Detective John Walker walked into Captain Tex Parker’s cool office. Outside, it was a hot, humid day in the middle of August in New York City. Captain Parker stood at the window, looking down on the busy street below. It was crowded with people furiously fanning themselves as a siren went off in the distance. Captain Parker was an old man with white hair and dark, leathery skin and light blue eyes. He wore old, rumpled clothes that looked lived in. He smelled of whiskey and cigars. He turned to face Walker and smiled. Walker was sweating up a storm. Parker said in his thick Texas accent,
“Pretty hot today, ain’t it? Not as hot as Texas this time of year. It really gets hot in the middle of August.”
“Yes, sir,” said Walker, as he wiped his forehead with a white handkerchief. He was a tall man with light brown hair and a handsome face and dark, intelligent eyes. He said, “Just another hot day in New York City, captain. What’s up? Where am I going this time?”
Captain Parker chuckled and said,
“I can’t keep anything from you, that’s for sure! You heard the news about Max Thorton? He escaped from prison last night.”
“Yeah, I heard about it. He escaped while being transferred to a prison hospital. Obviously he had help. Probably an inside job. Where did he go?”
“Well, he had a tracking device implanted in his brain. He was tracked to a spaceport on Long Island where he boarded a freighter going to Mars. It’s going to take ten days for the freighter to reach Mars. I want you to go to Mars and bring him back alive. He’s very important, John. He has a true photographic memory and total recall. He used to work for Johnny Rocco and his gang. He knows everyone in the underworld.”
“Hmmmm…..didn’t Rocco move to Mars a couple of years ago?”
“Yes, that’s right. Word is he set up shop with the help of Governor Pat Ryan. They’re old buddies from way back.”
“Yeah, I know about that. Both Rocco and Ryan used to work here in the city, doing all kinds of bad things like extortion, murder and fixing elections for their boss, Al “The Chin” Marco. It’s amazing that they never seemed to spend too much time in prison. I guess it’s important to have friends in high places.”
“It’s all politics, John. You know that. Well, anyway, the Justice Department is really embarrassed about this whole situation, as you can imagine. They want Mr Thorton back real bad and in one piece. It makes them look really foolish, to say the least.”
“I can imagine. But what does this have to do with me?”
“Well, someone from the department called me this morning and asked that you go to Mars and track him down.”
“Hmmmm…..why me? They have an entire army at their disposal.”
“Look, John, they want this done as quietly as possible. They don’t want any publicity if you know what I mean. You’re an expert in this sort of thing. You know how to get things done. Now, I know you want to do this on your own but this time, you’re going to have a partner.”
“I am?”
“Now, listen – the government has sent over one of their newest androids or robots or whatever you want to call it. He’ll be going with you.”
Captain Parker pressed a button on his desk and a side door opened. A tall, pale man with black hair and black eyes walked into the room. The android was dressed in a gray suit and a blue tie. The android looked at Parker and said in a normal sounding voice,
“Yes, captain?”
“Joe, this is Detective John Walker. He’s a special agent. He’ll be your partner.”
The android looked at Walker and said,
“Detective John Walker. 45. Unmarried. Divorced after ten years. Has two cats and tropical fish. Lives in Astoria, Queens, New York City. Very highly intelligent. Expert in martial arts and weapons. Served three years in the military. You are psychic. You scored very high on the Hurkos test. Interesting.”
“It’s just another tool in my box. And what about you?”
“I am the last version of the Kubrick model. I am connected to the main government computer system called Zeus. I can access any computer system there is.”
“Impressive.”
“John, look at his hands. See that? He has no fingerprints or wrinkles or fingernails. That’s how you can tell he’s a robot. Other wise – “
“I get the picture, chief.”
“Okay, you’re both going to take a flight on the Martian Express at the Kennedy Spaceport in three hours. That should give you enough time to get ready. Now, John, listen – I’ve spoken to Chief Hernandez in New Washington. He’s the head of the Martian Police Force. He’ll give you everything you need. You have been given the authority to do whatever you think is necessary to get this done. You’ll be in charge when you get there. Understand?”
“Yes, chief. Anything else?”
“Yes. You’ll be meeting a detective on your way to Mars. I don’t know anything about her, so don’t ask. She’ll fill you in on all the information you’ll need. Oh and get me a T shirt or something. It’s for my grandson. Okay?”
“Right. Say, captain – have you ever been to Mars?”
“Yeah, a long time ago. It took forever to get there. I took Agnes. It was our second honeymoon. It was pretty boring when we arrived. Nothing on Mars but scientists and engineers. Now, they have legalized gambling and sex robots! It should be really interesting to see how things are today!”
“Yeah, it’ll be interesting.”
“Okay, you two! Get going and good hunting!”
Parker shook hands with both Walker and the android. They walked out of the office and headed for an elevator.
In the elevator, Walker said to the android,
“Look, I have to swing by my apartment to get some things. This was kind of sudden.”
“I understand. Can I tag along?”
“Sure.”
The elevator doors opened to a busy lobby. They walked out of police headquarters and into a hot August day. The air was thick with humidity. Walker put up his hand to hail a cab but the android said,
“This is not necessary. I have already contacted a police cruiser. It is coming right now.”
A blue police car drove up and the middle aged officer at the wheel leaned over and asked,
“What’s up? Where are you guys going?”
Walker said, as he entered the car,
“To my apartment in Astoria, Queens.”
“Fine, detective. What’s the address?”
“36-12 38 Street. You know where that is?”
“Sure. I used to drive a cab before I became a cop. Hang on, boys! Here we go!”
The car took off into the thick late afternoon traffic. Walker leaned back in his seat and said to the android,
“Look, uh – “
“Call me Joe. I like that name.”
“Okay, Joe. I want to refresh my memory about Governor Ryan and Johnny Rocco. Show me what you got.”
The android pointed to a video monitor located on the seat in front of them. The monitor came to life and there was a photo of Governor Pat Ryan wearing his usual white suit and pink tie. He had a puffy red face and sharp blue eyes. The android said in his dry voice,
“This is Pat Ryan. He was born on the Lower East Side of Manhattan to Irish parents. He was a street hustler before he began working for Al “The Chin” Marco when he was fifteen. He got involved in politics and became a part of the local Democratic machine. He was also involved in various petty crimes but he was always protected by Marco. He served only a few years in prison in Sing Sing when he met Johnny Rocco.”
The monitor showed a deeply tanned man with silver hair and a crooked smile. He almost looked reptilian. The android said,
“This is Johnny Rocco. He is a career criminal and con man. Very smart. He knows how to work the system. He has been in and out of prison most of his life. He got involved in politics through his friend, Governor Ryan.”
The next image was that of a big man with a bald head and a handle bar mustache. His eyes were dark and hard. The android said,
“And this is Max Thorton. He is another career criminal. He was born in Sydney, Australia. He bounced around until he came to New York City and hooked up with Johnny Rocco. He has a photographic memory and he is very strong. He is six feet, four inches tall. He is the muscle for Rocco and his gang.”
“Hmmm….okay. So when did Ryan go to Mars?”
“About five years ago. He has lots of political connections. That’s why he was elected to be the governor of Mars. Then Rocco joined him two years ago.”
“Hmmmm…..something’s not right. Neither man should have been able to travel to Mars. I wonder what happened?”
“I don’t have any information about that, detective.”
“Yeah, I suppose not. It just doesn’t add up.”
“Detective, why are these two men allowed to roam free like this? Shouldn’t they both be in prison?”
“Yeah, Joe, that’s a very good question.”
“Detective, I am new to this. I have learned a lot at the police academy about crime and criminals but I don’t understand human behavior. How do they get away with this?”
“Joe, you have a lot of information but you have no life experience yet. Until you have experience, none of what you learned will make any sense to you but it will one day. One day, it will all click together. Trust me on that.”
The android nodded. The cop driving the car asked,
“Hey, detective, where are you guys going?”
“To Mars. You ever been there?”
“No but my sister moved there a few years ago with her husband and three children. She likes it up there! She says it’s really dry and quiet and there’s no pollution! There’s not that many people but I know that people are moving to Mars ever since they built those new ships. Boy, are they fast! They fly almost at the speed of light – well, that’s what they say! You get to Mars in just three days! It’s called time warp travel or something like that. I don’t understand that stuff myself.”
Walker laughed and said,
“You’re not the only one! We’re taking the Martian Express tonight.”
“Hey, aren’t you that psychic cop I’ve heard about? You’re John Walker, right?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Boy, it must be really something, huh? I heard you can read minds and stuff like that! Is that true?”
“Yes.”
“Look, detective, why are you going to Mars?”
“I really can’t tell you anything.”
“I understand. I’m sorry to pry like that but I’m just nosy, that’s all. You know I heard that Max Thorton escaped from prison. Is he going to Mars?”
“I can’t say.”
“I’m sorry. I’ll shut up now.”
They fell silent as the car drove over the bridge and headed for Walker’s apartment building. It was getting late. The car drove to the apartment building and the cop said, turning around,
“Hey, detective, do you want me to drive you to the spaceport?”
“Sure. We’ll only be a few minutes.”
Both Walker and the android got out of the car and walked over to the entrance of the building. A doorman opened the door and said hello to Walker. Walker smiled and they headed for the elevators. They took an elevator up to the fifth floor and they walked down a long hallway to Walker’s apartment door. He opened the door and they were greeted by two cats. One cat was black and the other was an orange tabby. They meowed and rubbed themselves against Walker’s leg. He bent down and rubbed them. He said to the android,
“The black one is named Charlie and the other is Tiger. They’re both good cats. They cause too much trouble. Right, boys?”
Both cats meowed loudly and the android asked Walker,
“Why are they crying? Are they hungry?”
Walker laughed and said,
“No! They just to play, that’s all. Look, I’ll be right back. I have to go and talk to my neighbor. She looks after my cats when I’m gone.”
Walker left the apartment. The cats stopped meowing and looked up at the android and then jumped up on a couch and stared at the android. The android looked around. It was a medium sized apartment with a large window that overlooked the city across the river. The android saw a large fish tank filled with colorful fish. A moment later, Walker walked back into the apartment and said,
“Okay, that’s settled. Mrs Wallace will look after the cats when I’m gone. Let me just grab a few things and then we’ll take off.”
He walked into his bedroom and a few minutes later, he came out with a medium sized suitcase and said to the android,
“Okay, let’s go.”
They walked back to the elevator and back down to the street. They got back into the police car and Walker said to the cop,
“Okay, take us to the Kennedy Spaceport.”
“Right,” said the cop, as he put the car into gear and drove off.
They drove in silence. It was getting late and Walker said,
“Okay, Officer Bentley, how long have you been on the force?”
“Oh, ten years now. It’s been interesting.”
“I’ll bet.”
“So, detective – let me ask you something.”
“Shoot.”
“When did you know you were psychic?”
“Oh, I knew it when I was a boy. I just knew things before they happened. I would know who was at the door – things like that.”
“Yeah, I had a cousin like you once. She was really good.”
“Yeah, everyone knows someone who’s psychic. I’m just better than most. It helps in my line of work.”
“You know, I remember reading about you in the papers. You helped to solve that Tanner case. She was kidnapped and you found her safe and sound! How did you do that?”
“Ah, trade secret, my friend! It was really easy for me. They brought me on the case when they couldn’t figure out what had happened to her. They brought me a piece of clothing the young woman was wearing when she was kidnapped. I touched it and I knew instantly that the kidnappers were working with the butler! They had taken her to a cabin in the woods upstate. I could see the cabin in the woods. I was given a map and I pointed out the area where they were holding the young woman and they found the cabin and she was unharmed. The kidnappers were found nearby and arrested and the butler confessed. He thought they could get away with it!”
“Wow! That’s really something! But can you play the lottery? How does that work?”
“I don’t know. I never really tried it. But I have a friend who had a dream where his father came to him and showed him a series of numbers. My friend woke up and wrote down those numbers and played them and he won a million dollars! He’s now retired and lives in Canada. But it never happened to me. Maybe God doesn’t want me to get rich like that. Who knows?”
Up ahead was the spaceport. The cop asked Walker,
“What gate are you going to?”
The android said,
“Gate 12. The Martian Express.”
“Righto.”
The car drove up to a terminal and Walker said,
“Well, thanks again, Officer Bentley. Thanks for the lift!”
“My pleasure, detective! Good luck!”
They shook hands and both Walker and the android got out of the car and walked into the terminal building. They walked over to a counter and Walker flashed his badge to a robot behind the counter and the robot said,
“Oh, yes, Detective Walker! Go to Gate Three. The shuttle will take off in one hour. You can leave your luggage here. I’ll take care of it.”
“Thank you,” said Walker as he handed his bag over to the robot. Both Walker and the android walked down a hallway and passed by a bar. Sitting at the bar were stressed out businessmen on their way to either the prison on the Moon or to Mars. Sitting in a restaurant nearby were several families with crying children. They too were headed for Mars.
Walker and the android approached the gate. It was crowded with people milling around. Outside the windows were giant, silver mushroom shaped ships that glowed in the fading sunlight. Some of the ships lifted slowly into the air like hot air balloons. Walker looked at a wall clock – it was 8:03 PM. The shuttle to the spaceship in orbit over the Earth was leaving at 8:45. The entrance to the shuttle was closed. Walker said to the android,
“Go and find a seat, Joe. I’m going to walk around. I won’t be long.”
“All right, detective.”
Walker walked around the terminal building. It was busy. He saw a theater that was showing a short film about Mars. He walked into the theater and found a seat. He had walked into the middle of the film. The theater was filled to capacity. On the screen were images of farms and farmers working the fields. A narrator said,
“Man has finally found a way to transform this once dead planet into a beautiful new Eden! Water has been found on Mars and farmers and their livestock have been coming to Mars every day for over ten years! People are moving to Mars to start a new life! It’s the chance to begin again!”
There were images of a city being built. The narrator said,
“The capital of Mars is New Washington and this beautiful city has been growing by leaps and bounds! It has a brand new subway system that keeps growing!”
There were images of a new, clean subway system and there were shots of a public park. The narrator said,
“Yes, New Washington has been growing very fast but it has parks and lakes and even a grand canal running right through the center of the city! There are new roads being built and there is even a new railroad going out into the Great Spielberg Desert! Both oil and coal has been discovered on Mars as well as diamonds and other precious jewels! And iron and copper has been discovered and mines have been built to harvest all of these natural resources to send back to a hungry Earth!”
There are images of giant freighters that appear on the screen. The narrator continues,
“But so far, there haven’t been any evidence of life on Mars! The persistent rumors of Martians still alive on the planet are simply not true! The Martians died out many thousands of years ago! Now, you have a chance to create a new life on Mars, so what are you waiting for? Join the Great Migration to Mars! You won’t regret it! See you soon!”
There are images of happy people waving to the audience. The screen goes dark and a title card reads,
THIS FILM WILL RESUME IN TWENTY MINUTES.
THANK YOU.
The lights come up and people began to leave the theater. Walker got up and followed the crowd out and walked over to the gate. He looked around and saw the android sitting on a chair surrounded by screaming children. He walked over and said,
“What’s going on?”
“The shuttle that will take us to the spaceship has just landed.”
Walker looked out the window and saw a giant silver mushroom shaped ship that had landed moments before. The gate opened and a flight crew boarded the ship. Two male stewards dressed in red and white uniforms walked over to a counter and one of them said in a loud voice,
“All right, people! Listen up!”
The crowd quieted down. The steward said,
“Now, we’re going to be boarding the shuttle that’s going to take us to the Martian Express in just a few minutes. Please have your tickets ready!”
The other steward barked,
“Please form a straight line!”
People began forming a straight line and they moved slowly towards the gate. Beyond the gate was a covered walkway that led to the shuttle itself. Walker and the android walked towards the gate and a flight attendant checked both tickets and they were waved through. They walked down the covered walkway and into the shuttle itself. It was wide and spacious, with warm colors. A blond flight attendant smiled at Walker and said, looking at his ticket,
“Your seat is upstairs. Have a nice flight.”
Walker and the android walked up a circular staircase to the next level and found their seats by a window. The cabin was filling up fast and Walker looked out the window and saw the ground crew working on the shuttle. A giant robot was putting luggage into the shuttle. In front of him was a video monitor. He suddenly felt very tired and closed his eyes…..
He awoke with a start. He was standing in the middle of a desert with a hot sun overhead. He looked around and saw a farmhouse and barn in the distance. Was he dreaming this? He couldn’t tell. It was very real. He knew he wasn’t on the shuttle but where was he?
Am I on Mars?
He knew he had to get out of the sun. He threw his jacket over his head and began to run towards the farmhouse and barn. He climbed over an old wooden broken down fence and ran into the barn. It was old and there were cobwebs everywhere. Sunlight streaked through holes in the barn. There were stables for horses but it had been abandoned for a long time. Suddenly, he felt a strange presence. He turned around and looked into a dark corner of the barn. There was a tall figure dressed in a long blue cloak. He couldn’t see any features of the man’s face. Walker stepped towards the man and suddenly, he was back on board the shuttle. He opened his eyes and looked around.
What just happened?
The android looked at Walker and asked with concern,
“Are you all right?”
“I – I don’t know. I think I was dreaming I was on Mars. It was very intense. I think someone is trying to contact me.”
“Hmmm….does this happen to you often?”
“Sometimes. I once had a kidnap victim contact me through the dream state. She sent me information about her location that helped me to track her down but this was something very different. It was like I was there on Mars. It was very powerful.”
“Interesting. I never have dreams. I never sleep. What is a dream?”
“Well, that’s a little difficult to explain, I’m afraid. Dreams are like a portal into another reality. And sometimes dreams – “
The android looked at him with confusion. Walker said,
“Never mind.”
The captain said over the intercom,
“God evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome to the shuttle that will take you to the Martian Express. We’ll be taking off here in just a few minutes. Please remain in your seats until we have taken off. Thank you.”
Walker said to the android,
“Have you ever been off Earth before?”
“No. This will be my first time.”
“Mine too.”
The captain said,
“Okay, I think we’re ready. Will the flight crew please take your seats?”
A moment later, Walker felt the powerful engines come to life. The ground crew moved quickly away and the covered walkway that connected the ship to the terminal pulled away. The shuttle began to drift slowly up into the night sky. Walker looked out and saw the city’s skyline glowing in the distance. Then there was a sudden jolt as the shuttle began to ascend more rapidly. It was heading for the upper atmosphere. The captain came back on the intercom and said,
“All right, ladies and gentlemen, we are now moving into space. We’ll be docking with the space station in about an hour. You can move around the shuttle if you like. We have several bars and restaurants located throughout the ship.”
Walker said to the android,
“Well, I’m going to stretch my legs. You want to come?”
“No, thank you, detective. I’ll stay here.”
Walker shrugged and got up. He walked over to a circular staircase and went upstairs. He had walked into a Vegas style bar and lounge. It was very colorful and there was loud, cheap music. He walked over to a bar and said to the robot bartender,
“I’ll have a Scotch and soda, please.”
He sat down next to a tired looking businessman wearing a dark blue suit and a red tie. The man’s face was red and puffy. The robot put the drink down and the man said to Walker with a slight slur,
“First timer, right?”
“Excuse me?”
“This is your first time off of Mother Earth – am I correct?”
“Yes! How did you know?”
“Oh, I can spot them a mile away! My name is Johnson. I’m a salesman going to the Moon. Where are you going?”
“To Mars.”
“Nice. I like it up there. It’s nice and quiet and unspoiled. Not like Earth.”
The man took a sip from his drink and said,
“Yes sir, we really screwed up our own planet, didn’t we? All that pollution and overpopulation. We had no choice but to move to Mars. But we’ll screw that up as well. That’s what we do, you know? We ruin everything we touch. It’s human nature.”
Walker sipped his drink and nodded. He asked the businessman,
“So, what’s it like on the Moon?”
“Oh, it’s hell up there. It’s just one big penal colony. That’s where we send the worst of the worst! Nothing but hardened criminals who would kill you if you just look at them wrong. They’ll never go back to Earth or to Mars. You know who I really feel sorry for? It’s the families who decided to stay near their husbands or boyfriends or whatever. And they have robot guards. Big machines. No humans in those prisons. It’s too dangerous. But they do have these humans running the whole operation, you know? But no one ever goes into those prisons. They would be crazy to do that! It’s all automated.”
“What about food?”
“Oh, well, they have these giant domed farms up there on the Moon. Some of the prisoners work on the farms if they behave themselves, you know? And I go up there to sell all kinds of crap to the prisoners and their families. It’s depressing as hell but eh, it’s a living. So, what do you do for a living?”
“I’m a, uh, limo driver. I’m going to Mars to start a new job.”
“Oh, yeah? I used to do that job when I was younger. You ever been to Mars?”
“No, this will be my first time. What’s it like?”
“Dry – really dry. They have water but nothing like Earth, of course and they have sandstorms! Really powerful!”
“What about Martians? I’ve heard rumors.”
The man nodded and said, after taking another sip,
“Oh, yeah, they’re still on Mars all right! I’ve seen them with my own eyes! They sort of look like us but they have these black eyes and a yellowish gray skin. They’re all bald and they have two holes where the nose is supposed to be. When I first saw one, I really freaked out! They disappear like ghosts! Really strange!”
“I thought the government said there weren’t any more Martians!”
“Oh, that’s a load of bullshit, if you ask me. They know about the Martians! I’ve heard that they have some kind of a secret pact with the Martians but who can tell, you know?”
“I hear you,” said Walker, as he finished his drink. He said,
“Nice to meet you.”
The man just grunted and then asked the robot bartender for another drink. Walker got up and walked away. He walked over to a window and looked down. He saw the Earth and suddenly felt queasy. He walked back down the staircase and walked back to the android and sat down. The android was looking at a video monitor and he said,
“Look, detective, there’s the space station and next to it is the Martian Express.”
“It’s huge! Is it true it will only take 72 hours to get to Mars? How is that possible?”
“The ship creates its own wormhole effect, folding time and space and it will fly at close to the speed of light. We haven’t broken that barrier yet but we will one day. You see, the principle of time warp – “
“Uh, that’s okay,” said Walker. “I’ll take your word for it. I was never any good at science or math. Look, I’m going to find somewhere to eat. I’ll see you later.”
Walker got up and walked around the ship and found a McDonald’s and ate a Martian burger and fries. There were several families in the restaurant and the children were running around and playing. He was drinking a beer when the captain came back on the intercom and said,
“All right, ladies and gentlemen, we will be docking with the space station in a just a few minutes. Those who are going on to Mars will leave the shuttle and those who are going to the Moon will stay on board. Just follow the instructions from the flight crew and have a nice flight.”
Walker finished eating and went back to his seat.
When he sat down in his chair, the android pointed to the video monitor and said,
“We are about to dock with the space station.”
The shuttle was slowly drifting to a giant wheel like structure floating high above the Earth. At the opposite end of the station was a giant silver bullet shaped spaceship. It had three tail fins in the back and windows all along its side. The shuttle docked with the station with a soft jolt and most people got up and headed for the exits. They walked down a long corridor to the space station itself. The station was huge and brightly lit. It was painted in bright colors. There were bars, restaurants and all kinds of stores and in the middle was a garden with a water fountain. People walked around and looked out the windows to see Earth directly below. Walker looked down and nearly fainted. The android looked at Walker and asked in puzzlement,
“Is there anything the matter?”
Walker gulped and said,
“I – I don’t like heights.”
The android nodded and said,
“If you did fall, you would not survive the reentry. You would burn up.”
Walker nodded and said,
“Thanks. I’ll remember that.”
A bell rang and a woman said over the intercom,
“Ladies and gentlemen, the Martian Express is now ready for boarding.”
Walker and the android followed the crowd towards the opposite end of the station. They passed through the flight attendants and they entered the great ship. It was massive and it reminded Walker of a luxury liner. They found their seats and Walker looked at a video monitor in front of him. It was showing scenes of farms, farmers, small towns and the capital of Mars, New Washington. Then, a smiling man wearing a dark blue suit and a red tie came on the screen and said, with a smile,
“Good evening to you all and welcome aboard the Martian Express! My name is Mark Gordon and I want to tell you about this incredible ship! It is the most expensive and the most modern spaceship ever built and it was built by the Tyler Corporation! It was built to bring people to Mars – the New Eden! This ship has everything! It has two giant pools, playgrounds for the children, movie theaters, gyms – you name it and we got it! We have world class restaurants and bars! Now, the journey will only take 72 hours! Yes, people, you heard that right! This ship creates its own wormhole effect and the ship travels at close to the speed of light without breaking it! Now, god forbid something should happen, we have several life rafts available but so far, nothing bad has happened on any of our flights! Now we have a great crew and one very experienced captain and several other officers, so you’re in very good hands! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask, okay? And now, we’re about to take off, so please fasten your seat belts and we’ll be on our way! Have a good flight and we’ll see you on Mars!”
The screen went dark. The captain said over the intercom,
“Good evening, folks. My name is Captain Edwards and we’re about to go. Please stay seated until we hit our top speed. We’ll be passing by the Moon and once we get past it, we’ll be kicking the ship into high gear! Now, will the flight crew please prepare for take off? Thank you.”
Walker felt the powerful engines come to life. The tunnel connecting the ship to the station was pulled back and the ship began to drift away. Suddenly, there was a powerful jolt as the engines roared to life. He could feel the G forces rapidly building up and he was pressed back into his seat. Babies screamed and Walker saw the Earth quickly disappear from sight. He saw millions of stars but they didn’t seem to be moving. He knew it was an illusion. The captain said,
“All right folks – we’re now approaching the Moon. Once we get past it, we’ll go into the wormhole.”
He looked out the window and watched as the Moon quickly passed by. There was another jolt and the speed of the ship was increasing. Then suddenly, there was nothing. The G forces stopped and ship seemed to be standing still. Walker said to the android,
“Hey, Joe! I can’t feel anything! What’s going on?”
“We have entered the wormhole. We are now traveling at a very high rate of speed. We will soon be approaching the speed of light.”
The captain said,
“All right, folks, we have now entered the wormhole. You are free to walk around the ship.”
People got up and started wandering around. Walker said,
“Okay, Joe – I’m going to walk around and check out the ship. See you later.”
H got up and wandered around. He saw a map that showed several pools, gyms, theaters, etc. In the center of the ship was a food court, amusement park and a zoo. The ship was like a cruise ship on steroids. Everything was designed to keep people from being bored. Walker walked down a long hallway to a bar and restaurant. It was full of middle aged people escaping from their families. He sat down on a stool and a robot bartender walked over and asked him,
“What will you have, sir?”
“A Scotch on the rocks, please.”
“Very good, sir.”
There was a mirror behind the bar and suddenly, a tall figure wearing a dark blue cloak was staring at him with black, very intense eyes. The figure looked almost human, with yellowish gray skin. The effect was startling. Walker quickly turned around and saw no one standing behind him. The robot placed the drink in front of him and it asked Walker,
“Are you all right, sir? Shall I notify a doctor?”
“No, no, I’m fine,” said Walker. He felt unnerved by what he saw. Sweat began to form on his forehead. He sipped his drink and a woman asked him,
“Is this seat taken?”
“No, it’s – “
Walker turned and saw a beautiful green eyed blond woman standing behind him. She was wearing a dark blue suit. She smiled warmly at him and sat down next to him. She said,
“You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“You could say that. You are – “
He closed his eyes and focused his mind upon her. He said, after a moment,
“You’re detective Samantha Edwards of the Martian Police Force. You were sent to meet me here.”
He opened his eyes and saw that she was impressed. She said,
“And you are Detective John Walker of the NYPD. You are a special agent – very special, I would say! Well, detective – I’m your new partner!”
She held her hand out and Walker shook it. He felt as giddy as a schoolboy. She was a stunning beauty with sharp, intelligent eyes. She asked him,
“So, what did you see? Was it a Martian?”
“I – I don’t know what I saw. He’s been trying to communicate with me but I guess it’s not time yet.”
“Hmmmm…..when I first arrived on Mars five years ago, my boss told me to expect this sort of thing and he was right! I always feel like someone is watching me. Does this ever happen to you?”
“All the time. So, what do you know about this case?”
“Oh, I’ve been briefed but it wasn’t much. I was told that you were sent to Mars to arrest Max Thorton. I was told to assist you in any way but let’s not talk shop right now.”
“Agreed.”
The robot bartender walked over and asked Edwards what she wanted. She said,
“A martini, please.”
“Very good, ma’am.”
“So, is this your first trip off Earth?”
“Yes but this isn’t the kind of space voyage I was expecting! This ship is huge and it’s got everything – I think!”
Edwards laughed and said,
“Oh, you haven’t seen anything yet! I’ll show you around if you like.”
Walker smiled and said,
“Yes. I would love that!”
The robot placed a martini in front of Edwards. She raised her glass and she said, as they touched their glasses together,
“To a successful hunt!”
“Hear, hear!”
They both swallowed their drinks and left the bar.
They walked around the enormous ship, exploring it. There was an amusement section, filled with games for children and adults. There were five movie theaters and two legit theaters. Walker said,
“Boy, they really keep you busy, don’t they?”
“It keeps your mind off of the flight to Mars. Most people get bored really easily. You know, it used to take months to fly to Mars. You’ll also notice there are no clocks on the ship.”
“Hmmmm…..that’s interesting. I guess there’s no use for clocks.”
“We’re traveling so fast that we don’t need them. Ordinary time has no meaning on the ship.”
“I never thought of that.”
They walked and found a small. Cozy French restaurant. They sat in the back, near a fireplace. After they ordered their food, Edwards asked Walker,
“So, how long have you had these abilities?”
“Oh, ever since I was a child. I just knew things. Like I knew that when my mother answered the phone, I knew that my grandfather had died. Later that night, he came to visit me when I was in bed. We were close and he stood at the end of the bed and smiled. I knew he was going to be okay. Then he was gone. I never told my mother about it. I knew she wouldn’t understand it. She was a born again Christian and she said that my gifts came from the Devil. So, I never talked to her about it anymore. Sometimes I pick up people’s thoughts like a radio station. Then I learned how to block out people’s thoughts. My father was a cop and he knew I had these abilities. Sometimes, he would bring me things to touch – things that were part of some investigation he was working on. I would touch a piece of cloth and I knew it came from a little girl who had gone missing. I saw her lying dead in a ditch. It upset me but I knew it was important. Someone had killed her and I felt I could help solve the murder.”
“Did you?”
“Yes. It was her neighbor who had sexually abused her and then he strangled her. I told my father and he was pleased. The neighbor was the prime suspect and I helped to solve the case but that little girl haunted me. Then some men from the government came and talked to my father. They wanted to talk to me. They wanted to take me with them but my father said no. He said I needed an education first and I was grateful for that. When I got older, I joined the military and I received specialized training. They taught me how to focus my mind and soon, I was traveling around the world, helping to solve cases. After I left the military, I joined the police force. I work as a special agent. It’s been interesting, to say the least. What about you? Why did you join the police force?”
“Well, like you, my father was also a cop and it runs in the family. I married young but the stress of the job killed my marriage. What about you?”
“Yeah, same here. My wife couldn’t understand what I was going through. I would go on a case and see some pretty terrible things. I would have nightmares and I started drinking. It helped to numb the pain. Why did you move to Mars?”
“Oh, to get away from Earth and all its problems. Mars is so quiet and peaceful until Johnny Rocco arrived three years ago. He and the governor created something called Sin City. That’s where the gambling houses, the drug dens and the sex robots are. They bribed the local politicians to look the other way. It’s like a cancer that’s spreading. It’s very depressing.”
“Yeah, I can imagine. The snake has arrived in the Garden of Eden. So, now what?”
“Read my mind,” said Edwards as she gave him a dirty smile. Walker laughed and said,
“Check, please!”
He lay in bed next to Edwards. She was asleep. They were in a small apartment in the ship. It was complete with a kitchen, living room, a large bedroom, etc. He yawned and suddenly felt very tired. He closed his eyes and when he reopened them, he was standing in the middle of an old deserted city. It was the middle of the afternoon and the hot sun was overhead. He looked around and saw that the remains of the city were covered with dust and there were car-like vehicles everywhere. It looked like a nuclear bomb had gone off. He noticed that the trees were burnt and broken. He hear a noise behind him and turned around. Standing in front of him was a tall man wearing a dark blue hooded robe. The man’s face was old and leathery and it was a dark yellow color. The eyes were a solid black and the man’s head was hairless. The man said to Walker telepathically,
Welcome to Mars, Detective Walker.
Walker was startled. He thought,
Who are you? How do you know my name?
I know everything about you. I know why you’re coming to Mars.
Where am I?
This was once the capital of Mars. It was called Urusla. It was once a beautiful city but it is now all gone. Everything is dead. Everything was destroyed in the Great War.
Are you a Martian?
Are you surprised?
No, I guess not. What is your name?
My name is Ka’al.
Why did you bring me here?
To warn you. They know you are coming. And there is another man on board your ship that is like you. He is a Russian. Be careful of him. He is not what he seems.
What does he look like? I need more information!
Don’t worry – you will meet him soon enough.
Why can’t you tell me more?
All in good time, my friend. We will meet again. Go back to sleep.
The man raised his right hand and Walker woke up with a start. He was back in bed. He got up and walked over to a window and looked out into space. Edwards stirred and said sleepily,
“John? Is everything all right?”
“Everything’s fine. Go back to sleep. I’m going for a walk.”
“Wait. I’ll come with you.”
They both got dressed and walked out of the apartment together.
They walked down a hallway towards a lounge. They walked over to a small coffee shop and ordered coffee from a robot waiter. Edwards asked him with concern in her voice,
“Is everything all right?”
“I’ve been in contact with a Martian. He told me to be careful when I get to Mars.”
“Hmmmm….do you think it’s real?”
“Yes.”
“Has this ever happened to you before?”
“Yes but this is different. I really felt I was on Mars! It was very real. It’s hard to explain. I’ve had other out of body experiences before but nothing like this.”
“What did this Martian warn you about?”
“Nothing specific. It was just a general warning.”
“Do you think Martians are still alive?”
“No. I think they all died in some sort of atomic war many years ago. I think we’re seeing their ghosts but I’m not really sure. Look, I’m sorry if I woke you.”
“Don’t worry about it. What do you want to do now?”
“I don’t know. I need to walk around and think about what just happened.”
“I understand. Why don’t you introduce me to your android? I would like to meet him.”
“Fine. Drink up.”
They drank their coffee in silence. There were a few other people in the coffee shop. Walker and Edwards finished their coffee and got up and walked downstairs to the next level. They walked down an aisle and found the android sitting in his chair, looking at a video monitor in front of him. His dark eyes were open but he seemed asleep. When Walker and Edwards approached, the android looked over at Edwards and said,
“You are Detective Sam Edwards of the Martian Police Force. I was told you were going to meet us.”
She smiled at the android and said,
“Thank you – uh, what do I call you?”
“You can call me Joe. I like that name. So, you found Detective Walker. Good. We are halfway to Mars.”
He looked at Walker and said,
“I’ve been in communication with Captain Parker. He says the freighter carrying Max Thorton has been spotted by a military ship. The freighter is one of the newer models. It is a large ship and it is making very good time.”
Walker said,
“Can you tap into the freighter’s computer system from here?”
“I will try. Give me a moment.”
The android sat frozen for a moment and then said,
“Yes, I have accessed their computer system. I am now tapping into their camera system.”
The android pointed to the video monitor in front of him and said, as the images of the ship appeared on the monitor,
“There. You can see the interior of the freighter.”
Both Walker and Edwards crowded around the monitor and looked at a fuzzy picture inside the freighter. Several men and women walk by the cameras, doing various chores. Suddenly, a big man appears on the screen. He is wearing light blue work clothes and he is carrying a huge box. The android says,
“That’s Max Thorton. He is working on board the ship. He is very strong and good with his hands.”
Thorton walks out of camera range. Edwards asks the android,
“Joe, what cargo are they carrying?”
“I am accessing the ship’s cargo manifest. The ship is carrying food, supplies and equipment but nothing illegal. It appears to be a routine run for them.”
Walker said,
“Yeah, I don’t buy it. Why this ship I wonder? What about the captain? What’s his story?”
“I am accessing his information.”
A picture of a middle aged man with thinning hair and an eye patch appears on the screen against a police lineup. The android said,
“He is Captain Edward Woodward. He lost his right eye in an accident. He is well known to the police. He has been arrested several times. He is covered with tattoos. He has been arrested for weapons smuggling.”
“Hmmmm….makes sense. I wonder if they are smuggling anything on board this trip besides Max Thorton.”
“I don’t know. I can’t find anything in the computer.”
“Well, that’s okay. We’ll check out the ship when it lands on Mars. Where do they land, Joe?”
“They have a landing site in the desert, just south of New Washington. There are several buildings and warehouses at the site.”
“Hmmmm….okay, Joe, thanks. If you find anything else, let me know.”
“All right, detective.”
Walker and Edwards walked away. She said to him,
“He’s pretty impressive. What else can he do?”
“I don’t know. He didn’t come with an instructional manual. We’ll find out eventually. Where to now?”
“Back to my place, handsome.”
She grabbed Walker and pulled him down the hallway to a staircase…..
As he lay in bed, he looked up at the ceiling. Edwards was fast asleep next to him. He closed his eyes and focused his mind upon his two cats sleeping on a couch. In his mind’s eye, he entered his apartment and looked down at the cats. They were sleeping together. Walker looked around and saw that everything was okay. He focused his mind upon Times Square and suddenly, he was in the middle of it. It was late at night and there were thousands of tourists walking around. Times Square was lit up brightly. He looked up at a clock and saw that it was 4:03 AM. He walked around, passing people by and they didn’t see him. He watched as a police car drove by and overhead were a couple of police drones. Then he was standing at the edge of the Hudson River and across the river were the lights of Jersey City and Hoboken. Ships drifted by and suddenly, he felt himself being pulled back to Mars. He was standing outside a dark tunnel that led into a tall mountain. He felt compelled to walk down the tunnel and as he did so, lights came on. Ahead was a large room and as he entered it, lights came on and the room was lit up. In the center of the room was a giant red crystal that was shaped like a heart. The crystal was attached to both the top and the bottom by rock. Someone had dug the giant crystal out and they had carved the room out of rock as well. All around the base of the crystal were smooth wooden benches, all facing the crystal. All around the room were strange writings carved into the wall. Walker felt a presence in the room and he turned around and saw Ka’al standing next to him. His hood was off and Ka’al was looking at him with a warm smile. He said to Walker,
Please sit down.
Walker sat down on a bench. He asked,
Where am I?
This is the chamber where we communicate with God or whatever you want to call it. You see that giant red crystal? We use it to connect with God. We have no use for shamans or priests.
How do you use it?
Oh, it’s very simple. Just focus your mind upon the crystal and it will come alive. You’ll see.
What happened to your people?
Oh, war, greed and stupidity. We are not very different from you. We were not perfect. We made a lot of stupid mistakes that cost us everything.
Why have you chosen me?
Because you are different from the others. Your abilities are very impressive. You are someone who is very important. You will be the savior of Mars.
What do you mean? What will I do that will be so important?
You will find out. It’s time for you to go back.
Ka’al raised his right hand and Walker woke up with a start. He looked around and saw Edwards getting dressed in her gym clothes. She smiled at him and said,
“Good morning! Are you ready for a new day?”
“Sure. Where are you going?”
“To the gym and then I’m going swimming. Want to join me?”
“Sounds good to me! But I have to check in with the android and then I’ll join you.”
“Okay! Don’t be too long!”
She picked up her gym bag and walked out the door. Walker got dressed and went downstairs to find the android. He was sitting in his chair, staring straight ahead. It was a little unnerving to see the android sitting like that. He looked like a very life like dummy. The android looked at Walker and said,
“Good morning, detective. There has been new developments during the night. Captain Parker wants to talk to you.”
“Okay, thanks.”
He walked away and found a soundproof booth and closed the door behind him. He pressed a button and the video monitor came to life. An operator appeared. She said,
“Yes? Can I help you?”
“Yes, I’m Detective John Walker of the NYPD. I want to make a call to Captain Tex Parker of the NYPD.”
“One moment please.”
The screen went dark and a moment later, the old, weather beaten face of Captain Parker appeared on the screen. He smiled and said with a drawl,
“Well, hi there, partner! So, how’s the trip going? Did you find Detective Edwards okay?”
“Oh, yeah.”
Parker laughed and said,
“Ha! You lucky dog you! I wish I was twenty years younger! She’s really something, I bet! Well, anyway, back to business. It turns out that both Governor Ryan and Johnny Rocco are working with the Tyler Corporation. We don’t know anything more than that, I’m afraid. You’ll have to find that out.”
“Hmmmm….okay. Say, I have a question for you. How did someone like Johnny Rocco wind up on Mars? I heard that he was banned from traveling to Mars. What happened?”
“That’s a really good question but I don’t have an answer for you on that. I’ll look into it from my end. So, what’s the ship like?”
Walker laughed and said,
“It’s like a cruise ship on steroids! It’s got everything! It’s very impressive!”
“I bet. Well, I’ll let you go back to work. Have fun!”
Walker laughed and said,
“It’s a tough job but someone has to do it! Talk to you later!”
They both laughed and the monitor went dark. Walker left the booth and found a gym store and bought himself a pair of swim trunks and a towel. Then he went swimming with Edwards.
After the swim, Walker changed into his clothes and went to see the android. He said, sitting down next to him,
“Joe, I need some information.”
“Okay. What do you want to know?”
“What can you tell me about the Tyler Corporation?”
“The Tyler Corporation is the largest corporation on Earth. It rivals the government in both size and importance. The Tyler Corporation makes almost everything, from baby food to military grade weapons. They have their own military and computer system. It has – “
“That’s enough, Joe. Thanks. Captain Parker said that both Governor Ryan and Johnny Rocco are working with the Tyler Corporation. What are they up to? Can you access the corporation’s computer system?”
“No, I don’t think so. It is a different system from mine.”
“I thought you said you can access any computer system.”
“The corporation’s computer system has a very strong firewall. I will try to break it.”
“Good. Let me know when you get in.”
Walker got up and walked back to Edwards’s apartment. She was at a computer when he walked in. She looked up and said,
“So, what’s going on?”
“I just received word from Captain Parker that both Governor Ryan and Rocco are working with the Tyler Corporation.”
“Hmmmm….well, that makes sense. The Tyler Corporation runs just about everything on Mars. They control the mines, the hospitals, the prison – just about everything really. You know, there’s a new drug that appeared just after Rocco arrived on Mars. It’s called Martian Candy.”
“Yeah, pure coincidence, I’m sure. You know what I don’t understand? How did someone like Rocco get to Mars in the first place? I thought he was barred from going to Mars.”
“Yes, I wonder about that, too. Who did he bribe?”
“That’s a very good question. So, what’s the new drug like?”
“Oh, I tried it once! It’s like a synthetic heroin. It’s crude but it makes you feel really good inside. It’s very addictive.”
“Yeah, I can imagine! What happened? How did you try it?”
“Oh, Chief Hernandez asked for volunteers and I said, why not? They had an antidote ready, so I wasn’t in any danger. They sell the drug to miners, gamblers – you name it! They must be making a fortune!”
“So, where does the money go?”
“Well, the corporation runs the banks, so – “
Walker shook his head. He said,
“So, the money goes right back to Rocco and he splits the money with the corporation. It’s all very neat. What a mess.”
“You know, when I first got here, Mars was a very clean and safe planet but it was pretty boring. There wasn’t too much excitement and then Governor Ryan gets elected and Rocco arrives and before long, things get really interesting. Then the corporation starts to take over. It’s been all downhill since then.”
“And the police force is overwhelmed. What about the local government?”
“What can they do? Rocco has bought all of the politicians!”
“Yeah, I don’t see much of a future for Mars. Rocco has to be stopped.”
“But how? He’s too big!”
“There’s always a weakness in every system. I’ll find it.”
“Look, John, can we just stop talking about this? Let’s do something fun before it’s too late!”
“Like what?”
“Let’s go dancing! I haven’t done that in a long while!”
Walker laughed and said,
“Me neither! Okay, let’s go but I have to warn you! I’m pretty rusty!”
They ran out of the apartment and went looking for a dance club…..
The night club was full and jumping. Walker and Edwards danced to a big jazz band. The musicians were all dressed in black tie and tails. When the music stopped, they walked over to a table and collapsed laughing. Walker said, out of breath,
“Boy, I haven’t done that in a long time!”
“Me neither!”
A robot waiter wearing a black suit and tie walked over with two drinks on a tray. Walker said,
“What’s this? We didn’t order anything!”
The robot pointed to the bar and said,
“The drinks came from that man over there.”
Walker looked and saw a thin, old man with white hair wearing a dark gray suit and a red tie. The man smiled and raised a drink in salute. Edwards asked,
“Who’s that?”
“I have no idea.”
The old man got up from his bar stool and walked over. He asked, in a slight Russian accent,
“Pardon me. May I sit with you?”
Walker said,
“Yes, of course.”
“Thank you.”
As the old man sat down, Walker scanned him. He looked at Walker with a knowing smile and said,
“You are very impressive, Detective John Walker! I can feel you trying to get into my mind!”
The old man tapped his head. Walker asked,
“How do you know who I am?”
“Oh, I know everything about you! You are a special agent with the NYPD, yes? I have been following your career with great interest! You and I are very much the same, yes? And this beautiful and charming woman is Detective Samantha Edwards of the Martian Police Force!”
Edwards smiled and said, with a look of confusion on her face,
“Who are you?”
“Oh, let me introduce myself! I am Boris Petrov of Russia! I used to work for the secret police and now I work for the CIA! They pay much better, yes? You see, Detective Walker and I have a lot in common. We are both gifted psychics who work for the government. The Russians have a similar training program. It all goes back to the old Soviet days. Ah, detective, I have to talk to you about some things when you get a chance. I have some information that I think you’ll find very interesting. But we can’t talk here. It’s too loud, yes? Can we go somewhere more quiet?”
“Yes, of course. Let’s go.”
The three of them got up and walked out of the nightclub and found a coffee shop. A robot waiter came by and took their orders for coffee. Petrov said,
“Now, let me just say that I am on a mission to discover what the connection is between Rocco and the Tyler Corporation. The government is most anxious to find a way to control the corporation. It has been steadily taking over Mars and the government is very worried. You see, the Tyler Corporation is like a giant octopus slowly taking over everything. Pretty soon, it will control the whole planet and so will Johnny Rocco! They are working together! Now, your assignment is to find and take Max Thorton back to Earth. The government is very anxious to keep Thorton away from Rocco and the corporation. Max Thorton knows everyone in the underworld. He is like a living computer. He is the missing key to all of this. Governor Ryan and Rocco are trying to bring other members of their gang to Mars. If this happens, there will be no hope for the government on Mars. Mars will become a separate world – controlled by thieves and murderers! Who knows what will happen then, eh? Pure chaos, I think.”
Walker said, rubbing his chin,
“Yes, but how did Johnny Rocco come to Mars? It doesn’t make any sense! How could something like this happen?”
“Ah, there is someone who has been helping Rocco! I think I know who it is!”
“Who?”
“Well, I am not sure but I am looking into it.”
“Look, can we work together on this? I’m having my android break into the corporation’s computer system. Once that happens, I’ll know more.”
“Your android won’t be able to break in. The corporation’s computer system is very heavily guarded. Unless the android has the right key, it won’t get in. I’ll see what I can do to help. Yes, we can work together! It’s a very good idea! But now, I must retire. I am getting old and I need my sleep. We will see each other again on Mars.”
The old man got up and shook Walker’s hand. He then took Edwards’s hand and kissed it. He said,
“Good night, my friends. Pleasant dreams!”
The old man walked away slowly. Edwards asked Walker,
“What’s wrong?”
“Something’s wrong. I felt it when he touched my hand. He’s not telling the truth. He knows more than he telling us.”
He shook his head and said,
“Look, I’m getting tired. I have to go and talk to the android about our new friend here. I’ll see you back in the apartment.”
“Okay. Don’t be long.”
Edwards got up and kissed him. Walker followed her out of the coffee shop….
Walker found the android sitting in his chair, staring straight ahead at the video monitor with his eyes open. The monitor showed the stars. Walker sat down next to the android and asked him,
“How are you doing?”
“I am fine, detective. We are beginning to slow down. We are more than halfway to Mars. It won’t be long now. Can I help you?”
“Yes. I need some information on a man by the name of Boris Petrov. He used to work for the Russian secret police and now he works for the CIA. What can you find on him?”
“Just a moment later.”
A moment later, a picture of a much younger Boris Petrov in his Russian secret police uniform appeared on the screen. The android said,
“Boris Petrov is a well known professional psychic. He has used his abilities in the past to kill people on orders from the Russian government. He makes his victims hearts stop and his victims appear to have died of heart attacks. He has many ties to various organizations. He is rumored to have assassinated heads of state for money. He is currently working for the CIA. Why do you ask? Is he on the ship?”
“Yes. He’s going to Mars. I just met him.”
“Hmmmm…..I see. He is, as they say, a shady character. Why is he going to Mars?”
“I don’t know yet. I can’t read his mind. What about the Tyler Corporation’s computer system? Can you get in?”
“No, I am being blocked.”
“Hmmm…they’re probably hiding something. Well, keep trying. If anything happens, let me know.”
“Yes, detective.”
Walker got up and sensed that Petrov was nearby. He looked around and saw Petrov sitting in a bar. He waved Walker over and he walked over to Petrov and sat down next to him. Petrov said,
“I need to talk to you. Please follow me to my apartment.”
Walker followed Petrov up a flight of stairs to the next level and they walked down a hallway and into Petrov’s apartment. Petrov closed the door and said,
“I must apologize…..I couldn’t say anything in front of Detective Edwards. Please sit down. Do you want something to drink?”
“No, thanks. What’s up?”
“Well, I can’t keep any secrets from you. You will find out eventually. I am working as a double agent for the government. The government is very worried about the situation on Mars. Things are getting out of hand. The director of the CIA instructed me to work with Johnny Rocco to find out what’s going on and what his plans are. The government is losing the war with the corporation, as you well know. It keeps growing stronger every day. Now, you must understand something – the man who allowed Johnny Rocco to go to Mars is the District Attorney, Robert Anderson. He was once Rocco’s lawyer. You will find this out on your own, of course. DA Anderson is very well connected politically, as they all are. They know how to play the game but I know for a fact that Mr Anderson is having second thoughts on what’s going on. He is the weak link in their chain, you might say. I am passing information back and forth and it is a very awkward situation.”
“It must be. Hmmm…..thanks for telling me all this.”
He sat thinking. Petrov made himself a drink. Walker finally said,
“So, can we work together on this?”
“I don’t see why not. We can share information, if you like.”
“Excellent. Look, once we’re on Mars, let me know what’s going on, all right? Keep in touch.”
“Yes, of course.”
Walker stood up and walked out of Petrov’s apartment. Something as bothering him but he didn’t know what was wrong. Petrov was a very slick character. He would have to stay alert. He walked back to Edwards’s apartment and got into bed with her. They would soon be on Mars and then it would get interesting……