Introduction:
A hundred miles away in Eagle One, John Koenig guided the craft back towards Moonbase Alpha. For the past month, that moon has traveled through and area of space filled with brightly colored lights. No one could explain the phenomenon, but Alpha had been treated to light shows that were more than spectacular at times.
Surprisingly enough, the base hadn't suffered any damage. Although, energy sparks much like lightning struck one of the exterior laser canons on the surface, and it had to be repaired immediately. With weapons technician Lauren Collins at his side, they completed the repairs together, making sure all the other lasers were in working order as well.
Setting beside Commander Koenig in the pilot section of the Eagle, Lauren sighed as she glanced out at the dark sky while the lights danced around them. At times it looked as though you could reach out and touch the lights, holding them in your hands.
"They look so much different out here," she remarked.
John nodded. "Certainly much closer." he added. His thoughts drifted for a moment thinking of Helena and how anxious he was to get back to her.
Lauren glanced his direction. "You know, these lights make me think about my boyfriend Lance back on Earth. We were setting on the beach watching the fireworks for July 4. I was leaving for Alpha a few days after that and..." her voice trailed off, she was on the verge of tears.
John was about to reply when suddenly the lights exploded and flashed into action. They were bright enough to cause both passengers to shield there eyes.
"Wow!" Lauren exclaimed. "I never knew they could get this bright." She wished she had sunglasses to put on.
John looked away from the lights for a moment and then Eagle One began to shudder. John gripped the controls and advised Lauren to strap herself in as he did the same. The shaking grew worse and he instinctively reached down and switched on the tracking transmitter. If they went down, Alpha would be able to locate them.
Lauren was watching the lights as they began to make a design on some kind.
"Commander, look," she cried out pointing in front of her.
When John looked up, the lights were opening a path. He immediately switched on the emergency transmitter, then put the Eagle on auto pilot. The controls weren't responding as Eagle One flew helplessly into the tunnel of lights.
Lauren grew anxious and struggled to get out of her chair.
"No!" John warned, releasing his own harness.
Suddenly, without warning, Eagle One shot forward with an incredible burst of speed. Both John and Lauren were pitched violently forward as the craft hurled out of control. Neither one expected the incredible events that were about to follow.