What is Project (M)Earth?

Dear Reader

So Far:

• An object has been discovered in the Kuiper Belt 70AUs away
• Despite their reluctance to report it, the two astronomers who made the discovery, Eric Carpenter and Andy Choo made the discovery known
• JÖRD become involved officially
• The public broadcaster NewsReal report the object’s position
• As it is reported, the comet leaves the Kuiper Belt, which isn’t unusual for such an object
• What is unusual is its path directly to Earth and its speed of 370,000mph
• These details are kept secret to avoid panic. Eric Carpenter and Andy Choo are requested to join JÖRD to investigate and uncover the comet’s intentions

This is confirmed by the call which rook place soon after the NewReal report was aired. This could be because they still didn’t have all the information they required to make a proper assessment of the entity and any threat it could pose. Also it had just left the Kuiper Belt and who could tell next movements will be?

After the NewReal transmission Eric Carpenter and Andy Choo were talking with Juan Lopez, Head of Extra Terrestrial Threats, JÖRD. It was Juan’s job to get Eric on board with the investigations into this comet and find out its intentions, if any. Eric was reluctant to join JÖRD, given his experience years ago.

“Relax Eric. You’ll spend equal time with us and at Burbank. I need someone to head up this think tank. We’re not going to be caught out on this one. We need to watch this thing every step of the way. I’m head of this team and as such I have other commitments which I was working on before you discovered this thing.

Your job will be to follow it every step of the way. We’ll need an analysis which shows the potential threat, along with your recommendations. Also, you’ll be doing a lot of PR work. It could be this thing disappears, or changes course, or just stops. Whatever it does we need someone with your expertise of the region of space it’s coming from along your people skills. I saw you all those years back. You were good.

Your first week will be meeting people. I have some people lined up, I feel you should meet.”

“Who are they?” Eric was starting to warm to this new role. After all these years, he thought, finally some positive recognition.

“I’d like you to meet Helios P Stephem. Gotta be nice to him. In a way he’s our boss. He’s funding this whole project and paying our salaries. You’ll have meetings with him regularly to discuss findings, developments and suggestions. He tells me he’ll make himself available for you 24/7. You’re a lucky guy. I gather the President is pulling out his hair because Helios won’t return his calls. But you have him 24/7. Not many people can say that.

Next, I’d like you to meet Cherry Hart. She’s the Communications Executive at the Global Nations. Anything you discover or propose that has global impact will need to be announced publicly. She’s the one to do that on your behalf, by addressing the GN Assembly. You’ll get on well with her. She’s great.

Magnus Helgarson is really handy to know. He’s Head of POLAR and Launch Operations at JÖRD. I’ll introduce you to him. We’re good friends. I think we’ll need to launch probes to this thing to get more information. Whatever launch activity you suggest,  Magnus will give you priority over everything else. You’ll probably meet him here at Whisman Road.” Whisman Road was the address for the department of JÖRD which dealt with and investigated extra terrestrial threats. It inherited the offices from SETI, which disbanded almost two hundred years ago.

Lopez continued “Finally we’re going to get you some airtime. Your role will be high profile and you’ll need to appear on TV to discuss your findings. I’ll introduce you to Anthony John. I’ve just spoken with him. He’s nice. I just met him for the first time before the interview you just watched. I think for the moment that’s it. What do you think?

Eric was starting to look forward to his new role. “I like the sound of it. I’m just a little worried about working for Mr Stephem”

“Eric, don’t worry about that. I know why you’re worried. That was years ago and it was a genuine mistake. The only person keeping those demons alive is you. You’re going to be a part of something bigger now. Also JÖRD is working with you this time. You have their full support, as well as that of Helios – as long as you make a good first impression.

Andy. We would like you to stay at Big Bear Mountain. You’ll be Eric’s assistant. Please help him with whatever he needs. We’ll need to include you in our regular meetings, as you will be monitoring the object’s progress. Is that OK?”

“That’s great Dr Lopez” Andy was excited at his new role.

“Please, call me Juan from now on. Welcome to the team guys. We have a lot of work to do ahead of us. Oh, you now have access to your files again. I have to say, I feel so much more confident about this now that I have you both on board. I’ll speak to you both tomorrow. Bye”

“Bye, Juan” Eric and Andy said in unison. The display went blank

“YES!” Eric punched the air in victory and kicked away from his workstation, rolling across the floor. Andy was as elated as Eric. They couldn’t believe their luck. It was true the Earth was facing a potential danger, but they now felt they were finally being recognised for the great scientists they knew they were.

“Finally” Eric said, almost delirious, “We’ve made it Andy”

“Yes, I know, Eric. Why do you think they chose us, though?”

“You heard Juan. They need people with our understanding of this region of space. We have been working on this sector for four years, you know.”

“Yes. I suppose so.” Andy was a little reticent. “What do you think it is?” They maximised the 3DVR image of the comet and watched its progress. JÖRD had removed the encryption for their use, now they were ‘part of the team’. It was speeding towards the Earth’s Solar System. “It’s not natural you know.”

“I know” Eric sounded pensive. But the mood soon changed to one of celebration and they both enacted an ancient gesture handed down by their ancestors; a high five.

Eric and Andy’s celebration went on through the night. Realising it was soon daybreak, they went out onto the balcony of their observatory to watch the Sun herald a new day. This day was different. From now on they were important. They would speak and the world would listen.

Early morning rays clung onto the tops of the mountains and seemed to hoist the Sun slowly into the air. The cloud tops were illuminated and the mountain peaks began to cast their long shadows. The air was fresh; their faces were being caressed by the Sun’s rays. This was the feeling of success.

Eric’s First Day at Stephem Enterprises, Burbank

Eric arrived at the headquarters of Stephem Enterprises. He wasn’t too fond of Helios P Stephem, despite Juan’s reassurances. Something deep inside him made him very wary. Maybe it was Stephem’s immense wealth – the richest man in the history of Planet Earth. A multi centrillionaire. Exactly how may zeroes  was that? But Eric’s misgivings soon subsided as he stepped into the  Stephem Enterprises HQ in Burbank. True to Stephem’s opulent nature, it did not disappoint. Furnished with the very latest HOME and environmental innovations, this building moulded itself to all its inhabitants’ requirements. Everything was intuitive and it learned everyone’s preferences, from temperature and Humidity to ambient music and lighting levels. This was Eric’s first day and he didn’t know what to expect. He crossed the lavishly decorated main foyer, got into the lift, which was compatible with MIND technology, although he opted to use the old fashioned method.

“350^th floor, please” he said.

“Unable to comply and/or execute. Unrecognised voice pattern. Please repeat instruction”

Frustrated, Eric touched the wall display panel to select the 350^th floor. The doors closed behind him and five seconds later the doors opened. Before him was the grandest, most opulent reception he had ever seen, with the most spectacular view. This was the top floor of the building. The 350^th floor was Stephem’s, the location of his office where he brought guests to remind them of his achievements and power. From this height of more than two thousand metres he looked down on the world – quite literally, in every sense.

The main reception was directly ahead, and behind it, a large window. Today the cloud tops were at 1,500 feet and Eric could see the Pacific off in the distance. Between the lift and reception was a 3DVR display area. As he left the lift and made his way to the reception, he could see the point of the display. Its whole existence seemed to be the self gratification of Stephem and his achievements for Earth and its inhabitants. As Eric watched, it was showing the POLAR structures. A craft had just reached the top, launched for the platform and flew towards the holographic moon. Despite the arrogance of this display, Eric did inwardly concede to being impressed. The craft left the Earth’s orbit and flew across the reception to land on the moon, which was depicted in another 3DVR array to the left. Eric stood, mesmerised. As much as he disliked and mistrusted Stephem, he had to admire his showmanship. The main display switched to a description of Project (M)Earth. This would be interesting, Eric thought, especially to see what Stephem would say about phase three; but just at that point,

“Yes?”

His engrossed state was shattered. He looked right, towards the reception, from where the voice seemed to originate. 

“YES? Don’t make me ask you again” This woman didn’t seem right in these surroundings, Eric thought.

“Oh, hi, I’m Eric Carpenter. I’m due to start here today. I’ve been asked to come straight up here and meet Mr Stephem.” Eric, was very nervous after this initial encounter.

“Mr Carpenter, if you continue to walk around in a daze, you will also find this will be your last day. Mr Stephem does not work with imbeciles! Sit down.”

This incident had rattled Eric and he was very tempted to walk out, but decided against it. He made his way over to one of the very comfortable soft leather sofas and marvelled in its comfort. He chose not to watch the 3DVR presentation – it had got him in enough trouble. Instead he sat down, keeping one eye on the she warrior at the desk and another on the Fly by Flux activity outside. Then it struck him; if this was Stephem’s secretary, how much worse would Stephem be? Eric sunk back further into his seat, wondering what would emerge from Stephem’s office.

An eternity seemed to pass before a large door opened. Striding out confidently with a big cheesy grin on his face was a person Eric recognised as Helios P Stephem. So this was the man himself, Eric thought. Stephem bounded up to Eric and thrust his hand out.

“Eric. I’m so pleased to meet you! Welcome aboard. It’s great to have you here.” Eric was astounded at how hyperactive Stephem was. “Did you get a coffee? You didn’t get a coffee. Penny, why didn’t you get a coffee for Eric? Come on, he’s new to the team. Get him a coffee. No don’t worry I’ll do it myself, in my office.”

Stephem, still shaking Eric’s hand vigorously, hoisted him out of the seat and slapped him on the back and walked him to his office, with his hand on his Eric’s shoulder. Just like two life long friends.

“So, what d’ya think?” Eric didn’t have a clue what Stephem was talking about and gave him the lost child look. “The office, the building. Great aren’t they?”

“Err…Yes, Mr Stephem. Absolutely” Stephem immediately removed his hand from Eric’s shoulder. Eric sensed he had upset Stephem, “you can stop that Mr Stephem business right now! It’s Helios from now on. Savvy?” Eric nodded. He just could not get a word in. He was now convinced he knew the truth behind Stephem’s fortune. Everyone he met would pay him a small fortune just to shut up. But Eric was starting to think differently about Stephem. This change of heart led him to feel a little guilty too. Eric prided himself on being an accurate judge of character. It was a gift he had from an early age. His argument was simple, using this ‘first impressions principle’, Eric argued he chose his wife using it and she was the most amazing woman in the world. Maybe he was wrong about Stephem he thought. Stephem closed the office door. Eric’s eye was immediately caught by the suspended globes and models in the glass cabinet in Stephem’s office. He was impressed.

“Great, aren’t they?” Stephem asked with pride.

“Helios. They’re amazing”

“The history of flight from the Wright Brothers to now”

“I’m not familiar with this one”, Eric walked over to the Herphomos. “When did this fly?”

“Well Eric, it hasn’t yet. That’s the Herphomos. It’s very nearly finished. I’m building it on the moon. I’m beginning to wonder if it will ever enter operation” Stephem’s hyperactivity was replaced by reflection and glumness. “How do you like your coffee?” Stephem cheered up a little.

“Milk and one sugar please.”

“I see you had the pleasure of meeting Penny?”

“Well, I met her. Let’s put it that way”

“Eric,” Stephem was whispering at this point, “does she scare you too?” Eric nodded. “Man, she’s so scary. I keep on telling her about the way she speaks to people, but she doesn’t listen. I’ve wondered so many times what it would be like if I was married to her, but it always ends in tragedy – her nagging me to death!”

They both laughed aloud and looked at the door, expecting Penny to storm in and reprimand them for their frivolity. 

“Eric, it’s great to have you on board. Thanks for agreeing to take the job. Just to fill you in, my company has been asked by JÖRD to help with this thing that’s on its way to Earth. Dr Lopez suggested you could help and I rely on his expertise. I’m sorry you’ve been stuck on Big Bear Mountain all these years. But one good thing did come out of it – two actually. You probably have more knowledge about deep, deep space than anyone else and also you discovered the damn thing. We need you Eric.

I’m hoping, as part of Dr Lopez’s team, but based here, you will be able to regularly update me on developments. A kind of advisor, I suppose. Also, I, this company, will be expected to finance any projects focussed on dealing with this thing. Anything you learn, any ideas you have, I will expect you to talk to me. Money is not a factor here. What do you think?”

Eric was starting to like this job. Here he was, a shunned astronomer banished into professional seclusion, who now had a second chance. But best of all, the person who gave him this chance was the richest man in the history of the planet. Here they were discussing what could be done about a seemingly rogue intelligence speeding towards Earth. Eric was trying to comprehend how important he was going to be. Finally the world will see the type of brilliant man he was. He would talk and Stephem would listen. He could feel the tingling sensation of power permeating his body; it was truly an aphrodisiac.

“I like the sound of that, Helios.” Eric said.

“Don’t get me wrong, Eric. This job definitely has its plus side. You are now my advisor, my spokesman on this matter. Your decisions, recommendations, will have a lasting effect on this planet.”

The setting did not seem right to Eric. Here was a rich man, so rich a new category had been invented for him. Many people had been called “the richest person in the country”, or “the richest man in the world”, but Stephem’s title catapulted him into truly stratospheric status. He was the richest man in the history of the planet.

Together these two men driven by different ambitions, were planning the next moves which they hoped would uncover the truth behind this mysterious object hurtling toward Earth. What were its intentions?

So dear reader, Eric is finally working with Helios P Stephem. These two men are driven by different ambitions; one is driven by financial gains, power and technological achievement and the other by the need to be recognised and accepted as a great astronomer, especially after his huge humiliation years ago. We are investigating further what happens as the comet approaches, Stephem and Carpenter work together and the world realises the threat which is approaching. I will update you as the proceedings unravel.

Jeh Yong.

Thich Hanh Tu