Walker lay in bed, unable to sleep. Ordinary time did not exist on board the ship – there were no clocks and his internal clock was out of whack. He had no idea what day it was or how much time had lapsed. The lights in the ship were always on. There was a room in the ship that showed the position of the ship in relation to Mars but he knew that was artificial. The ship was simply traveling too fast but he felt the engines starting to slow down. Mars was not that far away. He finally drifted off to sleep.
He woke and found himself standing in the middle of a forest. It looked like Earth but he knew it was Mars in some distant past. He watched giant dinosaur like creatures lumber past. Someone was allowing him to see this, making the point that Mars was like Earth at some point. Then, he was standing on a cliff overlooking a vast city made of gold and steel. He felt Ka’al presence and he turned and saw Ka’al smiling at him. He said to Walker telepathically,
You will soon arrive on Mars, my friend. It was home to a once great civilization. Now it is all gone.
Walker thought,
It looks almost like Earth.
Yes. Our two worlds were very much alike. We spent much time on Earth. When our world was dying, many Martians went to Earth. You are coming home, in a sense.
Yes, I always wondered about that. What will happen when I arrive? Will you help me?
I can’t do much for you. They won’t allow it.
Who’s they?
The elders of our world. I will do what I can but you will be on your own.
I understand. Thank you.
Ka’al smiled and said,
You will have help when the time comes. Go back to sleep.
Ka’al raised his right hand and Walker awoke in the bed. Edwards turned over and said to him sleepily,
“Is everything all right, John? You were talking in your sleep again.”
“”Everything’s fine. Go back to sleep. I’m going to get some coffee downstairs.”
He kissed her and got out of bed and put on his clothes. He walked down a flight of stairs to a coffee shop. A robot brought him a cup of coffee and he sat staring at it. A moment later, Edwards walked into the coffee shop and ordered a cup of coffee. She looked tired. She said,
“Is everything okay? What’s going on?”
“I’m in communication with a Martian named Ka’al.”
“What does he want?”
“I’m not sure. He thinks I can save Mars but I don’t know how yet.”
“Can you trust him?”
“Yes. He wants to help me. I don’t know why.”
“Please be careful, John.”
“I will. The ship is slowing down. It won’t be long now.”
They drank their coffee in silence. The captain came over the intercom and said,
“All right, folks, we are now dropping out of the wormhole. We will be arriving on Mars just a few hours ahead of schedule. Please get ready and ready to your seats. Thank you.”
Both Walker and Edwards got up and headed for their seats.
Walker sat down next to the android. The android turned and said,
“I still can’t break into their computer system. I don’t understand it. I’m supposed to break into any computer system.”
“Hmmmm….it doesn’t surprise me. Well, just keep trying.”
“Yes, I will. When I do get in, what am I looking for?”
“I don’t know yet. I’m looking for a connection between Rocco and the corporation. I want to know what’s going on.”
“All right.”
Walker felt the rockets in the front of the ship blast off but the ship was still flying too fast for a safe landing. He wondered what would happen. Just then, the captain came back on and said,
“All right, folks, we’re now approaching Mars. We will circle the planet until we can slow the ship down. As we circle Mars, you can see the Edgar Rice Burroughs Mountain Range, the Philip K Dick Mountain, the Ray Bradbury forest and the Great Spielberg Desert. There is a complete listings of all of the various mountains and parks in our computer system. Will the flight crew please prepare for landing?”
The ship slowed down as it passed over the red planet. Walker could see farms and lakes. Mars was almost the same size as Earth with a similar atmosphere thanks to the engineers and scientists. But Mars was still mostly a desert planet with deadly sandstorms. Walker saw a sandstorm on the video monitor. It was massive. Walker said, pointing to the storm,
“Wow! Look at that dust storm!”
“Yes, they are quite dangerous. The top speed can be as high as 250 miles per hour. At that speed, small pebbles and rocks can kill. We would not survive in such a storm if we were caught in it.”
“Thanks. That’s good to know.”
Walker saw giant mountain ranges, canyons, lakes and forests. Up ahead on the monitor was New Washington, the capital of Mars. There were other smaller cities around it, including New Tokyo, New London, etc. The population of Mars was 4 million people, according to information that flashed on the screen. The ship was slowing down and Walker felt giant legs drop from the ship and it landed softly just outside the Obama Spaceport terminal. Giant Hercules robots lumbered across the tarmac to begin unloading the ship. The captain came back on the intercom and said,
“Well, okay, folks, we’ve touched down at the Obama Spaceport. The outside temperature is 78 degrees with a nice wind coming from the southwest. There is a subway system that leads to New Washington in the terminal. On behalf of the crew and myself, I hope you had a pleasant journey and good night.”
People began getting up and moving around. Edwards walked over and said, with a smile,
“Hiya, handsome! Want a ride into town?”
Walker laughed and said,
“Yeah! That sounds great! Let me just grab my android and my suitcase!”
“Oh, there’s no need for that. I notified the ship that your suitcase will be sent to my apartment, so you won’t have to deal with the crowds!”
“Wow! You’ve thought of everything!”
Edwards laughed and both Walker and the android got up and followed her out of the ship and down a long tunnel to the main terminal. Edwards turned and said,
“Okay, we’re going to the parking lot to get my car. This way.”
They walked over to a bank of elevators and took one down to a huge underground parking lot. Waiting for them was a black police car. Walker said,
“What’s this?”
“This is, my dear, my police car. It has a computer on board that can talk, a solar panel on the roof. It drives itself anywhere you want and it can even repair itself! The only thing it can’t do is make coffee!”
“Wow. What will they think of next?”
Edwards said to the android,
“Joe, you can take over the computer system, can’t you?”
“Yes. I just did.”
“Fine. Joe, please open the car, please?”
The car doors opened and both Edwards and Walker got into the back and the android sat in the driver’s seat. Edwards said,
“Joe, take us to my apartment.”
The car put itself into gear and drove off. Edwards leaned over and started kissing Walker…..
The sun was setting and the city lights came on. New Washington looked like an ordinary Earth city, complete with parks, streets and tall glass and steel buildings. There were construction cranes everywhere. The car drove itself to a tall apartment building and then drove itself down into a parking garage. The car parked itself and Edwards, Walker and the android got out and walked over to a bank of elevators. They took one up to the tenth floor and walked down a long hallway. In front of a doorway was a suitcase – Walker’s suitcase. Edwards smiled and said,
“There you go, John! Talk about service!”
Walker picked up the suitcase and Edwards pulled an electronic key from her purse and slid the key into a hole and the door unlocked itself and opened. As they entered, the lights in the apartment lit up. Edwards said,
“Welcome to my home!”
Walker looked around. The apartment was large and spacious and well furnished. He whistled and said,
“Wow! This is really something!”
Edwards said,
“And it costs less than half of what I would be paying on Earth! Everything is so much cheaper up here on Mars!”
She walked over to her bedroom door and opened it. Two cats ran out – one was black and the other was a calico. Edwards said, as she rubbed the cats,
“And here are my two boys! Did you miss me?”
The cats rubbed themselves up against her legs and purred loudly. They stopped and looked at Walker and then walked over to him and began rubbing themselves up his legs. Edwards said,
“Wow! I’ve never seen them do that before! They’re usually scared of new people!”
“Yeah, I don’t know – cats like me for some reason.”
He bent down and rubbed them and they purred loudly. Edwards said,
“John, you can put your suitcase into my bedroom. We’ll go out and grab something to eat and then I’ll show you the town. All right?”
“Sounds good to me.”
“There’s a really good Thai restaurant down the street. We’ll eat there and then take the car out for a spin. Shall we go?”
“Certainly.”
Walker put his suitcase into Edwards’s bedroom and closed the door. The android sat by a window, looking out. Edwards asked the android,
“Joe? Do you want to come with us?”
“No, that is not necessary. I”ll be fine.”
“Okay. Let’s go.”
Both Edwards and Walker left the apartment and Walker closed the door. Edwards said to Walker, as they walked over to the elevators,
“You know, Joe is so lifelike that I almost forget he’s a robot! It’s weird, isn’t it?”
“Not really. They’re making real progress in AI. One day, the robots will surpass us!”
“I can’t wait.”
They took an elevator down to the building entrance and walked past a robot doorman dressed in a black suit and tie. The robot said,
“Good evening, Ms Edwards!”
“Thank you, Rocky!”
The robot opened the door and both Walker and Edwards walked into the early evening night. Walker said,
“You know, this looks so much like Earth that I feel like I’m back home!”
“Yes, I know what you mean. Whoever designed the city obviously came from New York! The main street is Broadway and it ends at Washington Square Park and it even has an arch just like the real one! We even have a Central Park and a diamond district!”
“Amazing.”
They walked hand in hand down the street towards a cluster of shops and restaurants. Walker looked back and said,
“We’re being shadowed by someone.”
Edwards looked back and said,
“Oh, that’s just a corporation robot. They look almost human. They’re not as sophisticated as your robot.”
“Are they everywhere?”
“Yeah, pretty much. They are the ears and eyes of the corporation. They watch everything that goes on.”
“Do they arrest people?”
“No. They leave that to us,” said Edwards with a sigh.
“So, the corporation runs everything, right?”
“Well, not quite everything.”
“What don’t they control?”
“The weather!”, laughed Edwards.
Walker laughed and they walked into the restaurant and sat down to eat.
They walked back to the apartment building and Walker took out his cell phone and called the android. He said,
“Joe, come down and meet us in the front. Bring the car.”
A few minutes later, the black car drove itself out front with the android in the driver’s seat. The back doors opened and Walker and Edwards climbed into the back of the car. The android turned and asked Walker,
“Where to?”
“To Sin City. I want to see what that looks like.”
The car put itself into gear and drove off down the street. Walker asked Edwards,
“Okay, so what’s the deal with this place? Who runs it?”
“Sin City is run by a man named Fat Sal and he works for Rocco. Prostitution and gambling are legal on Mars. Governor Ryan pushed the legislation through the Senate and it passed. Now, anything goes! It’s a shame. They’re getting away with murder!”
“Yeah, that’s the point. They want to turn Mars into a safe haven for criminals. This is just the beginning.”
The car drove down a street towards a Vegas like strip, complete with colorful lights and robot streetwalkers. Drunk people wandered the streets. The android suddenly turned and said to Walker,
“Detective? There’s a hostage situation going on at Adams Street.”
Walker said,
“Yeah? Take us there.”
The car turned around and headed back downtown. The street ahead was blocked off by a police barricade. A uniformed officer walked over to the car and said to Edwards,
“Oh, detective! I’m glad you’re here! We have a hostage situation going on up on the third floor!”
“Who’s in charge?”
“Detective Reynolds, ma’am! He’s over there.”
Walker, Edwards and the android got out of the car and walked over to a heavy set man with a rumpled face and watery gray eyes and thinning hair. He had a cigar stuck in the side of his mouth. Reynolds turned around and said, when he saw Edwards,
“Sam! Welcome back! We have two clowns holding some low level drug dealers hostage on the third floor. We’re waiting for backup!”
Edwards turned to Walker and asked him,
“What do you think, John?”
“Let’s see what the android can do. Joe, I want you to go upstairs and take out those two men and rescue those people. Got that?”
“Yes, detective.”
Walker said to Reynolds,
“Pull your men back, detective. The android will handle this.”
Reynolds looked at Edwards and she nodded. Reynolds said into a bullhorn,
“All right, you men! Pull back!”
Walker said to the android,
“All right, Joe. This will be your first taste of a real life situation. Don’t kill anyone. Understand? Good luck.”
The android walked across the street and entered the building. Then, a moment later, there was a shout, two shots were fired and then silence. A window opened and the android put his head out and said,
“It’s all right, detective! You can come up now!”
The three detectives ran across the street and ran up the stairs to the third floor apartment. Several cops followed them. Walker entered the room and saw two men lying unconscious on the floor in the middle of the apartment. There were five people, sitting against a wall, tied up and with gags in their mouths. Walker said to the android,
“Excellent work, Joe! Well done!”
Reynolds looked at Walker and asked,
“Who are you?”
Edwards said,
“This is Detective John Walker of the NYPD. He’s up here on Mars on a special assignment and this is his robot, Joe.”
Reynolds smiled and said, as he shook Walker’s hand,
“So, you’re the famous psychic detective I’ve heard about! Welcome to Mars!”
“Thank you. Well, I think we’ll let you handle this. It was nice to meet you, detective.”
The two men shook hands. Walker said to Edwards,
“I’ve had enough excitement for one day. Let’s call it a day.”
Edwards said,
“Good idea! Tomorrow, you’ll meet Chief Hernandez!”
They walked out of the apartment, followed by the android. They got back into the car and took off down the street.
He awoke with a start. He was standing in front of an old wooden door with an old fashioned iron knocker. He reached for the knocker and pounded on the door. The door swung open and an old man wearing a colorful outfit and a warm smile was standing in front of him. The old man was human, with white hair and sharp blue eyes. The old man said telepathically,
Welcome, detective. This is my home – or rather it used to be a long time ago. Please come in.
Walker entered a courtyard filled with plants, a flowing water fountain and several chairs and tables. Walker turned and looked at the old man. He looked confused and the old man said, with a laugh,
Yes, John! This is me – Ka’al! I’m in my human form. We can change our shapes – or appear to. It’s all smoke and mirrors, as they say. Please sit down. We must talk.
Walker sat down on a wooden chair. In the background, a young child was crying. Ka’al said,
That was my grandchild. A baby girl. She just woke up from her nap. You are seeing the past, in a sense. She grew up to be a fine young woman. Now then – down to business. As I said before, we used to live on Earth for many years. We liked it before it was ruined. There was once lots of fresh water and clean air. It’s all gone now. That’s why you humans are moving to Mars. We understand that. When I lived on Earth with my family, we lived in New York City. We lived on East 63 St and I worked in advertising. I really didn’t like it all that much but it paid the bills. We looked human so no one bothered us. I miss coffee and ice cream. But enough of that. The council has been watching you people come to Mars and they don’t like what they see. They see a growing menace of violence and pollution and hatred. Man has not progressed very far, I’m afraid. For a time, Mars was clean but now, more people are showing up and they are making a mess of things. Now, we can’t stop you people from coming. It was inevitable. But people like Johnny Rocco and his gang are doing terrible things and they must be stopped! And we don’t like the Tyler Corporation – do anything to make money. They are one reason why the Earth is in such bad shape.
Walker sighed and said,
Yes, I know all of this! But what can I do? I am only one man! How can I stop the human race from coming to Mars and making a mess? Come on.
Yes, we realize that. We can’t expect you to save Mars all by yourself! I can help you – I have the computer code to unlock the corporation’s computer system. I shall send the information to your android. He will find what you’ve been looking for – a connection between Rocco and the corporation. They are working together and the corporation doesn’t want this information to be made public. It would kill them! But be careful, my friend – the Russian knows what you are trying to do. He is passing information to both Rocco and the corporation. You cannot trust him! He will stab you in the back!
Walker sighed. He didn’t want to deal with Petrov. He was a loose cannon. Ka’al said,
I know what you’re thinking. Do what you think is right. That’s all you can do. It’s time for you to go back. I will keep in touch.
Ka’al raised his right hand and suddenly, Walker was back in bed. He looked over at the android. He was sitting by a window, looking out into the night sky. Walker got up and walked over to him. He said,
“Joe, did you receive any information just now? A code or something?”
The android looked at Walker and said,
“Yes. A computer code just popped into my mind. It appears to be the access code I need to gain access into the corporation’s computer system. I don’t know where it came from.”
“Never mind that. Please find out the connection between Rocco and the corporation. Okay? When you have it, let me know. I’m going back to bed.”
“Very good, detective. I will keep you informed. Good night.”
The android turned back and looked back out the window. Walker got back into bed and closed his eyes…..
“Come on, sleepyhead. Time to get up and get back to work.”
Walker opened his eyes and yawned. Edwards was standing over him, looking down at him with a warm smile. He could smell coffee and toast in the kitchen. She said,
“Come on, John! I don’t want to be late for work!”
“All right,” said Walker, as he got up and stumbled off to the bathroom and took a shower. After he dried himself off, he walked back into the bedroom and got dressed. Edwards stood at the doorway, drinking a cup of coffee and watching him. She said to him,
“You were talking in your sleep again. Where did you go this time?”
“I was in Ka’al old home. It’s not there anymore. Anyway, he told me that he gave the android the code to the corporation’s computer system. He should be able to break in now. I want to find the connection between Rocco and the corporation. It’s in there somewhere.”
“And then what, John? Arrest them? You’re not dealing with petty thieves here, you know.”
“Yeah, I know. No one can stop them but I can give them a bloody nose. You get them angry enough and they’ll make a mistake sooner or later.”
“Perhaps. And maybe they’ll just step on you like a bug. Ever think of that?”
“Yes, I have considered that but I have an ace up my sleeve. You’ll see.”
He finished dressing and walked into the kitchen for a cup of coffee and a slice of toast with strawberry jam on it. He ate quickly and then said,
“Okay, let’s go. Don’t forget the android.”
They left the apartment and headed downstairs to the garage, where the car was waiting for them. They got in and the android sat in the front driver seat and took control of the car. The car drove downtown towards a massive black building – police headquarters. It was shaped like a bunker. Walker said,
“Joe, stop the car. Look, Sam, I’m going to go and have a talk with the Tyler Corporation’s CEO – Mr Jack Smith. I just want to ask him a few questions, that’s all.”
“But Chief Hernandez is expecting us!”
“Don’t worry, honey – I won’t be long. I’ll catch up with you. Take Joe with you.”
He kissed her and got out of the car and walked over to a subway entrance. The car took off. Walker walked down a flight of stairs to the subway. He noticed how clean it was and he didn’t see any homeless people anywhere. He was used to seeing homeless people everywhere back in New York City but here on Mars, there were none. It was surreal. He bought a ticket at a kiosk and entered the system. It was now 9:07 AM and it was rush hour but he saw only a handful of people. Where was everyone?
The train rumbled into the station and it was being driven by a robot driver with a silver face and two black holes for eyes. It was dressed in a dark blue uniform. The doors of the train opened and Walker got in and the doors closed silently behind him. Walker sat down and looked around. He saw a corporation robot sitting further down the train and there were a few businessmen dressed in black sits and red ties scattered about the train. Overhead were ads for various companies, including a new gambling house that was run by Rocco and his gang. Johnny Rocco stood in front of the New Sahara Hotel and Casino. He was wearing a black suit with silver strips and he wore a pink diamond ring on his left pinkie finger and a shark’s smile. Same old Rocco – classy all the way.
The train slowed down and pulled into a station called the Lincoln Stop. It was also the stop for the Tyler Corporation. Walker got up and left the train and walked over to a glass door that slid open. In front of him were two male receptionists and one very human looking robot – all three were dressed in black suits and red ties. It was the standard corporation uniform. Behind them was a large vase full of flowers and past them was the corporation’s entrance. As Walker approached the receptionists, they looked up at him with bored expressions on their faces. One of the men asked Walker,
“Yes? Can I help you?”
“Yes, I’m Detective John Walker. I would like to speak to Mr Jack Smith. Is he in?”
“Well, that’s not possible right now. Mr Smith is a very busy man. I’m afraid you just can’t walk in here and ask to see Mr Smith! You need an appointment!”
“I understand that but I’m working on a case and I need to speak to him right now. I won’t be long.”
“Sir, Mr Smith is not – “
The robot suddenly said,
“Let him through. Mr Smith will see him.”
“Very well. You take that elevator up to the top floor. You’ll find him.”
“Thank you.”
Walker walked over to an elevator and got in. It took off and went up very quickly. Suddenly, the elevator passed by a large window that over looked the great desert past the city limits. The desert was vast and red – it was an impressive sight. Then just as quickly, the view was gone. The elevator slowed down and the doors opened to a small waiting room filled with freshly cut flowers. He sat down on a chair and waited. A door opened and Walker got up and entered a larger room with another beautiful view of the desert. Sitting behind a desk was a beautiful blond secretary. She looked up and said to Walker,
“You may go in now, detective.”
Walker walked towards a dark glass door that opened into a huge room filled with more flowers and soft music. At the other end of the room was Jack Smith, a large man with a deep red tan and he wore a light gray suit and red tie. He was talking to a Japanese businessman on the phone. He looked up and pointed to a leather chair in front of him. Walker sat down. When Smith was finished, he said into a speaker,
“Tracy, That was Mr Tanaka. Please send him two tickets for the opera tonight. My compliments!”
“Yes, sir,” said the secretary.
Smith leaned back in his chair and said to Walker,
“So, detective, what can I do for you?”
“You know who I am?”
“Well, of course! It’s my job to know what’s going on! You want to ask me a few questions, I gather. Well, I don’t have much time.”
“No, of course not. First of all, do you have dealings with Johnny Rocco?”
“Yes, I have business dealings with everyone on Mars. It’s a small world up here, detective. I don’t discriminate. What’s your question?”
“Are you aware that he’s a dangerous criminal?”
“Yes, I know that.”
“Do you know that he deals with drugs and prostitution?”
“Yes, of course. I know all about him. He’s a businessman and a very successful one at that. He makes lots of money and he puts his money into the banks up here. I also deal with the banks. Lots of banks do business with criminals. What’s your point?”
“I’m sorry I’ve bothered you, Mr Smith. Good day.”
“What do you want to know, detective? No one is perfect. I’m a realist. People like Rocco exist. I work with people like him all the time. Money is money. What do you want me to do? Stop working with him? He’ll just find somebody else to work with. Anything else?”
“What about those robots you have walking around the city?”
“What about them? If something happens, we notify the proper authorities. Look, detective, the police and fire departments up here are not very big. They can use our help. Why is that wrong? We are doing a public service. Agreed? As for drugs – well, alcohol and cigarettes are far more dangerous than Martian Candy. So, what’s your point?”
“Nothing. Thank you for your time.”
“Not at all. If something happens, we’ll let you know. Good day.”
Walker left the office with a bad taste in his mouth.
Walker took the subway to police headquarters and took an elevator up to the 12th floor. He walked down a hallway until he found the right door and opened it. Chief Hernandez was sitting behind a cluttered desk. He was a big man with salt and pepper hair and a thick mustache. He looked up at Walker and said with a smile,
“Well, here he is! The legendary Detective Walker! You’re a famous man! Everyone is talking about you! Glad you could make it!”
Walker looked around and saw Edwards sitting in a chair and the android was standing by a window and looking down to the city below. He closed the door behind him and said, as he sat down,
“Sorry I’m late. I was just over at the Tyler Corporation and I had a chat with the CEO – Jack Smith.”
“Oh? And what did he say? Anything interesting?”
“Not really. So, they have their own police force, right?”
“Yes. They do help us at times. So, I know why you’re here. The freighter that Max Thorton is on won’t be here for another week. I spoke to Captain Parker last night. He’s an old friend of mine. I’m supposed to help you when the time comes. In the meantime, would you mind helping me? I could certainly use someone like you and your robot. We don’t have a lot of crime up here. It’s pretty quiet compared to New York. You know, I’ve been up here on Mars for ten years now. I haven’t been back home for ages. What’s it like?”
“Oh, it’s still the same. Just more people, that’s all.”
“Yeah, well, we don’t have that problem up here yet but people keep coming. You know, I just can’t figure out how Rocco got up here in the first place.”
“Well, look, chief, I have to talk to you about something but I can’t do it here. Can you come by our place tonight after work? It’s very important.”
“Sure, I’ll be there.”
Walker said,
“So, what else goes on here? Anything interesting?”
“Not really. Just the usual drug and alcohol problems and bar fights. But lately, we’ve been having problems at Sin City. Some of the people get out of hand but it’s nothing we can’t handle. Oh, and thanks for helping out with that hostage situation.”
“That’s what I’m here for. Do you have anything going on right now?”
“No, not right now but it could change. You know that.”
“Well, look, if you don’t mind, I would like to have a car and drive around the city to see what it’s like. You can have the android.”
“Fine. I’ll call the garage and have a car assigned to you right away.”
“Okay.”
He said to Edwards,
“So, I’ll be back before dinner.”
Walker said to Hernandez,
“Don’t forget chief. I’ll see you tonight.”
“See you then.”
Walker got up and left the office and headed for the elevators…..
In the garage, Walker found a black police car waiting for him. He got into the driver’s seat and he said to the car’s computer,
“Computer, let me drive. Also, show me a map of the city.”
A video monitor on the dashboard lit up and showed a detailed map of the city. Walker put the car into gear and drove out of the garage. It was a bright, sunny day and people were out walking around. He began to notice young people wearing tan uniforms standing on street corners, passing out leaflets. He thought they were the Hare Krishna at first but they were not. Walker asked the computer,
“Computer, who are those people handing out leaflets on the street corners?”
The computer said in a monotone voice,
“Working. They are members of a religious cult called the New Dawn of Mankind. They have their own compound outside the city limits. They arrived on Mars fifteen years ago.”
“Who is their leader? Can you show me a picture of him?”
“Working. Their leader is Father Johnson. Here is a photo of him.”
Walker looked at a photo of a wild eyed, gray haired man of 75. Walker asked,
“Is this man dangerous? Why did he come to Mars?”
“No, they are a peaceful group and Father Johnson brought his people to Mars to escape the growing pollution and overpopulation on Earth. But they have been known to stockpile weapons.”
“Hmmm….where is their compound exactly? Can you show me a map?”
A map appeared on the monitor, showing a large compound just south of the city. Walker said,
“Okay. I want to see what they’re up to.”
He drove the car over to two young men standing on a street corner, passing out bright yellow leaflets to people. Both men had red dots on the foreheads and they both had long ponytails and they wore matching tan outfits and sandals. Walker reached out and took a leaflet and looked it over. There was a rising sun and other religious symbols. He said to the car,
“Computer, drive me out to the compound.”
The car put itself into gear and drove south through the city and into the desert. Ahead was a tall wooden fence with two towers. Beyond that was the compound. Walker said,
“All right, computer, I’ll take it from here.”
He drove the car to the front gate and an armed gunman walked out and said, pointing his gun at Walker,
“Stop! Who are you?”
Walker took out his badge and said,
“I’m Detective Walker and I would like to speak to Father Johnson.”
“Wait here a minute.”
The man walked back into the compound and a moment later, the heavy wooden gate swung open. The armed man said,
“All right. Father Johnson will see you. Just drive into the compound and park in front of the main building just ahead. Someone will escort you.”
“Thank you,” said Walker as he put the car into gear. He drove into a huge compound, complete with farms, schools, etc. It was a world unto itself. Ahead was the main building. It had a porch and Walker drove to the building and parked the car. He got out and presently, a young woman wearing a tan uniform came out of the building and said to Walker,
“Please come with me.”
He followed the young woman into the main building and walked past a courtyard with a fountain and fruit trees and into a large study lined with books of all kinds. There was a large wooden desk and beyond the desk was a large window that overlooked a farm with dozens of people picking fruit and vegetables. Sitting behind the desk was Father Johnson. He looked old but his eyes were alert and intense. The young woman said to him,
“Father, here he is. He says he’s a policeman.”
The old man said to Walker with a deep voice,
“Thank you, my daughter. Please sir – have a seat. We don’t get too many visitors out here. We like to live alone from the rest of humanity. Why have you come here?”
“I’m sorry to bother you, sir but I am new to Mars and I was exploring the city when I saw two young men passing out this leaflet. I am curious by nature and I wanted to see what was going on out here, that’s all.”
He held up the leaflet and Father Johnson said,
“Yes, it is one of ours. Are you a religious man, detective?”
“Well, sir, I do believe in God, if that’s what you mean.”
“So, you want to know why we’re here on Mars, is that it? I brought my people to Mars to escape the filth and pollution of Earth. God’s paradise is ruined. When we first arrived on Mars, there was hardly anyone here but scientists and engineers. It was a clean and safe world, free from man’s destructive presence. But gradually over time, man has come and brought with him all of the sins of the old world. Sin is man’s burden. It haunts us! Now, they have built Sin City and it is an abomination! Drugs and filth are washing upon these shores and it is time we cleansed Mars once and for all!”
“Uh, what are you saying?”
“You are young. I am old. I can remember when Earth was a paradise! There was still fresh water and clean air but now all that is gone! We have ruined God’s perfect world and we are doing it to Mars! I won’t let that happen again!”
He pounded on the desk and snarled,
“Those men have done it! They have come here and brought their slime with them!”
“Who do you mean, sir?”
“Why, you know who I am talking about! Governor Ryan and Johnny Rocco and his gang! They must be stopped! But no one is willing to do anything about them! They’re all cowards!”
Father Johnson started coughing and the young woman rushed to his side. She said to Walker,
“Please leave. He is not well.”
Walker said,
“Thank you for your time.”
He got up and turned around and focused his mind upon the old man. Father Johnson was thinking,
We will blow up Sin City! We will wipe it off the face of Mars! God’s work will be done!
Walker walked out of the main building and looked around. He probed the compound and felt the presence of the weapons in a large warehouse. He thought to himself,
This will happen soon…..
He got back into his car and drove out of the compound. He said to the car,
“Take me back to police headquarters.”
Walker walked back into Chief Hernandez’s office. Hernandez looked up and said,
“What’s up?”
“Two things. What do you know about Father Johnson?”
“Not much other than he’s a crackpot. Why?”
“Well, I just paid him a visit and he’s planning on blowing up Sin City.”
“What? How do you know?”
“Because I read his mind, that’s how I know! And he’s really sick. He won’t be alive much longer. He thinks this will be his last chance to save Mars.”
“Great. He’s been here for years and he’s never hurt anyone.”
“Yeah, well, he went on about how Mars was being ruined by Johnny Rocco and his gang. He’s right of course.”
“So, what should we do about it?”
“Nothing for now. Look, I have something else to tell you but I can’t discuss it here. Where can we go?”
“Well, let’s get something to eat. I’m starved! There’s a new Jewish deli that just opened up not too far from here. It’s called Katz Deli.”
Walker laughed and said,
“Oh, boy, you’ve got to be kidding me!”
“No! I heard it’s pretty good!”
“Okay, let’s go!”
They took an elevator down to the street and walked up Jefferson Street to a Jewish deli. It looked old fashioned and there was a line outside waiting to get in. Walker took out a pad and pen and wrote on it,
THE DA IS WORKING FOR ROCCO.
Hernandez gripped his arm and said, in a whisper,
“Is this true?”
Walker nodded. He wrote,
ANDERSON WAS ROCCO’S ATTORNEY
Hernandez shook his head. They walked into the restaurant and found a quiet corner away from the rest of the customers. Hernandez leaned over and said in a loud whisper,
“Who told you this?”
Walker shook his head and said,
“Trust me, this is true. Anderson was the one who signed the form to get Rocco to Mars. This is why Rocco’s men have not been arrested. Anderson won’t press charges.”
Hernandez leaned back in his chair and looked stunned. A waitress came by and took their order. Hernandez said,
“So, what do we do about this?”
“Nothing. There’s more bad news. Some of your police officers are on the take. The whole system is rotten but I’m not interested in them. I’m building a case against Rocco and his men. Understand?”
Hernandez nodded. He looked sick. The waitress came back with their food but Hernandez said,
“I don’t feel like eating now.”
“Look, you can’t tell anyone about this, okay? I’m going to tell Edwards later. I have to talk to Captain Parker. I’ll talk to you later about this. All right?”
Hernandez nodded. He picked at his food and said,
“I somehow knew that something was going on. I could never put the pieces together.”
“Don’t beat yourself up over this, chief. It’s not your fault. You’re a good cop. These people are only human. Everyone makes mistakes. Now, come on – let’s eat.”
Walker picked up his sandwich and began eating. Hernandez took a bite out of his sandwich and chewed mechanically. He was lost in thought……
Walker got back into his car and said,
“Computer, can you connect me with Captain Tex Parker on Earth?”
“Working.”
A moment later, the monitor came to life and Captain Parker looked at Walker and said,
“So, how’s it going up there?”
“Tex, I know what’s going on now. The DA Robert Anderson used to work for Rocco and Governor Ryan back in New York.”
“Well, sir, I was just about to call you but you know more than I do. Where did you get this information?”
“I can’t tell you right now. Look, you have to tell Washington that we need a new DA and a new governor up here right away. It’s about to get ugly. Can you have Washington send the Space Marines up here and the commando robots?”
“Sure. I’ll tell them. What’s going on?”
“I’m going to start pressing some buttons. It’s going to get hot.”
Parker nodded and said,
“You be careful, John. Look, you may have some new orders. I’ll call Washington and get started on your requests. Good luck.”
The monitor went dark. Walker asked the computer,
“Computer, locate Detective Edwards.”
“Working. She is on a stakeout at the corner of Pierce and Grant.”
“Fine. Take me there.”
The car put itself into gear and drove across town and presently, Walker saw a black police car parked on a side street. Inside were Edwards and the android. She was looking across the street with a pair of binoculars. Walker parked the car and walked over to the other police car and got into the back seat. Edwards said,
“What’s up, handsome?”
“Look, I have to tell you this now. The DA Robert Anderson used to work for Rocco as his attorney.”
Edwards turned around and said,
“What? Are you kidding me? I know Mr Anderson! I”ve been to his home and I know his wife and kids! That’s crazy! Where did you hear this from?”
“Petrov. We’ve been exchanging information.”
“And you believe him?”
“Why hasn’t any of Rocco’s men been arrested and prosecuted? Anderson is protecting Rocco’s men!”
“I can’t believe it! Anderson is so – so charming and – “
“Think about it, Sam. Anderson is the one who signed the papers to bring Rocco to Mars! How else could he get here? Rocco and his men are running this planet! All they need is Max Thorton and they will be unstoppable!”
Edwards sat in silence. She finally asked,
“What are we going to do?”
“Just sit tight and don’t say anything to anybody about this, okay? I just talked to Captain Parker and he’s going to contact Washington about sending a new DA and a new Governor up here. Thorton will be arriving on Friday – that’s four days from now. Joe, what about the corporation’s computer system. Any luck?”
“No, detective. I can’t find any connection between the corporation and Rocco. I’ll keep looking.”
“All right. I have to go. I”ll see you tonight.”
Walker got out of the car and walked over to his car and got in. Chief Hernandez appeared on the monitor. He said,
“Both you and Edwards are to appear before DA Anderson right now. Something’s come up.”
“Okay.”
He put the car into gear. The monitor came to life. Edwards said,
“You got that message? What do you think it is?”
“Someone’s going to talk. I’ll meet you there.”
Walker arrived first and waited downstairs in the lobby. Edwards and the android appeared moments later. They took an elevator up to the top floor and walked down a long hallway towards a wooden door. Walker opened it and they walked into an opulent office, complete with huge glass windows that overlooked the desert. Sitting behind a huge wooden desk was Robert Anderson, a well dressed man with silver hair and dark intense eyes. But he looked pale and sickly. Something was wrong. Sitting in front of the desk was a small man with a rat like face. Standing behind him was a tall man with a greasy face and a black toupee. He was the rat man’s lawyer and he looked the part. DA Anderson said, with a strain in his voice,
“Uh, thank you for coming on such short notice. Detective Edwards, do you recognize this man?”
He pointed to the rat man with a nervous face. Edwards said,
“Yes, sir – that’s Slim Clemons. I arrested him for the murder of his wife two years ago. He’s scheduled to be sent to the prison on the Moon in a couple of weeks. What’s going on?”
Anderson took out an expensive handkerchief and wiped his face. He said,
“Thank you, detective.”
The big, greasy lawyer said in a loud and booming voice,
“Ah, yes, let’s get down to business. My name is John Higgins. I’m Mr Clemons’s lawyer. He is willing to turn states evidence against Johnny Rocco. As you may know, my client used to work for Mr Rocco and Governor Ryan. Now, I have been able to make a deal with Mr Anderson here. In exchange for his testimony, Mr Clemons will stay on Mars but he will need protection of course. Mr Rocco is a very dangerous man and he has friends everywhere. Isn’t that right, Mr Anderson?”
Anderson had turned white as a sheet. Something was going on but Walker couldn’t make it out. There was too much confusion. Higgins asked Walker,
“Now, detective – can you guarantee my client’s safety?”
Walker focused his mind on Anderson. He knew Clemons. They had a connection but Walker couldn’t tell what it was. The air was filled with thick emotion. Walker said to Higgins,
“No, I can’t guarantee his safety.”
Higgins turned purple and snarled,
“What are you saying?”
Walker snapped and said angrily,
“Look, there’s another psychic on Mars who’s like me and when he finds out that your client here is talking, he’ll be dead by morning. There’s no way I can protect him. Isn’t that right, Mr Anderson?”
Anderson looked at Walker with wide eyes. He looked like he was going to jump out of his skin. He said thickly,
“Yes, he’s quite right. I know this man. He’s a Russian psychic spy who now working for Rocco. He can kill a man with just a thought. I’m afraid Mr Higgins that your client would be safer if he went to the Moon, in my opinion.”
Higgins looked at Anderson and said,
“What? What’s going on? Is it really true you used to work for Rocco? I thought that Clemons here was making that up.”
Walker said,
“No, it’s true. Anderson here is the reason why Rocco in on Mars in the first place. He pulled some strings but that’s not what I want to know. Mr Clemons, what’s on that freighter that coming? What’s going to happen on Friday?”
The rat faced man smiled and said,
“Forget it, detective. I ain’t talking to you!”
Walker focused his mind on Clemons’s mind. It was plain as day. He said,
“So, there are combat robots on that freighter. Rocco is going to use them to break out the prisoners on Friday and use them to take over the city. Thank you for your information. Mr Higgins, I don’t need your client anymore. You can have him.”
“What? You can’t do that! Mr Anderson – “
Anderson suddenly opened his desk drawer and took out a gun. He put it against his head and pulled the trigger. His head exploded like a melon. Everyone in the room stood like statues except for the android. Edwards screamed and Higgins ran out of the office in terror. Clemons said to Walker in a weak voice,
“He was a part of it. He was going to coordinate everything. He was Rocco’s right hand man. Well, that’s over with. I’ll go back to prion now.”
Clemons got up and walked out of the room. Walker was in shock. He turned to a sobbing Edwards and said,
“I – I didn’t know that would happen! I – I didn’t see it coming! It was so sudden!”
The android said calmly,
“I have notified the police department. What do we do now, detective?”
“We wait until the police arrive. Oh, God! We have to talk to Hernandez about this! Sam, are you all right?”
She nodded her head weakly. She said, after blowing her nose,
“I’m all right now. I’m just shaken up.”
“So am I.”
Police technicians arrived and Detective Reynolds walked into the office and whistled. He said,
“Wow! What a mess! What happened?”
Walker said,
“Anderson was a part of Rocco’s gang.”
“Wow! No kidding! The DA of all people! Okay, I”ll take it from here.”
Walker, Edwards and the android walked out of the office and took an elevator down and went to see Chief Hernandez. He was sitting behind his desk and he was shaking. He said to Walker,
“What happened?”
“Well, Anderson was trapped. He knew there was no way out for him. So, he blew his brains out.”
Hernandez nodded and said weakly,
“I knew him. I never suspected he was working for Rocco. He always appeared to be so – “
His words faded away. He looked at Walker and said,
“What now?”
“I’m going to go and have a talk with Father Johnson. I can use him. I’ll be in touch.”
He looked at Edwards and she was badly shaken up. He said to her,
“I’ll see you tonight, okay?”
She nodded and smiled at Walker weakly. He walked out of the office.
Walker got back into his car and he said to the computer,
“Computer, I need to talk to Captain Parker. Put me through.”
“Working. Just a moment.”
A couple of minutes passed and then Captain Parker appeared on the monitor. He said,
“Hey, John! I was going to call you! Good news! The Justice Department has agreed to everything you asked for! What’s wrong?”
Walker said thickly,
“Tex, DA Robert Anderson just blew is brains out in his office. It just happened.”
Parker looked confused. He said after a moment,
“What happened?”
“He was cornered and he saw no way out. Also, there are combat robots on the freighter. Rocco is going to use them to break out the prisoners in the prison here on Mars. He’s going to use them to take over Mars. Look, I need anything you can send me now!”
“I understand. I’ll get in touch with the Marines. See what happens. They can be teleported to Mars. When do you want them?”
“Tomorrow. The whole system up here is corrupted! What about the new governor?”
“He’s coming as well as a new DA. They’re both good people, John. But Mars will have to be put under government control until we can figure out what to do next. Oh, and your new orders have just come through. You are to arrest both Rocco and Governor Ryan. Look, I’m coming to Mars with the Marines. Okay? Just hang in there! You’re doing a great job!”
“Yeah. I guess. Okay. Keep me informed.”
“Right. Where are you going now?”
“To talk to Father Johnson. He’s – well, it’s a long story.”
“Okay. See you tomorrow.”
The monitor went dark. Walker said,
“Computer, take me back to the compound.”
The car put itself into gear and took off for the desert…..
The car approached the compound. At the gate, an armed guard came out and said,
“Stop! What do you want?”
“I must speak to Father Johnson again! It’s urgent!”
“Wait here.”
The guard walked back to the gate and walked inside. He returned and said,
“I’m afraid you can’t come in. Father Johnson is very sick.”
Walker took out his badge and said,
“This is official business. I can get a court order and return with the police if I have to. Do you want that?”
The guard hesitated and said,
“Wait a moment.”
He went back and a moment later, Walker was waved in. The huge gate swung open and Walker drove to the main building. The young woman stood at the entrance and said angrily,
“My father is very sick! He can’t see anyone right now!”
Walker got out and walked over to the woman and said,
“I’m very sorry but this can’t wait. I won’t be long. Please.”
The woman relented and Walker followed her back to the reading room. Father Johnson sat behind the desk, clearly tired. He asked Walker,
“What is it you want, young man?”
“Sir, I am Detective John Walker from New York City and I am here to arrest both Johnny Rocco and Governor Ryan. I will put them behind bars where they belong!”
Father Johnson suddenly perked up. He cracked a smile and said,
“Finally my prayers have been answered!”
He turned to his daughter and said,
“You see, Alice! He’s here to help! Now, what can I do?”
“Well, sir – there is something you can do for me. I need a distraction. Something to keep Mr Rocco and his men off balance, you might say. I know you have weapons. Lots of them. What if you were to attack Sin City? Not kill anyone – just make some noise. That will keep Rocco and his men busy. Can you do that?”
The old man looked startled. He said,
“How do you know about that? I never told anyone about that! Where did you get this information?”
“Uh, no one told me about your plans but I have this special ability. I read your mind the last time I was here.”
The old man’s face drained of blood. He said,
“What? How did you do this?”
“I am a psychic, father. I’ve had these abilities ever since I was a child. Now, will you help me or not?”
The young woman said angrily,
“Detective, your so called abilities are the work of the devil! You – “
Father Johnson put up his hand and said, cutting her off,
“Now, now, my child – everyone has these abilities! I’m sorry, detective. She’s young and she doesn’t understand these things. Yes, I will help you. What do you want me to do?”
“Okay, there’s a big freighter coming this Friday and it’s bringing someone named Max Thorton and also some combat robots. I’m going to arrest Thorton and put Rocco out of business. I want you to send your men to Sin City and make some noise. Blow things up. Can you do that?”
“Yes, detective, I can do that. Will you let me know when to do this?”
“Yes. I’ll call you on Friday and let you know what’s going on. All right?”
“Yes. Now, my son – what else can you do with your abilities?”
“Lots of things, father. Now, I must go. Thank you.”
Walker reached over and shook the old man’s hand. He walked out of the building and back to his car and drove back to the city…..