Prologue
October 16, 2007
Hot. Damnably so.
Truth be told, it wasn't so much different than the dozens of parched worlds he had visited, except that it was his world and it wasn't supposed to be like this. Even here in the desert, things seemed more desolate than before.
10 years before. It didn't just seem like another lifetime ago – it was.
He half expected the soles of his worn boots to combust as he navigated the two-lane ribbon of blacktop which bisected the landscape. Not a single car had passed since he had met up with the road several hours earlier. Perhaps he was too late.
He stopped to wipe his brow with the sleeve of his velour tunic and thought about timing.
"Too late?", he let go with a rueful laugh. "Too late?"
The whole world has died and you just happened to arrive too late to drive the final nail in the coffin. Well, Zach, that's just like you. Always snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. You traded the lives of six billion people for this glorious opportunity to take the ultimate walk of shame. Enjoy your trip. Oh, by the way, don't forget to say hello to the Rob-".
"Be quiet, be quiet, BE QUIET!" He fell to his knees as his eyes misted from anger and regret. "Why can't you just leave me alone? Haven't I paid enough?"
Not by a long shot, Zach, m'boy! Never fear, Smith is ALWAYS here.
Shaking his head in a vain attempt to cast out the voice, he slowly drew himself up and resumed his journey. Shortly, he spied the remains of an old sign which had been freed from its post by the constant winds. Clearing the sand away from the half buried metal, he was able to make out the blasted lettering:
Government Reserve
Authorized Personnel Only
THIS IS NOT A GREEN ZONE!
USE OF DEADLY FORCE AUTHORIZED!
The term "Green Zone" meant nothing to him, but there was no doubt now that he was on the right path. Nothing to do, but keep moving. As he mounted a small rise, his destination came into view. A high chain link fence crossed the road perhaps a half a mile from his position. Just beyond the fence was a nondescript white cinderblock building. A Jeep was parked beside of the structure. His pace quickened, bolstered by confidence.
He had not covered another hundred yards, when two Jeeps sprang from the dunes to his right. As they approached, it was quite obvious that they represented the "deadly force" aspect of the place. Each vehicle contained one driver and one gunner manning what looked to be enough firepower to stop a squadron of intruders.
"This is a government installation. Identify yourself", came an amplified voice from one of the vehicles as it screeched to a halt just a few yards away.
"Am I correct in assuming that this is Alpha Control?". His need for confirmation was greater than satisfying their need to comply with orders.
The driver of the rightmost vehicle stepped out and leveled a small machine gun at the newcomer. "State your identity. I will not ask again."
Go ahead, Zach! You can't reason with trained apes. Let 'em in on your big secret. No need for modesty. Their Shiva has returned!
"I would speak with General Stephen Montgomery. Please let him know that he has a visitor who has traveled many light years to see him."
A bullet struck the pavement mere inches from the point of his boot. Obviously, the soldiers would brook no further discussion.
"Very well", he sighed. "I am Doctor Zachary Smith, at your service."