CHAPTER 5

SHIPING LANES

In the ship, Darrien is using an electric screwdriver and is taking off one of the panels of the bridge console. As he takes off the last screw, he pulls the plate away and he digs into several of the circuit boards that are connected. He, along with Candy, both look at the circuit board plans, each of them specifically remembered. And each of the circuit chips had a name in the key to the plans. Candy then takes one of the laptops from the black bag, unzips it from its protective case and takes out some connective wires and as the wires are connected to the outlet of the laptop and on the other end of the wires are metal clamps.

She connects the small clamps to a couple of circuit chips. Candy then turns her laptop on, and she clicks onto a program. The program downloads and accesses the data from the chips. She then types some commands on the transference of the functions and data to the laptop program. As it happens the data is downloaded successfully.

Candy says, "Aright we have full control of this console."

Darrien has a flutter in his veil, Candy knows it means a small smile and Darrien says, "Bravo, that one down and (sigh) so many more to go."

Both repeat the same actions until everything in the bridge is set up and operational. Afterward both Candy and Darrien are walking down a hallway, while walking both are looking at the ship map and then soon after one more turn their where they want to be. They arrive at a red steel door, Darrien he then sees the keyhole, he then unscrews the fingertip of his left bionic arm forefinger; his unscrewed forefinger reveals which looks like a key. He then puts the key end close to the keyhole and the key end then starts to morph as it recognizes the lock into the right kind of key. He then inserts and turns the lock and then once he hears the click, he then takes his bionic finger out of the keyhole and then pulls the red door open.

Once it's all the way open both come inside and as they do, they see the room which is completely white as there are walls and floors that are porcelain white. Except for the circle of consoles that they see which each are connected to the big rectangular boxes which are giant lock boxes as each of them have keyhole.

Darrien, he follows up on the same action as with the red door, takes his bionic finger then inserts his key end into the keyhole and opens both boxes. Both then look in and see there are rows of glowing crystals which are glowing and each of them are different colors. One of them they see is an ocean blue but has this image of what looks like parting clouds that are moving slowly but constantly. Another is purple but there seems to be what almost resembles a swirling galaxy that is magenta and colored. Darrien, he then closes the box and then both go to where the center of the circle of consoles and boxes revolves.

There is what looks like some sort of middle circular table which has what looks like five crane hooks, each on different sides of the circle and all of them bent and aimed at what should be something at the dead center. Darrien and Candy look at each other and Darrien says, "This is what causes all the magic of this ship."

Candy says, "As you said according to the story, they were able to utilize the Unified Field Theory."

Darrien says, "Yes and it seems like it's with the power of those crystals that are inside each of those boxes, it made that theory into a reality."

Candy says, "But there are certain crystals that I've never seen before in my life, at least ones that are on any of the common crystals charts."

Darrien says, "Each of those crystals we'll analyze and study overtime to better understand and harness their power."

Darrien, he then looks at the center table. "But before we do all that we have to have the final piece."

Candy says, "According to the plans, it states that a sphere of power is needed, and the one that dropped down on Gravity Falls is perfect for it."

Darrien says, "That must've been what they did with the Betz Sphere years ago, scientists and engineers figured out with this sphere they wouldn't not just harness its power but control it, probably to make the field the ship emits non-lethal."

"But we know what happened the last time they turn it all on."

"But look how intact this ship is now and the plans we have are from the 1960s all the way to the 1980's, they have been corrections and improvements since that time, and they were near the same time when the first sphere dropped."

Candy looks at the consoles and then looks at Darrien and says, "I don't know, we truly are taking one heck of a risk, if we decide to do this."

"It won't be a risk, because we're going to do a controlled test."

"What do you mean?"

"We'll both be a safe distance from the ship operating the ship with our lap tops. With the sphere in its place, and with our computer systems operating we'll accelerate the ship and as it's on its way we'll track it with our computer systems and from the coordinates I programed it to go, it will touchdown there and it will be in our hands for good."

Candy, she takes a breath and says, "This is really heavy."

"Yes, it is."

Candy looks up and she realizes that was not Darrien's voice. Darrien, he recognizes the voice and says, "I was expecting you."

Darrien looks and sees Matt along with Gloria are in front of the entrance.

Matt says, "We need to talk."

Darrien says, 'Yes we do."

Both Matt and Darrien are at the front deck while Gloria and Candy are at the bridge, Matt looks at Darrien and says, "I was able to figure out where you were because I remember your fascination with that legend of "The Philadelphia Experiment"; personally at the time I never believed it, but I'll admit after a few strange encounters including the one with the Metal Man years ago, I believe anything is now possible."

Darrien then puts the iced tea down and says, "Let's cut to the chase on the conversation, knowing you I already know where this is going."

Matt says, 'You can't keep the ship nor the sphere, their too dangerous for anyone."

Darren he then delivers a deep sigh and then looks at Matt and says, "Oh, Matt you know you've always had the dream but not the drive."

Matt says, "Darrien you already know the capabilities of this machine, you know the danger."

"I'm well aware of it but ask yourself this is what I'm doing really different from what you've done; and if it wasn't me to find and harness this ship it could be someone else, someone who's hands are even more dangerous than mine."

"Whether it's VENOM or not, from the power of this ship I don't know if I can trust you with this."

"I know, I'm not sure I can trust myself with this, but I have to because I'm one of the only people that can sail this ship."

Meanwhile, on both Gloria and Candy, both are quiet for a while not sure what to say to each other as both are new to each other. Gloria observes and sees all the consoles on the bridge, and everything installed. Gloria then looks at Candy's mask on the table. "I can see how far Darrien's science skills have come."

Candy looks at the mask and then at Gloria and says, "It was something for my own protection.

Gloria says, "I can see you really like Darrien a lot."

Candy has a small blush and looks away and says, "Yeah, but were just friends, actually he's one of the only friends I have as both of us have the same common interest in science."

"Yeah, but to come as far as this, do you really trust him?"

Candy, she looks at the mask she has then back at Glora and says, "I made a promise to myself, which became one to him, so yes."

Candy then takes a step toward Gloria and continues, "And isn't' that the same with you and Matt?"

Gloria is taken aback a bit by the question but then she looks at Candy's eyes and immediately gives a nod yes.

Candy says, "You know Darrien really told me a lot of stories about MASK but also his friends there and of course one of them was you."

Gloria says, "Never knew he really thought of me."

"Why wouldn't he and don't worry I wasn't jealous, I know both of you were just friends and of course your already taken."

"Well not that it matters but still like to know, what did Darrien say."

"That you were tough, smart, but just an amazing woman which makes you a doer, but also that you love life and have saved a lot of lives including his."

Gloria smiles and says, "Tell you what, why don't you tell me a little about yourself and Darrien, and I'll tell you a little more about myself and Matt.

Candy nods and then both sit down on chairs and then talk with each other and start talking.

Meanwhile, back on the front deck both Matt and Darrien continue their conversation. Darrien says, "Matt, when you came you brought the sphere with you right?" Matt then makes a solemn nod yes,

Darrien sees this and says, "You said it yourself you want tech to benefit mankind, well this is what I'm drying to do, this ship is my key."

Darrien then walks toward Matt and says, "I also know you're a person that like to see how tech works, isn't that part of why you brought that sphere; think of what we can achieve Matt, think of what we can learn."

Matt says, "Stop, Darrien I understand how you feel but this ship is still dangerous."

"No, Matt you don't' understand how I feel at least not fully."

"Then please help me to, I want to."

Darrien he then looks out to the ocean then looks back at Matt and says, "Matt, no more morality debate I've already made my decisions, it's time for you to make one right now; but when you do answer me this question, why did you really come here?"

Matt, he looks out the ocean and is pondering what the right thing to do and say is.

But then as he turns around to Darrien about to tell him his answer, suddenly Matt sees some projectiles come up in the air toward them. Matt immediately grabs Darrien, and both dive out of the way as an RPG missile then strikes the deck. Matt and Darrien are on the ground flat and then both slowly get up and then they look at the shoreline and see a raiding force.