Then our world governor okays the decision. Only thereafter it is possible for a manned voyage to be made beyond the outer limits of the solar system.” The investigator countered rationally, aware of certain other concealed facts. The world governor must have demanded an explanation from earth command senior hierarchy; he also must have been provided with clues to his—the investigator’s—presence in that particular zero gravity inter-planetary space ship.

· * * * * *

His mission began two weeks prior to this day when the chief of ‘ipc intel 3’ discreetly called upon him at his personal chambers. He was upon Mars space city at the time, going through the act of wiping sweat from his brows; just finishing a brisk, heavy workout including jogging which lasted half a Martian day. He had entered a few moments before the sensor buzzer activated itself which further jarred his senses to wakefulness. The sensor buzzer was programmed to his physiology.

He quickly deactivated a silent alarm located at belt level and softly punched a remote button concealed into the nearest wall; while walking forward to the sideways sliding front door.

There were innumerable methods available for identifying a caller and on this occasion, he decided to see the visitor. Punching a hidden lever beside the door enabled the front door to auto convert into a one-way see through mirror; for a very brief duration of five earth seconds.

He was not surprised to see the Intel 3 chief staring at him eye to eye; as if he could see the investigator through that blank door!

He grinned wryly while closing the door manually, immediately after the chief of Intel 3 stepped inside delicately. The latter’s grim and serious countenance did little to encourage talkative moods. He swiftly crossed a large and spacious living room to finally enter the investigator’s personal chambers.

A moment later, he rested himself comfortably into a large chair that folded itself over his physical contours.

“It will not be necessary to activate the front door consoles.” He said in a heavy voice. The chief’s obvious reference was made to a television screen which began displaying several dimensions—complete rear and frontal images of the apartment sprung up in clear view. Nothing was left out. There were inter-planetary spy cameras located everywhere. Even in the corridors within that sub section of Pluto city from where his apartment’s entrance doors commenced. One had to walk past Pluto station 2 before reaching his portion of Pluto city.

The investigator nevertheless activated five buzzer alarms connected to each spy camera covering this side of the space city; and his personal chambers. He knew inter-planetary spy satellites hovered around Mars’ outer atmosphere, additionally covering Pluto space stations from every conceivable viewpoint. It was a commonly known fact amongst all who knew his actual identity that inter planetary star-fields counter Intel two personnel—both from Pluto and Mars space stations—placed his apartment’s external dimensions under very close scrutiny round the clock!

Earth command and intel 3 ensured that.

‘Ipc Intel3’ maintained an infallible record of keeping their elusive boss under the closest scrutiny whenever he required such measures to be taken; and this was one such occasion. There were other special and particular times when even the deputy chief was unaware of his chief’s presence and all other personnel within formation of Intel 3 were kept clueless of the chief’s movements. During such occasions they were advised to steer clear from this non descript person.

However, today they had him covered by tracer equipment, by inter-planetary spy satellites and they even applied voice recognition patterns. They could trace him anywhere in the universe and even his inter-planetary satellite mobile phone emitted constant electronic signals in certain computers upon Pluto space stations. Today, the inter planetary ipc intel 3 personnel were advised to follow him.

“There is loose ‘space talk’, you know…..Conversation in the cafeterias of Jupiter and Pluto. Talk that a group of

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