Chapter 1

Powered by its magnificent nuclear engines, the powerful search vessel Nike rocketed its way into space. Their take off was successful; however the initial liftoff made a nervous few doubt their calculations. Their sleek vessel was a testament to American scientific ingenuity.  Nike carried onboard three highly trained astronauts – specialists for the mission. Countdown began… then, ignition. The fourth mission to explore Mars was successfully launched. As the team sky rocketed into space, the members left Earth orbit, and then heard a cheerful “hurrah” from inside mission control at the Cape.

 After their initial takeoff, they reached the second tedious, burn phase, building up enough  momentum till they reached maximum velocity, after which they could sail to their final destination, to explore Mars. Nike was designed to safely carry the three astronauts, billions of miles, in a trajectory around the sun till it neared its much anticipated orbital approach, to that fourth planet in our system, Mars.

 During the mid phase Commander Stephen Powers ordered his small crew to check and double check their nuclear reactor’s safety systems for shutdown.  Nike’s engines began its scheduled cooling. As Nike closed in their target they were mentally rehearsing their landing.

 Firing its retro rockets the vessel decelerated its way toward the rust colored planet surface. Scientists back on earth were desperate to find any signs of life on the now barren planet. The common hope was to find out one of the most important questions of mankind today – is there life outside our precious blue home planet? But what they actually found would change life back on Earth for years to come.

“Touchdown, finally,” After a careful check it appeared everybody had safely landed on one of the now dry riverbeds on Mars.  The ship took toll of what appeared to be a lifeless alien environment.  Commander Powers said assertively in a commanding voice, “We’ve arrived at our destination.  Alert mission control as soon as possible.”

It would take hours to send a message all the way back to Earth; even while it travels at the speed  of light.  The same was true when Earth would radio back to the ship, since the distance between the two planets was so great, making communication tediously long, and sometimes unbearable.

“Also, let’s do another system check, and take readings on the reactor’s radiation levels.”  After all systems were in check they were ready for exploration. “Get ready to set foot on the Martian surface.”  Included on the ship were Michael Stone, Geologist, and Sharon Gould, Biochemist and Flight Engineer.  They proceeded to exit the mission’s command vehicle.  ”OK people, it’s now or never, proceed to the airlock.”  Gould was hesitant about venturing in a dangerous vacuous environment without an atmosphere.  She hesitated for a moment, then, unlatched the sealed hatched door and both members exited onto the dusty barren surface.   Their specialized mission, to find signs for life on Mars, was proceeding on schedule.  Powers remained on the ship while the other two explored the Martian surface.  Powers had hoped they would find something so remarkable they would justify the cost of the mission.  The Commander had a feeling he was in for an experience he might regret. But the focus was now on the mission.

            It was after about three long hours on the surface that Stone came upon sludge like black tar liquid that bubbled and pooled on the surface.   Stone carefully opened his aluminum coated, sample container. Stone knelt down and reached for the sludge in hesitation, since he had no idea how this substance could possibly react.  He collected about 500 grams of the slimy substance.  He immediately named the unknown substance as “dope.” Along with the “dope” the two adventurers collected about a dozen other remarkable substances to take back to the mighty ship.

 Satisfied with its hefty cargo, Commander Powers ordered the takeoff of the ship on its last phase of the mission – its voyage back to planet Earth.  Powers gazed out the window as the ship accelerated from its landing site headed back to the planet of its origin. After a solemn prayer led by Stone, they detached Nike’s boost rockets, toward a trajectory that would intercept with Earth.  The calculations had to be right as they had only one shot at home.

            Three weeks later, after a successful deceleration, Nike blew its main nuclear rocket assembly toward a collision course toward the sun, using up its usefulness in a solemn goodbye – in a maneuver that would safely dispose of its highly radioactive plutonium. Nike’s shuttle Lander prepared for an interception and eventual landing, on Earth. Everybody held their breath, in anticipation as the shuttle successfully made contact with Nevada’s Groom Lake fifteen mile desert runway. Once on touchdown the critical stage was now over.  

 Hours after the mission, the three astronauts were carefully screened for any foreign material, organic or mineral, that might cause a danger to home. After days of debriefing the three were given permission to shower and sleep in one of the launch sites most comfortable sleeping compartments at NASA referred to as “heaven on Earth.”

As the three astronauts awoke from their slumber, Commander Powers discovered a burning rash that started from his fingers spreading all the way up to his elbow on his right arm. He tried walking but his vision became blurred and began seeing hallucinations. Visions of vibrating waves in shades of blue and red permeated inside his visual cortex. Suddenly, he collapsed and violently fell to the ground experiencing full grand mal seizures. Powers lapsed into a deep coma just as soon as he hit the floor and began receiving immediate medical attention. He was confined to a one bed, at a NASA’s affiliated hospital, intensive care room.

After being in intensive care he was transferred to The Renaissance, a  private facility where his health was more hands on and more specific for pilots and astronauts.  In the center, it had cozy surroundings had a clear view of the nest of pine trees that encircled the remotely located hospital’s main entrance. It gave treatment a peaceful atmosphere.

The days passed by as Powers remained motionless.  His prognosis was not good.  He had better odds at gambling, which was only an hour away, playing roulette in one of the plush casinos that inhabited the Vegas strip. But as time passed he was almost nearly forgotten, like a footnote, by the National Aeronautics and Space and Agency.

            Then one day after four weeks of coma, a jolt of electricity triggered a response on his EEG.  The medical staff alerted high command as it seemed Powers was recovering from his deep coma. Following doctor’s orders, the staff immediately notified General Robert’s message service.  The general hastily dressed this early morning anticipating a chance to see his faithful old friend.  Roberts blasted his subordinates in a frightening tone, “Get me to Commander Powers, pronto.”

  The luxurious Crown Victoria left the general in front of NASA Medical Center.   As the general and his armada of staff members entered into Power’s hospital room, Roberts said, “Well Powers, give it up.  What happened?”

            “I don’t know Frank. One moment I noticed a burning sensation on my left arm, and next, I saw visions of waves in colors of  deep red and green; and then collapsed onto the Geology section’s solid concrete floor.  After that, I’m not sure what happened.  It’s all a blur.”

            Roberts conferred with the medical staff in the walnut covered conference room on an adjacent corner on the third floor.  He came back to his room to give Stephen the news.  “Well,” said the general, “it appears we found something disturbing.  Your EEG reading went off the scale.  Your mental activity is going haywire.  We’ve never seen readings like this before.  We’d like to keep you here under 24 hour observation.  I’m worried that substance called “dope” was exposed to you, in a tear in your suit, after its examination, in the mission lab.  How do you feel?”

            “I feel like I had a dozen Margaritas,” struggled Powers.

Roberts said, “ We need further tests until we can find a cause for your EEG fluctuations.  We believe “dope” may be the cause, but only God knows for sure how it affected you. We just don’t know. We need to run more tests.”

            In the next few weeks at NASA Medical Commander Powers came under intense analysis by orders of the space agency staff.  He observed the results of the IQ test that morning.  What Roberts heard astounded him. It showed a score of IQ 450, completely off the scale.  It was difficult to give an exact estimate for an IQ that high. The research teams at the hospital were dumbfounded.  This had never happened before. 

“God only know what has happened to this man.  This occurrence is historic in nature.” Said General Roberts, “But I think we should be careful about revealing this information, for if the wrong people get hold of this discovery the results could be very disastrous.”

But Powers was almost back to normal by the next week, ready enough to go out to the golf range.   The Commander took a few hours to assimilate his situation. Powers was given a wonderful gift. General Roberts could only imagine the possibilities of what he could accomplish with such an ability.  Roberts told the Commander, “Son, by God, you are one for the most extreme cases I have ever seen in my past,  ever since I was a cadet in the corps. I have several ideas where we can use your talents, but ultimately, it is up to you to decide what course you take.”

            Powers hesitated for a moment, then under intense thought asked the general, “Would you support any decision I choose?”

            “Damn it Stephen, I would shine your boots for your entire life if you decide to use your gift for something you think useful.  Get this. That echoes what came down from the president, himself.  He’d like to meet you someday.”

            “It would be an honor.”  Little did he know his wish would someday be granted? Powers felt high on life as he reflected what went on the past morning.

“But I’ve been given a directive by President Cartwright, that you be given free range to follow in any direction you choose as long as you work towards anything to help to mankind.  But you are to report to myself, General Roberts, so that I can guide you, and channel your much anticipated research.”

General Roberts said, “I do, though, have a gut feeling that this new ability might lead to something sinister.  I mean we don’t know anything about this new ability or how dangerous this new substance could be.  I feel this “dope” and its repercussions   are something mankind is not ready to handle.”

“You worry too much,” said Commander Powers.”I too have some concerns, but let’s see where it leads us.  OK.”

            “Fine, well do it your way.”