The Passing

*****************Center for Equestrian Diseases*****************

A shaking Dr. Harrison sat in a stark white room. A bag of intravenous fluids was seated on a pole next to him, a clear tube trailing into his wrist. A clean white sheet was pinned around his shoulders forming a makeshift hospital gown .  His bare feet  were propped against the chairs leg rests to avoid contact with the cold floor. It had been an interesting morning for the Dr. to say the least.

A brown pony entered the room, causing the Dr. to stiffen in his chair. The pony, sensing Harrisons uneasiness, took slow movements, eventually seating himself in a chair opposite Harrison.

He was the one by my bed this morning, noticed Harrison.

The pony, for whatever reason, had a rather large bandage covering the top left portion of his head.

The pony pulled out a small box from his coat setting it on the table in front of him.

“My name is Trotter,” he said slowly in a calm controlling voice. “Do you know where you are?”

Harrison shook his head, still taken aback at hearing the talking pony.

 “Can you understand me.”

Harrison nodded.

  “Do you remember my team and I waking you up in the hospital ward this morning?”

This time Dr. Harrison managed to answer in a stuttering croak.

  “Y...Yes.”

“So you speak in Common tongue?” asked Trotter clearly fascinated even after hearing Harrisons crazed rants earlier upon waking him.

 “Uh...um...I suppose you could say that.”

“Do you remember what happened before you got here?”

“To be honest I’m still try to convince myself this isn’t real,” said Harrison beginning to relax. “The more my memory comes back, however, the more real it begins to seem.”

“Lets try to help that memory of yours. Do you have a name? What is it?”

“It’s Harrison, Dr. Mark Harrison.”

“Interesting. Can you tell me where you’re from?”

“I’m from Atlanta, Georgia. But I assume you mean planet. I’m from a planet our people call Earth.”

Trotter was confused at this statement.

“Wait, you're from Earth? But we’ve never had any records of your kind before.”

Harrison returned an equally confused look. “So you know about the planet Earth?”

“Well I should say so. We’re standing on it,” said Trotter. “This is planet Earth.”

Harrison stared back confused. “And it also has one moon. With eight planets in the solar system.”

“Well, yes, we have a moon. We don't have any other planets in this solar system, ” replied Trotter confused.

Dr. Harrison furrowed his brow deep in thought. “You wouldn't happen to have a map of Earth on you by any chance?”, now visibly calmer.

“Actually I can pull one up.”

Trotter pulled a familiar looking device from his lab coat. He handed Harrison the electronic tablet. It was strikingly similar to the tablet he grew up with as a kid, a touchscreen covering one side. The screen displayed an image of a blue planet complete with continents and land masses. The title on top labeled the planet “Earth.” It was then Harrison began to notice something. The continents. They were roughly the same as his Earth. Besides several differences in land masses it was almost like looking at a map back home. A blip on the screen showed up on screen over the continent similar to North America. It stated “Current Location”. He handed the tablet back to Trotter his hands shaking and his breath rate increasing.

“Hey, hey, hey. Calm down. It’s ok.”

“No,” muttered Harrison. “It’s not ok. You don’t understand.”

Trotter tried to diffuse the situation without having to  call the orderlies stationed outside. He hadn’t forgotten the incident two days ago with the darker skinned creature. His head still throbbed.

“Well, try to help me understand. Why don’t we start at the beginning. Tell me your story.”

Harrison calmed down, his breathing returning to normal.

“Ok. But it’s going to sound pretty crazy.”

“I think we’re way past that,” chuckled the brown pony.

“Ha, I think you’re right,” said Harrison finally breaking into a small grin. “Now. Where to begin…?”

(Data files recovered at Site Alpha. Presented at the 'Second Global Conference on the "Project 7" Incident'. New Canterlot, Equestria, 21'st year of the 5th Era.)

***Powering on…

Running Start-up…

Enter Dept. of Defense Login Id: ***************

Authorized User Identified: Commander George Krugan

***BEGINNING TRANSMISSION………

Establishing link: CERBERUS Satellite………

Link established…………Beaming transmission.

BEGIN MESSAGE Subject: Project 7 Update

   To: Dr. Mark Harrison

   Attached Files: Dossier (Hartman, Alexander)

Dossier (Matheson, James)

The DoD’s staff has been analyzing the data you sent over last week from this end, and it’s not looking good. They can’t seem to find the source of the malfunction that caused the mass failure during last week’s test. Computer simulations haven’t turned up much insight to the problems we’ve been having either with the equipment. To add onto the bad news my superiors have gotten ahold of the project’s records and reports, and they are not pleased. Look, Harrison, I’ve held back my superiors just about as long as I can. If we don’t start producing results soon, they will forcibly take over control of the Project 7. They don’t take it too well when they don’t get results, despite the amount of finances they have contributed. This is why I have no choice but to send in two new recruits, a Mr. Alexander Hartman and James Matheson. I’ve attached their info, but judging from their recent accomplishments in the science circle you might have already heard about them. I think you will find them a welcome addition to the team. This is one of our last shots if we want this project to succeed and I have a feeling these two may be the key to making it happen. Need I remind you of the importance of the success of Project 7? I’m authorizing full clearance for Mr. Hartman and Matheson. Your head of security, Lieutenant Jackson, will be receiving orders to head to Washington where he will pick up them up and arrange transport to the facility. Bring them up to speed ASAP and have the project ready for the next test in a month’s time. If the next one fails I can guarantee that my superiors will appeal to the President for a full military takeover of the project. We both know what’s at stake here so this is our last chance to make a breakthrough we desperately need. Expect Hartman and Matheson’s arrival by the end of the week. I’ll keep monitoring progress from this end. And Harrison, stay safe friend. Luck.

***END TRANSMISSION***

**************************Earth****************************

Year 2138

Dr. Mark Harrison, director of Project 7, read the message with weary eyes as he sat at his computer terminal in his private quarters. The past week’s events were evident upon him. His face, unshaven, had lost its usual cheery color and his coveralls were rumpled from five straight days of use.  As his sleep deprived body rose unsteadily from his chair, he tried to sort out all the information that was currently rushing through his head. Now at the ripe age of 67, he began to wonder how he got himself into such a mess in the first place. A jack-of-all-trades, Dr. Mark Harrison had been the leader of this project since it first began. While he had a master’s degree in nuclear physics he also supervised the projects advanced electrical systems and other scientific equipment.

He desperately needed a shower and some rest, but both eluded him for the moment. Grabbing his work tablet, Harrison made his way out the door of his quarters and into the corridor outside. He made his way down the plain passageway toward the mess hall, thinking to the weeks ahead of him. It was plain to see that he would not be getting the sleep he desperately needed anytime soon. Harrison arrived at the mess hall to find it mostly deserted, except for a few guards and the cleaning staff on break. Not in the mood for anything to eat at the moment, he simply made himself a cup of coffee and sat alone in the corner of the room. Harrison pulled his tablet from a zippered pocket and waited as the camera compared his facial features to the ones saved on the DoD’s database. Satisfied, the tablet granted him access and pulled up his personal files. Opening the message from the Commander, he downloaded the two attached personnel files.

The Commander had been correct when he assumed Harrison would recognize the two new recruits. However, he could not recall much of what he knew about them except from what he read in the few science magazines that they had gotten. Alexander Hartman and James Matheson, two young scientists with knowledge and skills ranging from Computer Sciences to Theoretical Astrophysics. It was evident why the Commander had chosen these two. He recalled an article published on the two young scientists, remembering that they had been making waves in the science community. He believed the article had something to do with some breakthroughs in cold fusion, but he could not recall more than that. He opened the first file marked “Hartman, Alexander”.

Harrison was greeted with a picture of a young dark haired man with brown eyes.  The file gave Harrison a clear picture into Hartman’s life. Alexander Hartman, now 27 years old, was born October 10th, 2110 in Houston, Texas. He was raised by his mother Jane Hartman, and father Benjamin Hartman. He graduated high school by the age of 15 with numerous awards and scholarships, and a GPA of 4.0. He attended MIT and exited their graduate program in 2129 at the age of 19. The file continued on showing that he had worked for NASA for a brief time. Several weeks after ending a work contract with NASA it showed Matheson had been hospitalized with minor radiation positioning after being caught in fallout from Atlanta, Georgia after the “Moscow Incident”.

Harrison’s chest tightened as memories flooded his mind from that tragic day. The day that his old life ended and this new one began. The Second Cold War between the U.S and Russia had finally erupted with Russia throwing the first punch. Moscow gave the signal for their advanced orbital missile station, named “Wolfhound”, to launch ten nuclear missiles, each targeting a major U.S. city. The U.S., who had always prepared for the worst since the start, had the Cerberus Defense System to protect them from such attacks. Cerberus was the culmination of the most advanced military hardware used to ensure continental protection from ICBMs and other threats.  As the ten warheads descended toward the earth, computers on the ground automatically recognized the threat and coordinated missiles and orbital lasers to target the nukes. Cerberus, which had initially performed up to pre-war expectations, had, unfortunately, not been able to target all ten warheads at once. Of the ten missiles launched, one had made it through the defenses and struck the city of Atlanta causing untold amounts of death and destruction. The U.S., wounded, but not broken, retaliated with full force, launching its arsenal of nukes at Russia and wiping the entire country from the map. In the aftermath the clouds of dirt and dust thrown into the atmosphere had remained even to this day, hanging over the entire world, including the desolate, irradiated wasteland that was now Russia. Scientists said current studies concluded the land would not be inhabitable for the next 10,000 years. The city of Atlanta was no more than a fenced off crater that cast an ominous glow into the darkened skies, especially at night.

Harrison remembered being called into work in D.C. that day. He had been at the Pentagon, consulting with other scientists on Project 7, when he heard the sirens go off. As he and the other staff from all across the massive building were herded into the bunkers underground, he knew that it was not a drill. From the bunker the watched the DoD’s computers as they registered the nuclear warheads enter the upper atmosphere.  Chiefs and Commanders rushed around him monitoring Cerberus and coordinating a counter attack. All he could remember doing was watching the flight paths of the missiles as they fell toward their individual targets. This was the end, he thought, this is where I'm going to die. I'm going to die in a hole in the ground never to see the sky or feel the sun on his face again. Suddenly an icon representing a warhead disappeared from the screen. Then one by one the other blimps on the screen began to disappear until just one remained. Cerberus had been activated, destroying the inbound missiles. But something went wrong, one of the targets still remained. The seconds ticked by but the target continued on. One of the chiefs in the command center yelled, “We have a confirmed detonation! One of them made it through and hit Atlanta.” The words felt like a punch to the gut. He remembered falling to his knees gasping for breath. In the end they had remained in the bunker for two days with the DoD staff coordinating the counterstrike and accessing the damage from the bunkers command center. He had sat in that concrete box, sobbing in the corner for the one he had lost. Harrison remembered walking out of the bunker like a zombie and into the sunlight, feeling its warmth on his skin. It was a feeling that he had not felt in seven years.

Dr. Harrison snapped back to reality, turned his mind from the past, and repressing the memories that were trying to surface. He turned his attention back toward Hartman’s file. It listed Alexander was lifelong friend and business partner to a James Matheson, a neighbor of his growing up. The file went on to give psychiatric conclusions that determined Hartman stable although these were only guesses. It also included other minor details such as his workings and accomplishments with Matheson, including their latest achievements in cold fusion that had slipped Harrison’s mind. The achievements the duo had accomplished were mostly minor.

Exiting the dossier on Hartman, the Dr. pulled up the file marked “Matheson, James”. Immediately he could tell that while the two were life-long friends, that they were polar opposites. James Matheson picture appearance could only be described as a mixture of punk rocker turned scientist. Matheson had light brown colored hair that was cut short on the sides and wore thick-framed black glasses that covered hazel colored eyes. Matheson was born September 17, 2111 to parents Paul Matheson and Kate Matheson in the suburbs of Houston. James’s Mother dies when he is two leaving his father to raise Matheson on this own. The file continued. While Hartman was product of studying for years at the finest of America’s education programs, Matheson dropped out of high school to pursue his own studies. A self-taught genius, Matheson was a computer wizard and a natural at advanced mathematics. Psych profile pinned him as a risk taker and a possible security risk. The file also raised questions to an explosion that occurred at Applied Energy Laboratories, where the two had worked on their cold fusion reactor. Although no one was hurt, an investigation was not able to determine what caused the reactor to explode, although Matheson was the prime suspect.

Harrison came to the part that must have convinced the Commander that the two were of importance to the project. Before their breakthroughs in energy, Matheson had been working on some advanced equations with a think-tank at NASA pertaining to Astrophysics. Eventually, Matheson convinced Hartman to come work with him at the NASA project. When the project had come to a conclusion in the weeks before the Moscow Incident, the data had, seemingly, been “passed along” to an unnamed organization. Harrison could only assume that this had been the DoD. They were always delegating work to other government agencies.

Harrisons red, sleep deprived, eyes lit up to a certain degree when he read the attached synopsis of their findings at NASA. So, they could be the potential breakthrough we’ve been hoping for thought the Dr. With renewed energy. The scientist rose from his chair with a smile on his face that had been absent since last weeks failed test. He returned his tablet to his coverall’s pocket as he walked toward the facilities command center. Had the NASA project been made public, Harrison thought, it probably would have been publicly criticized as pseudoscience, pure science fiction. But, coincidentally, that was Project 7’s area of specialty. With pride in his eyes, Dr. Harrison looked down from the command centers perch above a reinforced containment chamber at humanity’s greatest technological achievement; Project 7.

James Matheson and Alexander Hartman sat in their lab at Applied Energy Laboratories and were packing away their equipment and paperwork they had been using for their latest project. Alex stopped to looked out the window at the dark monotonous sky that had hung over his head the past.

“Its not going to change things you know,” Alex said looking back at James who was packing equipment into a metal container.

“What do you mean?” James said looking up from his work.

“I mean the fusion reactor. The world’s energy problem won’t change, even with this new clean energy source. And I don’t just mean the world’s energy problem. Just look out the window at what humanity has done to the world.” Alex looked back toward the gray clouds that hung over the world since that terrible day.

“So now that our contract is up, what are some of our options,” James said trying to change the subject.

“Well since the success of the reactor we’ve had quite a few job offers and contracts streaming in,” replied Alex as he handed James a stack of contracts.

James leafed through the stack reading them aloud as he went

“One for an aeronautical engineering company, three for pharmaceutical research, a handful of automotive corporations and two for weapons companies. Any of those sound good?”

 “Anything that doesn’t involve you blowing stuff up would be a good change of pace.”

“I keep telling you, the first reactor design wasn’t supposed to explode, though it would make for a cool new fireworks design”

“Your lucky they only took away a quarter of your payment from your contract.”

 “It was worth it for that fireworks show, and I would do it all again if I could, and I so wish I could.”

“Lets just hold off on these for now.”

As they began to load their equipment crates onto a wheeled cart a low whining sound resonated throughout the building. The sound increased until whatever it was stopped directly over the top of the lab, which was located near the top of the eight-story building. With a slight thump the whining sound slowly started to recede.

“Did something just land on the top of the building?” Alex asked quizzically.

Leaving the cart near the doors to the lab the two scientists headed for the stairwell. The two ascended the stairs until they came to the roof access. When Alex opened the door using the access card on a lanyard along his neck he was greeted by a sight not seen everyday. He looked from the door out on a Marine V-38 Osprey that had seemingly decided to land on the roof. As the jet turbines continued to wind down, the rear door descended to reveal a Marine in fatigues walking toward the duo. Still dumbstruck the two remained speechless even as the Marine asked,

“Are you two Alexander Hartman and James Matheson?”

Alex simply looked ahead nodding his head and gave a simple “Yes.”

The Marine pulling a file from his fatigues said, “My names Lieutenant Jackson.  I came to personally deliver a business proposition that you might be interested in on behalf of the Department of Defense.”

Dumbly, Alex took the folder from the Lieutenant’s hand and asked, “The DoD? What do they want with us?”

“I’m sorry, but that information was not made evident to me. The details, however, should be in that file there.”

Alex and James broke the seal on the folder and pulled the contents out. Inside was a single piece of paper authorizing the transportation of a Mr. Alexander Hartman and a Mr. James Matheson. At the bottom of the page was a line for both of their signatures.

“This is strange and all, but it doesn’t mention what the project is or give any of its details,” James said.

“That’s classified information.”

“How do you expect us to work on a project when we don’t know what it is?” Alex asked bewildered.

“That information will be revealed by my superiors if, and when, you accept that authorization.”

 “You’ve got to be crazy if you think we're going to sign onto a project when we don’t even know what its about.”

“This came out specifically for both of you from the top of the Department of Defense. I could only guess they know something about you that I don’t.”

“And if we do accept?” James said, starting to get interested.

“Then I am to transport you to the Pentagon in D.C. where you will be briefed on the situation and then to another location that is undisclosed for the moment being.”

“Well that’s great just, no idea what this project is, or where you would be carting us off.” Alex said turning toward James.

“What do you think James?”

“I don’t like the looks of this. A Marine lands on the roof of the lab where we work with a mysterious proposition from the DoD. How do you think I feel?”

“I don’t know. If it’s the DoD I can only guess what we might be doing. Maybe it has something to do with the new National Defense System upgrade rumors that have been going around.”

“So, like, more weapons, which could lead to us blowing stuff up?

“Possibly.”

“Well sign me on if it means I can get my hands on some DoD tech.”

Alex still unsure hesitated as he looked from James back to Lieutenant Jackson. It was true he had wanted a change of scenery now that the fusion reactor project was done. Maybe this would be the change that he needed. It was true that the government had large budgets for their projects. Focusing back on James, Alex asked,

“Are you sure we should do this?”

“Alex, come on. You’ve been dreaming of playing in the big leagues ever since we were kids. Well this is our golden ticket.”

As Alex turned around the Marine stepped out with pen in his hand and held it out toward Alex. Visibly hesitating at first Alex took the pen, signed the bottom of the sheet, and handed it off to James. James quickly signed the dotted line and handed the paper back to the waiting Lieutenant.

Alex turned back to the waiting Marine.

“So when and where do we report to begin this job?”

The Marine looked at the two and without missing a beat said,

“ My orders were to transport you and anything you need to the Pentagon as soon as you signed the agreement. Seeing as how I have both your signatures that would mean right now.”

“Wait, you mean RIGHT NOW, right now.” James said confused.

“That is what I said.”

“But we have all our equipment here plus more in storage. And, what about our apartments?” Alex exclaimed.

“We can bring whatever you have here on the Osprey and arrange to have anything else you might need picked up later. We will send a detachment to pick up whatever you need and we will station a guard to watch over your houses while you’re gone.”

James and Alex looked at each other wondering what mess they had gotten themselves into. A group of Marines appeared from the rear of the Osprey and walked toward the Lieutenant. Turning toward the men Lieutenant Jackson said, “You will help these two men load up their equipment whatever else they might need. Is that understood?”

“SIR, YES SIR!” the Marines answered in unison.

The Marines turned and started to follow Alex and James down the stairs toward their lab. With their help, the rest of the sensitive equipment and documents were packed into the still waiting crates. Not bothering to use the carts, the Marines hauled the crates by hand down the hallway and up the stairs toward the roof. Employees from other offices watched the strange scene unfold before them, but soon returned to their work. The Marines continued to load the crates as Alex and James wrote out detailed instructions on what items and personal effect they would require from their apartments. It really didn’t bother Alex, leaving his apartment for months at a time. It was actually quite normal for the two not to return to their apartments for long periods at a time. James’s apartment happened to be able to rent out the apartment across the hall from him.

With everything squared away one of the Marine that had helped load the crates informed Alex that it was time to go. With faces of anticipation James and Alex approached the Osprey and walked up the rear ramp. Finding seats located near the front where their equipment sat secured to the floor, the two began to strap themselves in. With a hydraulic whine the ramp closed and the pilots began the engine startup procedure. With the noise of the jet engines increasing, dust flew from around the Osprey as it lifted off from the roof. Ascending, the aircraft began to tilt its engines as it moved forward through the air. Turning toward the north, it began to pick up speed as it headed for the U.S. capital.

Commander Krugan exited his private office, and was about to head to a meeting when his phone notified him of an incoming call. Answering it, his secretary informed him the aircraft transporting Alex Hartman and James Matheson was about to land on the pentagons helipad. Informing her to cancel his current meeting, Krugan ended the connection and started off for the helipad. As he walked, he wondered if the two scientists could actually help with Project 7. The duo was certainly qualified but he wasn’t sure how exactly they would react to the projects full details. Not that it really mattered since this was their final shot at success.

Alex and James watched out the window as Washington, D.C. flew by them outside. Crossing the Potomac River the aircraft angled for the Pentagon and stared to slow down. Its jet engines tiled back until they lost all forward momentum and touched down on a pad just off to the side of the massively large building. As the engines shut down Alex noticed a man with a briefcase walking toward the helipad. The rear door of the aircraft opened and the two scientists stepped out onto the pad.

“Hello, I’m Commander Krugan with the Department of Defense, you must be Mr. Hartman and Matheson.”

“Yep, that’s us,” replied James.

“You both must be full of questions; why don’t we find a place a little more private to discuss this.”

Looking toward the Lieutenant, Krugan gave him a knowing nod of the head, which Lt. Jackson returned.

The group moved toward a guarded entrance near the helipad. They passed one by one through a security scanner once they were inside, and continued down a large corridor.

“Lets just step into this office here,” the commander said producing a keycard that opened the door.

Inside was a simple office setup with a plain, bare desk. The Commander took his seat behind the desk and motioned for the two to sit. Laying his briefcase on his desk he took out a large manila envelope, which he opened and laid the contents before him.

“The U.S. government happens to know a lot about you two, the DoD especially. What I’m about to tell you his highly classified. I’m going to need you to sign some security release forms.”

 “And what exactly happens if we break these?” James asked with suspicion in his eyes.

 “You are locked up in a federal prison that technically doesn’t exist and you never see the light of day again. But, then again, if you are locked up, it won’t matter anyway as everyone will be dead in a years time.”

“What exactly do you mean dead in a years time,” asked Alex feeling a knot growing in his chest.

 “I mean every living thing on this planet will die and cease to exist in a year.”

 “How is that even possible,” stuttered James, obviously taken aback at the Commander’s bluntness.

 “Well for you to know the details I’m going to need you to sign the release forms.”

Alex and James looked at each other with skepticism and distrust toward this strange man in their eyes. However, the two cautiously grabbed the pen and papers from the Commander’s outstretched hands and signed their names. With the signed papers now in a new sealed folder, the commander continued.

“About a year before the Moscow incident scientist at NASA detected a massive explosion toward the center of our galaxy, about 9,000 light years from earth. Further observation concluded it was a hypergiant explosion. A massive star billions of miles across collapsed in on itself and exploded with the greatest amounts of energy this galaxy has ever witnessed. When it exploded it sent out a gamma ray burst, a massive jet of radiation and energy that wipes out whole sections of galaxies. Our solar system just happens to be directly in one of the jets path. About a year from now the jet will reach our solar system and hit the earth. First the upper atmosphere will disappear and then the ozone layer will be destroyed. Next the side of the earth facing the jet will be roasted alive from the radiation if the earth isn’t completely disintegrated from the blast. With the ozone layer destroyed, the remaining survivors will be killed off from radiation from the sun. If someone were to somehow survive all of that, nitrogen dioxide created from the gamma-ray burst will completely block out the sun and freeze the world over. Were not just talking about a global catastrophe, were talking the end of all life on earth.”

Alex and James sat in their chairs not speaking a word. Could this really be true wondered Alex, the end of all life on earth? He knew there would be no saving the earth if the burst really did hit earth.  Looking up, Alex met the Commander’s eyes, which were dead serious.

“Who all knows about this?”

“Currently the U.S., U.K., and Germany are even aware of the gamma-ray burst. The U.K. has been helping us with the problem, lending us their top scientists, while Germany has been supplying us with their finest scientific equipment.”

“So, how do we fit into the picture,” Alex asked still dumbfounded?

“The Department of Defense and myself in particular believe you and Mr. Matheson may have the answers to some of our recent problems.”

“You obviously must have a plan to somehow save the earth or shielding it from the blast?” Alex asked.

Before the Commander could respond James finally broke the silence he had been maintaining.

“How is that even possible? How can earth even be saved?” James asked visibly shaken by the conversation unfolding before him.

“Earth can’t be saved; we’ve already determined that,” said the Commander. “But we can save some our species.”

“What do you plan on doing, send everyone to space or something,” asked James.

“Not even leaving our solar system can save us. This blast is the largest in recorded history, spanning hundreds of light-years. We simply don’t have the technology to shield us from the blast or even avoid it,” replied Krugan.

“So then how can the human race continue if earth is going to be destroyed?”

“We currently have a plan, but more on that in a second. It says in your files that the DoD has complied that you two worked with a think tank at NASA for a time.”

“Yes, we worked on equations that would confirm wormholes cannot exist and undiscovered subatomic particles. Are you suggesting using a wormhole to avoid the blast?”

“Again, no, but I’m getting to the point. You see it was the DoD who set up the project at NASA in the first place. Needless to say that after we received the results we were sidetracked with the bigger problems with Russia. We were actually interested in your study of subatomic particles. A year before the Moscow incident our nations top scientist confirmed our fears that we would be caught in the gamma ray blast and that there was no possible way to avoid it. Humanity would be destroyed no matter how far we traveled from our solar system with our most advanced technology. We sought for other solutions including possibly using wormholes. However your findings with NASA proved this impossible.”

“Yes, I remember, we proved wormhole travel was impossible since they require this elusive material called ‘exotic matter’ to form and they rip apart all matter that enters them,” replied Alex.

“Yes, initially we had looked to solving the wormhole travel problems but you findings on theoretical particles gave us another idea, Project 7. The answer that humanity has been looking for the last decade.”

“What exactly is ‘Project 7’?” Alex asked intrigued.

“I’m afraid I'm not the person you should be asking for all the technical but I do know who could. His name is Dr. Mark Harrison, a genius in the field of theoretical physics and nuclear particles. He is the current leader of project 7. He will explain everything you need to know about the project. But for the moment we need to get you to the projects headquarters.”

“Where exactly is it located?” James said, visibly calmer.

“It is located deep underground at the abandoned Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Repository in Nevada. It turned out to be the best possible location, far from prying eyes and isolated from external forces that could disrupt our experiments.”

“You're telling me the project to save mankind is located in an abandoned nuclear waste dump full of radioactive material?” Alex asked with skepticism.

“Actually that’s not entirely true. You see, when funding for the repository was cut altogether in 2010, the facility had not yet received any hazardous waste. It was nothing more that heavy duty reinforced abandoned tunnels and chambers when it was closed. In 2051, it was reopened by a joint committee consisting of high-ranking government officials from numerous organizations, like the DoD, Homeland Security, NASA, and the armed forces.  The facility was renovated and repurposed as a classified multi-organizational laboratory and testing facility where the government could work away from prying eyes. It turned out to be perfect with its extensive tunnels and large empty chambers.”

“I don’t think I have to tell you how much we have riding on this project,” the commander continued. “I need you to know that if you do help us, that we need your full cooperation. In return we can provide you with whatever you need. If Project 7 were going smoothly you probably wouldn’t be sitting here. Without both of your help I'm not sure if we can finish the project. For now we need to get you over to Dulles Airport where an Air Force jet will be waiting to take you to Nevada. Your equipment and your requested belongings should already be on the way to repository now with Lt. Jackson”

“One last thing,” said Alex, standing up from his chair. “What do we get in return for helping you with the project?

“You get nothing for helping. But, if you help make the project a success, you get to survive. So, are you in or not?”

Dr. Harrison was running diagnostics tests in Project 7’s control center when his phone received an incoming call. It was from the Commander. Hoping to hear some good news he accepted the call.

 “They accepted.”

 “Was there ever any doubt that they wouldn’t?”

“Not much of a choice not to help anyway. Anything new to report from your end?”

 “We think we determined the cause of the mainframe’s failure during last weeks test. One of the breakers in the upper sectors was damaged and failed completely. We replaced it with a new one but were still trying to get the control center back online. Repairs and diagnostics should take no more than an hour or two tops.”

 “That’s good to hear. Hartman and Matheson left about five minutes ago for Dulles. Expect them to touchdown within the next hour or so.”

 “How did they take the news?”

“They both seemed pretty shaken, Matheson more than Hartman”

 “Its not everyday someone is told that the earth and everything on it will be destroyed in a year.”

 “More like this whole section of the Milky Way Galaxy.”

“Your not helping.” Harrison said as he ended the call and went back to work.

Alex woke up from a short nap aboard the Air Force jet and checked his watch, which read 4:40pm. He had been asleep only an hour but it had given him the energy that he greatly needed. He sat up in his seat and peered out his widow. The deserts and hills of Nevada greeted him as the jet began to descend from the atmosphere. They must be coming in for a landing he realized. Alex looked across from his seat to see James staring out the window. James turned from the window toward him.

 “Looks like you finally woke up.”

 “I was only out for about an hour.”

“Everything always seems longer on a plane. The pilot came on about five minutes ago saying we were making our approach. We should be touching down shortly.”

The jet lined up on a long paved runway set next to a long ridgeline that dominated the dry landscape. As the plane landed and coasted toward the end of the runway, Alex noticed a pair of massive steel doors installed in the rock face of the ridge. The jet turned at the end of the runway and pulled into a large hanger, which had seen better days. Its outside was corroded and had been subjugated to the desert environment. Inside however sat a small fleet of aircraft ranging from small passenger jets like their own, to a familiar looking Osprey that sat in the corner. Alex and James unbuckled their restraints and moved toward the exit. A familiar face greeted them as they stepped out of the jet and into the massive hangar.

“Welcome to the Yucca Mountain gentlemen.” Said Lieutenant Jackson with a grin on his face.

A technician stuck his head through the open door of the control center.

“Dr. Harrison, your new arrivals just touched down.”

“Excellent!” he said as he stood up from the terminal that he was working on. Let me go give them a proper greeting.”

Harrison exited the control center and walked toward the cargo elevator. Pressing the number 0 he waited as the doors closed and the carriage ascended. With a metallic clang the steel box came to a halt after about a minute. The door opened to reveal the large steel doors that were the entrance to the installation. The Dr. walked over to a control box set off to the side and entered through its small door. A guard looked up as Harrison entered.

“I heard we have some guest waiting outside,” the Dr. said.

“Yes sir, I just got security clearance for the personnel and was about to open the door.”

“Well best not keep them waiting now. Let them in.”

Swiping his keycard the guard entered in a passcode into the terminal and hit the enter key. With a loud bang, massive bolts inside the door disengaged the gigantic locks. Moving at a snails pace the massive steel door began to swing inward. Outside stood Lt. Jackson flanked by the two civilians.

“Ah, Lieutenant Jackson, I didn’t know you were already back,” the Dr. said as the Lieutenant walked inside without even glancing at him. Harrison ignored the Lt. usual cold demeanor and focused his attention to his newest guests.

“You two must be Mr. Hartman and Matheson; I'm Dr. Mark Harrison, the head of Project 7. The Commander informed me that you would be arriving earlier today.”

“Yes the Commander told us you have some answers for us?”

“All in due time. Why don’t we step inside so we can get the doors closed first? The guards don’t like to leave the doors open long.”

As the trio moved inside, the gray skies and the biting wind vanished as the steel door closed and locked with a low thump.

“I understand how crazy all this must seem and I promise you all you questions will be answered. Let’s get both of you to your accommodations first.”

They entered the large cargo elevator and started descending into the repository. Alex watched the numbers ticking by above the elevator, wondering just how deep they were going.  The elevator came to a stop a minute later to reveal a large concrete and steel corridor. It almost seemed like any other building hallway had it not been thousands of feet underground. The Dr. led them to their room down a separate hallway. The inside was surprisingly well decorated with tasteful furniture that gave the room a homey feeling. Alex noticed several suitcases set off to the side.

“A plane arrived earlier with some of your personal effects. I heard you two didn’t exactly have time to pack.”

“You could say that,” James said with a sour look on his face.

“Why don’t we go get a bite to eat from the mess hall and talk? I promise to be an open book.”

“Ah, we're in luck, its taco Tuesday,” Harrison said as they entered the mess hall. The trio grabbed trays and loaded their plates with food.

“So, what is it you know so far?” the Dr. asked as the group seated themselves around one of the many empty tables?

“The commander filled us in on a few of the details. The gamma ray burst and something that had to do with you needing our help.”

“Mostly just doom and gloom that guy,” James added grimly.

Alex continued. “He said there was a way we can survive the blast, something to do with our work at NASA. We supposable have the answer to some of the problems you were having.”

 “I had to read up on some of your findings but, yes, that is what we believe,” replied the Dr.

“So what exactly is this device that is supposed to save us from the blast?” questioned James.

“Its probably easier if I show you,” the Dr. said standing up. “If you follow me I can show it to you.”

Alex and James stood up and followed the Dr. out of the mess hall and into the corridor. As they walked a familiar knot began to form in Alex’s chest. They came to a stop at an armored metal door. Producing a keycard, Dr. Harrison open the door that opened to reveal a dark lit room filled with computer terminals, which filled the room. On the far wall were several large windows. Stepping inside Alex moved toward the windows and looked out with awe. He stood above a large chamber that looked to be heavily reinforced with steel on all sides. Down below on the floor of the chamber stood a large device with electrical wires snaking all around it. The device was pointed at the far wall of the chamber where a large round disk about 15 feet tall stood upright. The disk had a metal outer edge and had a strange metallic mesh that was stretched across its main surface. Alex looked to either side of the disk and noticed a tunnel that ran on either side of it. He could make out a metal tube that was sticking out of each tunnel.

“What is it that I'm looking at?”

“You’re actually looking at several devices. The tunnels on either side of the disk are part of a circular tunnel containing an extremely powerful and compact particle accelerator that functions as an atom smasher. That device with all the electrical wires pointed at the disk is the most powerful laser in the world, courtesy of Germany. The disk at the far side of the chamber is where everything comes together. The outer edge of the disk is made of super dense neodymium, what’s found in powerful magnets, while the inner mesh is a metallic microlattice. All these components come together to form the Project 7 device.”

“So what exactly does it do?” asked James, equally amazed.

“It rips a hole in the fabric of space and time to create a portal.”

“But our theory on how wormhole travel was impossible was confirmed,” replied James confused.

“Wormhole travel might be, but this doesn’t create a portal to another spot in our universe. Instead it leads outside our universe and into the multiverse.”

Lieutenant Jackson, head of security at project 7, was having a bad day at work. No, check that he thought, a bad three years of working in this cursed hole in the ground babysitting these eggheads.

Since the repository had been retrofitted into a secret testing facility back in 2051, lots of classified tests and experiments had been conducted here. Now most of the remnants of these test sat down here in sealed vaults. And now it was his job to keep these nosy scientists away from it all. It wasn’t that some of the stuff down here was still classified as much as most of the stuff was downright deadly. Everything from explosives, to experimental technology, to chemical and biological weapons sat behind the numerous steel doors. Just the other day he caught a lab tech snooping around one of the secure vaults. Besides providing security he was also in charge of protecting the repositories main power supply, a large advanced nuclear reactor that was located on the lowermost level. With security came the necessity to make sure the reactor was operating properly, something he had been failing at lately. Just last month during the last test the reactor went haywire and had disrupted the whole instillation’s electrical grid. The techs down on the reactor level were still trying to figure out what caused the surge. But for now he just had to keep everyone on check until they could open the portal.

The Lieutenant had been informed like the rest of the people down here of the destruction to come from the gamma ray burst. To tell the truth, it didn’t really bother him he thought as he walked back to the instillations security center. Everything dies at some point he told himself. But up until then, he had a job to preform. Protect the scientist and their project and maybe he would get to see the sun again.

Back in the control center Dr. Harrison was explaining the complex dynamics of traveling the multiverse. In front of him sat Alex and James who were listening in great detail to what the Dr. was saying.

“It’s quite simple actually,” the Dr. said. “With the multiverse we have an unlimited number of possible universes to choose from. All we have to do is look for the most suitable one to colonize.”

“What do you classify as suitable,” asked James.

“We’re looking for one just like our universe, but with a few minor differences. We look for universes where the earth is still in its natural state today, minus all the pollution and cosmic explosions of death.”

“But with an infinite number of universes and possibilities isn’t that almost impossible?” asked Alex.

“We’ve created a unique way to find exactly the type of universe that we want. It’s a lot like tuning into a specific radio station. What we’ve done is took pictures of our universes background radiation and run it through computer simulations. The computer creates a new picture of our universes radiation as if earth was nearly pristine and similar in composition. The change is incredibly small but it makes all the difference in the world. One miscalculation and you are stepping into the vacuum of space or worse. We then convert the data into a digital signal, like a radio signal and feed it through the laser. When it gets fired into the portal it matches it up with an alternate universe with the closest match. Or that’s how it’s theoretically supposed to work.

“So then why do you need our help? You mentioned our knowledge of subatomic particles earlier,” continued James.

“Yes, we’ve run into many problems lately, one of them is with the particle accelerator. What it does is collide super heavy particles together to distort and ultimately rip the fabric of space-time. We haven’t had much luck with the particles we’ve been using lately and we could use your help in fine-tuning it to use heavier particles. Last month we ran a test without actually opening the portal, to see if we were heading in the right direction. Aside from the problems with the particle accelerator our electrical grid got overloaded and failed. We think we’ve fixed the power problem but now we need your expertise to operate the accelerator.

“We’ll take a look at what you have set up so far and see if we can make some modifications,” said James looking toward Alex.

“Excellent!” said Dr. Harrison with a wide grin on his grandfatherly face.

************One Month Later************

        “Ok, is everyone ready for the pre-launch procedures?” asked Dr. Mark Harrison. “Let’s start with increasing the reactors energy output. Bring it up to fifty percent capacity to start us off.”

A moment later a technician at another terminal said, “Reactor is at fifty percent and holding.”

“Alex, James, have you put the new parameters in for the accelerator?”

“They should give the desired effect this time,” said James looking up from his station.

“Good! Bring the particle accelerator online and bring us up to twenty percent.”

“It’s coming online now said Alex. We’re holding steady at twenty percent.”

“Great, hold the beams in position and wait for the signal to collide them together. Ok, lights are showing green across the board. Lets get ready to collide the particle beams. If everything holds we should be able to at least create the space-time rip. Remember this is just a test; we don’t want to activate the laser and dock the portal to the target signal just yet. With luck the portal should open up to the empty space between universes. Everyone ready?”

Everyone nodded with approval.

“Ok, let’s proceed with phase two. Bring the reactors up to eighty percent and increase power to the particle accelerator. Matheson, be ready to collide the beams on my mark.”

With an audible hum the accelerator increased the particles’ speed inside it to 99% the speed of light as more energy flowed into its superconducting magnets.

“And…now, Alex.”

Inside the tunnels of the accelerator the two beams of ultra dense particles collided at the center of the disk with unbelievable force. With a flash the disk lit up as the strong magnets that formed its edges contained the energy within the center of the disk. The light formed into a glowing ball that hovered at the center of the device and slowly began to spread to its edges. As the light began to dissipate a dark black surface was left in its place. Dr. Harrison looked with awe at the disk from his perch in the control center. He stepped closer to the window and looked down at the feat they had just accomplished. They had torn the fabric of space and created a portal outside of their own universe; A portal that while for the moment was a doorway to the nothingness that existed between universes, but would ultimately lead them to a new earth and new hope.

“It’s kind of mesmerizing,” said Alex as he noted how the portal had a rippling effect similar to water.

“How are the readings looking?” asked Dr. Mark, not taking his eyes from the portal.

“Were getting some small energy spikes registering from within but otherwise the portal is stable,” said a nearby lab tech.

“It’s beautiful,” was all Harrison said.

Down in the security center Lt. Jackson was sitting back reading an old issue of his favorite magazine.

“Would you look at that beauty,” he said in a low voice as he opened the centerfold.

Oblivious to his surroundings the Lt. didn’t notice the warning light flashing on the console behind him. A comm device buzzed on the wall opposite the Lieutenant. Setting down his issue of “Assault Weapons Monthly” he answered the comm with a gruff,

“Yea?”

“Sir, this is the chief engineer down on the reactor level,” replied a voice with a hint of hysteria. “We have a major problem and I can’t reach Dr. Harrison in the control center. You have to get word to him immediately!”

“Calm down, what’s the problem this time?”

“Something is wrong with the reactor. We started reading some energy spikes, and now the reactor is heading for a meltdown. It’s spitting out massive amounts of energy. You have to tell the scientist to stop the test immediately. If we don’t get it under control the fail-safes won’t be able to contain the excess energy. The control chamber will take the brunt of the surge.”

“Shit!” the Lt. exclaimed jumping from his chair. He tried to contact the control center in the intercoms but all he got was static. Seeing no other choice Lt. Jackson barged out the door and began running at a sprint for the control center.

        “What’s the clock at?” said Dr. Harrison, not taking his eyes off the shimmering black portal.

“Were at four minutes and counting. The portal is stable and holding strong. Congratulations Dr., you did it,” said the technician with a smile on his face.

“No,” said the Dr. turning to face Alex, James, and the other scientists in the control center. “We did it. This might not be the final result of our efforts, but it is one of the proudest days of my life. With this accomplishment we are one step closer to a new home and a brighter future.”

The scientist and technicians broke out in smiles and applause as they reveled in their accomplishment.

“Ok, now there is still work to be done everyone. Proceed with the final phase and let’s begin to close the portal.” Scientist and technicians moved about as they prepared to turn off the magnets holding open the rift.

“Sir, my controls aren’t responding,” said a tech with concern.

“Mine aren’t either,” said another. “The magnets aren’t responding to the shutdown code.”

“Hold on,” said yet another person. “I'm reading a massive surge in energy. I’m trying to trace its origins now.”

“Shut down power the portal now,” Dr. Harrison said with concern.

“Controls aren’t responding; the energy surge is spiking.”

“Begin emergency shutdown procedures, now!” shouted the Dr. “Isolate where the surge is coming from.”

“It’s the reactor, sir. It seems to be going completely haywire.”

“Well activate the fail-safes!”

“They should have already activated by now,” replied the startled tech.

With a massive shower of sparks the energy surge fried several of the terminals in the control center and caused several lights above to explode. Below them in the chamber the giant laser began to hum to life as it was struck by the power surge.  Dr. Harrison watched this with fear in his eyes as the situation began to spiral out of control.

“How did the laser come on? Shut it down immediately!” he roared.

“I'm trying everything I can, but all the controls are fried,” exclaimed the tech.

Down below them, the laser had finished powering up and began to run its pre-programed sequence.  Within a millisecond mainframe computers generated the required signal that would match the portal with a similar universe. The signal was then digitized and fed into the laser. A visible beam of light appeared from the tip of the laser and traveled into the black portal on the far side of the room. James and Alex watched as the frantic Dr. leapt around the room trying in vain to control the catastrophe down below. James watched as the portal began to move. It started as a slow rippling effect that appeared on the portals black surface. The ripples soon began to look like waves, which began vibrating with an increasing frequency. Dr. Harrison starred out of the window helplessly as the portal began to turn from black to white.

“My g-g-god,” he stuttered in a low voice. “The portal recognized and accepted the signal.”

“Sir?” said the first tech. “I'm reading a negative atmosphere drop in the chamber.”

“What do you mean?” said Alex.

“I mean the portal is sucking the air out of the chamber, and it’s getting stronger by the second.”

“We have to evacuate this section of the facility,” said the Dr. “We can’t shut down the portal from here at least.” Before the Dr. could say any more, he froze at a new sound that filled the control center. He slowly turned around to see spider-web like cracks appear on the blast-proof glass.

“Dr., the pressure is dropping in the chamber at an exponential rate,” stated the startled lab tech.

The rest of the people inside watched in fear and awe as equipment below them was plucked off the floor and sucked into the chamber. The metal beams supporting the reinforced walls groaned as the suction from the portal continued to grow.

The cracks in the window had reached the outer edges of their reinforced frames. The Dr., realizing the inevitable, turned to face his friends and colleagues and said in a somber tone.

“I’ve had a wonderful time with you all. Maybe we will meet again some day, if you believe in that sort of thing.”

With a deafening roar the entire front of the control center was ripped open like a tin can, the Dr. being sucked through. The other scientist and Alex and James were caught in the vortex emanating from the portal. James tried to scream, but the air was sucked from his lungs. Within seconds they had been sucked through the portal, which had continued to grow in size and strength.

        Lt. Jackson was halfway to the control center when a low thump resonated down the long empty corridor. That cannot be good he thought. He rounded a corner and was met by a strange sight. Ahead of him to the side of the corridor was one of the massive steel doors, which guarded a secure vault. The door, which could withstand a sizable blast, was shaking on its large steel hinges. Slowing, the Lt. cautiously approached the door marked “T4H” and slid back the peephole. The chamber, which should have been dark on the inside, was lit up by a bright light that shone through a large hole on the far wall.

“What the…” was all that escaped through Jackson mouth before the door imploded with tremendous force. The portal, which had begun to break through the walls of facility and its numerous vaults, had consumed the Lt. and everything inside the vault as it continued to expand.

Eternity. Eternity was a bright white expanse. An endless void. This was what Dr. Mark Harrison director of Project 7, was seeing. Eternity...