EARTH, 2481 A.D.
A young girl swam up onto the shore. She unhooked the line to a large waterproof bag that she had been dragging behind her. She opened the bag, took out a laser rifle, and snapped a new energy pack into the stock. She took out a small laser pistol, put a new energy pack into its grip, and slid the pistol into her shoulder holster. She put the rest of the energy packs into pockets on the legs of her pants.
She pushed her long black hair over her shoulders. Her blue eyes searched the tall brush that grew to the edge of the shoreline. She moved silently through the heavy undergrowth heading toward a large building on top of a thousand foot high rock up thrust. She stood at the foot of the up thrust and fired a line over the top of the jagged side of the up thrust. The grappling hook held, and she began to climb up the side of the up thrust. She was half way to the top, when a jagged piece of rock cut into her calf. She flinched with pain and took out a small tube from her belt. She uncapped the tube and placed it against the wound. She squeezed the tube, and the substance filled the gash. She dropped the tube and continued to climb. Five minutes later, she was standing on top of the up thrust.
“Cut!” a man shouted. “That’s a wrap.”
Lights came on in the background.
A man walked up to her. “Great scene. There are people here who want to speak with you. They’re from the government. Real spooks. I couldn’t cast them like that. It would look like a parody. Be careful.”
The young girl smiled. “Thanks. Do you have all the scenes now?”
“Yeah.”
“I’ll have them take me home and let them talk to me on the way.”
“Thanks, you’re a doll.”
The young girl walked over to the group and suppressed a rising laugh that would have become uncontrollable.
“Maria, we would like to talk with you. Your government needs you. You are ideally suited for a critical operation.”
“Could you drive me home? We can talk on the way.”
“Certainly.”
The group went to a limousine, entered it, and it lifted off.
“We need someone with your abilities. Legally, at sixteen, you are not an adult, but we all think that you are the only one who could accomplish this operation. Will you volunteer?”
“There are others almost as good as me. What’s the problem?”
“We need someone with your talents. You do your own stunts and are very mature. We have to send you back to 2005. You’ve done several movies in that time period. You’re also an actress and can fit into the time period without intense training. We need you to go back immediately.”
“It’s possible?”
“Yes, and it’s the least dangerous part of this operation.”
“That’s not the way to get someone to volunteer. You should give them some hope of survival.”
“We can’t give you much hope. You’ll need every talent you have and a strong determination to survive. If you give up even for one second, you’re dead.”
She looked at the other people in the group. They all nodded agreement.
“Am I going alone?”
“Yes. There is the possibility that we won’t be able to get you back.”
“This gets better all the time. If I don’t get back, how will you know if the operation was successful?”
“If everyone is still alive in twenty days, you will have succeeded.”
“So if I don’t go, I’ll probably be dead in twenty days?”
They all nodded a yes.
“Now that is a much better reason for me to take the operation.”
“You will take the operation?” the leader of the group asked.
“Yes, is there anyone in the past that I’m to contact?”
“Yes, John Peters. Here’s a picture of him and a short bio. We think it’s accurate. He isn’t expecting you, and I don’t suggest you tell him about yourself. He opposes the same enemy that you will have to kill.”
“Kill? Is this an assassination?”
“Yes, one or more. It will be your call. You can’t let these guys win. Earth’s whole future depends on their failure.”
“Can I take weapons with me?”
“No, we can’t chance anyone getting hold of something that advanced. We do have weapons from that time period that you can take with you.”
“That’s acceptable. I’ve used their weapons in the movies and on target ranges.”
“We know. That’s why you are ideal for this operation. You have all the qualifications.”
“When do I leave?”
“We’ll take you right to the lab. We have everything you’ll need with us. Is this acceptable?
“Yes, the more time I have the better.”
The man nodded in agreement.
The man told the driver to take them to the lab.
Within five minutes they entered a highly secured area. They flew to a large white stone building, parked, and got out. Maria followed the men into a large laboratory. One of the men with her placed a large bag on the floor.
“This is everything you’ll need. We did a through study on what you could possibly need for the operation.”
“Thank you,” Maria said.
The head of the group spoke. “You’ll land in a secure area that is only two blocks from Peter’s home. He works at home. He should be there. Don’t trust anybody.”
Maria nodded.
The man led her to a small glass room surrounded by energy fields
“Wrap both arms around that bag and hold it real tight.”
Maria brought the bag up into her arms, looked at the man, and nodded that she was ready.
There was a flash of light so bright that she closed her eyes. When she opened them, she was in a wooded area. She still had the bag. She opened it and took out a 40 caliber Glock. She checked the magazine and pushed it back into the grip. She took out a dagger shaped knife with a six inch blade and put it into a sheath she had on the inside of her jacket.
She looked to her left and saw through the trees the roofs of a group of houses. She walked out of the wooded area and began walking down the sidewalk for two blocks. She found the house; it was run down. It stood out in this area of very expensive and well-maintained homes. She shook her head and had a look of worry on her face.
She went up to the door and rang the bell. She heard it ring and waited for several seconds. She heard nothing and rang the bell again. This time she held it on for several seconds. She heard a noise and released the bell button.
The door opened and an old man yelled at her. “Halloween is long over. Get the hell off my property.”
As he was about to slam the door in her face, Maria grabbed his arm and shoved him into his house. She followed right behind him and with her free arm slammed the front door shut.
“I’m not going to give you any money.”
Suddenly, she had a thoughtful look on her face.
“I don’t want your stinking money!” she shouted.
“Were you sent by the Corporation?” he asked.
“No, your enemies are my enemies. I am here to destroy your enemies. We do not have much time. They are preparing to use the machine.”
“Who are you?” he asked.
“Someone who hates them as much as you do.”
“I can’t pay you.”
“Will you get off this money thing? I want them dead; before, they can destroy the planet.”
“You believe they can destroy the planet? No one believes that. I’ve talked to all the scientists, and they think I’m a fool.”
“You are correct, and they must be stopped. I am here to help you.”
“They won’t listen to you,” he said.
“I’m not here to talk with them. I’m here to kill’em.
“You’re only a kid.”
“I’ve got a big gun.”
He looked at her for a few seconds. “What the hell. You’re going to be dead in a few days anyway; you might as well try.”
“Who do I have to take out to destroy their plan?”
“To be absolutely sure, nine men and five women. Don’t underestimate the women.”
“I’ll need pictures of them and their names, address, work place, and anything else you know about them.”
He handed her a folder from his desk. “Everything you need is in here. If I can help you, call me,” and he handed her his business card.
“Can you drive?” he asked.
“Yeah.”
He handed her a set of keys. “It’s right outside.”
She took the keys and left the house. As she walked to the sidewalk, she looked at the car. She had driven one in a movie. She got in and started it up. It ran perfectly. She shook her head in disbelief.
Suddenly, the front door of the house opened and the old man came running down to the car. He opened the driver’s door.
“Slide over. I’ll drive; you kill’em.”
She smiled. “Deal.”
He stopped the car next to a large office building. The old man pointed to a picture of a lawyer. He’ll be in his private office. Don’t let him talk. He will confuse you and have one of his men kill you. There are no good guys up there. Kill him and anyone else who endangers you.”
“Thanks for the help,” Maria said.
She got out of the car and walked to the main entrance to the office building. A guard stopped her, as she entered the lobby.
“What floor is Mr. Ropper on?
The guard stopped.
“Is he nice, or a mean guy. Is he going to blame me for what happened with my family?”
“He won’t get mad, but make sure you know how much he’ll charge you, before the consultation. Get it in writing.”
Maria smiled. “Thanks.”
She went to the elevator and looked at the building information sign.
“Top floor. He has it all,” the guard said.
She waved and entered the elevator. When the doors opened Maria went to the large glass doors in front of a very fancy desk. The woman behind the desk looked at her.
“May I help you?”
“I just inherited fifty million dollars, and I don’t have a lawyer to tell me what to do. I saw Mr. Roper on television; he looked so kind and honest.”
“He’s very busy right now, but I’ll tell him your problem.”
“Thank you.”
The woman went into the private office and returned in seconds.
“Go right in.”
Maria loosened the dagger under her jacket. She walked into the office, and the man came over to her.
“I’m sorry to hear about your loss.”
“I’m sorry about your loss also,” and she drove the dagger into his heart. The man stared at her; then, he slid to the floor. She took the dagger out of his heart and wiped the blade on his expensive coat. She put it back into the sheath under her jacket and left the room.
“He’s going to help me. I have to get the cash out of my car so he can make sure it’s safe for me. He told me to tell you to take the rest of the day off. He’s going to spend all his time helping me. He’s really nice.”
“Yes, he is,” and the woman turned on the line to the answering service. She picked up her purse and walked out with Maria.
Ten minutes later the car pulled up in front of a large nightclub.
“Rocky will be at a table near the rear of the building. He’s mean. Don’t take any chances with him.”
“Okay. I’ll be right back. Keep the motor running.”
“Okay.”
Maria went into the nightclub and saw her target at the rear of the room. She glanced around. There were two men behind the bar and four men sitting at a table near Rocky’s table. She loosened the Glock and walked over to Rocky’s table. The men at the other table watched her, and there were smiles on their faces. They turned away and let her walk up to Rocky.
Rocky looked up from his papers and his scowling expression turned to a soft smile.
Maria smiled and leaned over the table. The Glock was suddenly in her hand, and she fired two rounds into his head. She swung and shot all four of the men at the next table. Only one of the men managed to draw his weapon, but he died; before, he could aim it at her.
The two men behind the bar raised their hands. As Maria walked towards the door, one of the men behind the bar lowered his right hand.
Maria stopped. “Go ahead; make my day.”
The man instantly locked his hands on top of his head.
Maria walked out of the club. She jumped into the car, and they drove away. She took out her Glock, removed the magazine and refilled the clip; she slid the magazine back into the grip.
Five hours later, Maria had killed all the main people involved with the development of the equipment that would destroy the planet. She had only one thing left to do. Destroy the equipment. Without these people, the equipment could never be rebuilt. No one else knew the principles and plans.
The old man stopped in front of a large building. Maria looked at the roof.
“There’s a tremendous amount of electricity being used. Look at the lines and the size of the transformer.
“You should blow the place to dust, but it would take a truck load of explosives to destroy that facility.”
Maria took out four red colored brick like packages. “One pile of dust coming right up.”
Maria got out of the car and placed one brick on each corner of the building. She got back into the car and took out a small pointer type object. She pushed a button on the device. There was a blinding flash of white light and the building disappeared.”
“I don’t see any dust,” the old man said.
Maria laughed. “It must have been cheap construction.”
They stopped outside his house and got out of the car. They stood on the sidewalk and the old man told her he had something very important to talk to her about. She nodded, and followed him into the house. They walked into his office, and he took a set of plans off his desk. He handed them to her.
“What are these?” she asked.
“The plans for the equipment. I invented the machine.”
“Are these the only plans?”
“Yes, but I have them in my mind. Others will come and take them from my mind. That is what the other group did. I didn’t even realize they had taken them from my mind, until six months later. Someone will do it again. I have no way to stop them.”
Maria looked at the man. “You have a great love for mankind. I will report it to those who sent me.”
“Thank you; you’re from the future, aren’t you?”
“Yes.”
He smiled and nodded his head. Maria put the plans on the corner of his desk. The old man picked up a picture. As he turned to face her, she shot him. She picked up the papers, the picture in his hand, and put them in her bag. She walked out of the house and went back to the wooded area. She stood at the place where she had landed and waited. She waited for over two hours. Suddenly, a bright light covered her.
She opened her eyes. She was in the glass room. The group that had contacted her was standing there.
“You obviously killed them all. How many were there?” the man in charge asked.
“Fourteen. But there was a problem. The man who was my contact invented the equipment.”
“What! What did you do?”
“He told me that he was the inventor of the equipment, and stated that he had to be killed. He gave me the plans, and I killed him.”
There were tears in the eyes of the man. “I’m sorry you had to experience that. It must have been awful for you. I have to ask you this question. Do you want to stay in this program?
“That old man had the courage to give his life for this planet; I will stay in the project.
“Thank you. We’ll contact you, when you’re needed.”
She walked away and looked at a picture she took out of her pocket. It was a picture of the old man. “I’m doing this for you.”
The End.
A young girl swam up onto the shore. She unhooked the line to a large waterproof bag that she had been dragging behind her. She opened the bag, took out a laser rifle, and snapped a new energy pack into the stock. She took out a small laser pistol, put a new energy pack into its grip, and slid the pistol into her shoulder holster. She put the rest of the energy packs into pockets on the legs of her pants.
She pushed her long black hair over her shoulders. Her blue eyes searched the tall brush that grew to the edge of the shoreline. She moved silently through the heavy undergrowth heading toward a large building on top of a thousand foot high rock up thrust. She stood at the foot of the up thrust and fired a line over the top of the jagged side of the up thrust. The grappling hook held, and she began to climb up the side of the up thrust. She was half way to the top, when a jagged piece of rock cut into her calf. She flinched with pain and took out a small tube from her belt. She uncapped the tube and placed it against the wound. She squeezed the tube, and the substance filled the gash. She dropped the tube and continued to climb. Five minutes later, she was standing on top of the up thrust.
“Cut!” a man shouted. “That’s a wrap.”
Lights came on in the background.
A man walked up to her. “Great scene. There are people here who want to speak with you. They’re from the government. Real spooks. I couldn’t cast them like that. It would look like a parody. Be careful.”
The young girl smiled. “Thanks. Do you have all the scenes now?”
“Yeah.”
“I’ll have them take me home and let them talk to me on the way.”
“Thanks, you’re a doll.”
The young girl walked over to the group and suppressed a rising laugh that would have become uncontrollable.
“Maria, we would like to talk with you. Your government needs you. You are ideally suited for a critical operation.”
“Could you drive me home? We can talk on the way.”
“Certainly.”
The group went to a limousine, entered it, and it lifted off.
“We need someone with your abilities. Legally, at sixteen, you are not an adult, but we all think that you are the only one who could accomplish this operation. Will you volunteer?”
“There are others almost as good as me. What’s the problem?”
“We need someone with your talents. You do your own stunts and are very mature. We have to send you back to 2005. You’ve done several movies in that time period. You’re also an actress and can fit into the time period without intense training. We need you to go back immediately.”
“It’s possible?”
“Yes, and it’s the least dangerous part of this operation.”
“That’s not the way to get someone to volunteer. You should give them some hope of survival.”
“We can’t give you much hope. You’ll need every talent you have and a strong determination to survive. If you give up even for one second, you’re dead.”
She looked at the other people in the group. They all nodded agreement.
“Am I going alone?”
“Yes. There is the possibility that we won’t be able to get you back.”
“This gets better all the time. If I don’t get back, how will you know if the operation was successful?”
“If everyone is still alive in twenty days, you will have succeeded.”
“So if I don’t go, I’ll probably be dead in twenty days?”
They all nodded a yes.
“Now that is a much better reason for me to take the operation.”
“You will take the operation?” the leader of the group asked.
“Yes, is there anyone in the past that I’m to contact?”
“Yes, John Peters. Here’s a picture of him and a short bio. We think it’s accurate. He isn’t expecting you, and I don’t suggest you tell him about yourself. He opposes the same enemy that you will have to kill.”
“Kill? Is this an assassination?”
“Yes, one or more. It will be your call. You can’t let these guys win. Earth’s whole future depends on their failure.”
“Can I take weapons with me?”
“No, we can’t chance anyone getting hold of something that advanced. We do have weapons from that time period that you can take with you.”
“That’s acceptable. I’ve used their weapons in the movies and on target ranges.”
“We know. That’s why you are ideal for this operation. You have all the qualifications.”
“When do I leave?”
“We’ll take you right to the lab. We have everything you’ll need with us. Is this acceptable?
“Yes, the more time I have the better.”
The man nodded in agreement.
The man told the driver to take them to the lab.
Within five minutes they entered a highly secured area. They flew to a large white stone building, parked, and got out. Maria followed the men into a large laboratory. One of the men with her placed a large bag on the floor.
“This is everything you’ll need. We did a through study on what you could possibly need for the operation.”
“Thank you,” Maria said.
The head of the group spoke. “You’ll land in a secure area that is only two blocks from Peter’s home. He works at home. He should be there. Don’t trust anybody.”
Maria nodded.
The man led her to a small glass room surrounded by energy fields
“Wrap both arms around that bag and hold it real tight.”
Maria brought the bag up into her arms, looked at the man, and nodded that she was ready.
There was a flash of light so bright that she closed her eyes. When she opened them, she was in a wooded area. She still had the bag. She opened it and took out a 40 caliber Glock. She checked the magazine and pushed it back into the grip. She took out a dagger shaped knife with a six inch blade and put it into a sheath she had on the inside of her jacket.
She looked to her left and saw through the trees the roofs of a group of houses. She walked out of the wooded area and began walking down the sidewalk for two blocks. She found the house; it was run down. It stood out in this area of very expensive and well-maintained homes. She shook her head and had a look of worry on her face.
She went up to the door and rang the bell. She heard it ring and waited for several seconds. She heard nothing and rang the bell again. This time she held it on for several seconds. She heard a noise and released the bell button.
The door opened and an old man yelled at her. “Halloween is long over. Get the hell off my property.”
As he was about to slam the door in her face, Maria grabbed his arm and shoved him into his house. She followed right behind him and with her free arm slammed the front door shut.
“I’m not going to give you any money.”
Suddenly, she had a thoughtful look on her face.
“I don’t want your stinking money!” she shouted.
“Were you sent by the Corporation?” he asked.
“No, your enemies are my enemies. I am here to destroy your enemies. We do not have much time. They are preparing to use the machine.”
“Who are you?” he asked.
“Someone who hates them as much as you do.”
“I can’t pay you.”
“Will you get off this money thing? I want them dead; before, they can destroy the planet.”
“You believe they can destroy the planet? No one believes that. I’ve talked to all the scientists, and they think I’m a fool.”
“You are correct, and they must be stopped. I am here to help you.”
“They won’t listen to you,” he said.
“I’m not here to talk with them. I’m here to kill’em.
“You’re only a kid.”
“I’ve got a big gun.”
He looked at her for a few seconds. “What the hell. You’re going to be dead in a few days anyway; you might as well try.”
“Who do I have to take out to destroy their plan?”
“To be absolutely sure, nine men and five women. Don’t underestimate the women.”
“I’ll need pictures of them and their names, address, work place, and anything else you know about them.”
He handed her a folder from his desk. “Everything you need is in here. If I can help you, call me,” and he handed her his business card.
“Can you drive?” he asked.
“Yeah.”
He handed her a set of keys. “It’s right outside.”
She took the keys and left the house. As she walked to the sidewalk, she looked at the car. She had driven one in a movie. She got in and started it up. It ran perfectly. She shook her head in disbelief.
Suddenly, the front door of the house opened and the old man came running down to the car. He opened the driver’s door.
“Slide over. I’ll drive; you kill’em.”
She smiled. “Deal.”
He stopped the car next to a large office building. The old man pointed to a picture of a lawyer. He’ll be in his private office. Don’t let him talk. He will confuse you and have one of his men kill you. There are no good guys up there. Kill him and anyone else who endangers you.”
“Thanks for the help,” Maria said.
She got out of the car and walked to the main entrance to the office building. A guard stopped her, as she entered the lobby.
“What floor is Mr. Ropper on?
The guard stopped.
“Is he nice, or a mean guy. Is he going to blame me for what happened with my family?”
“He won’t get mad, but make sure you know how much he’ll charge you, before the consultation. Get it in writing.”
Maria smiled. “Thanks.”
She went to the elevator and looked at the building information sign.
“Top floor. He has it all,” the guard said.
She waved and entered the elevator. When the doors opened Maria went to the large glass doors in front of a very fancy desk. The woman behind the desk looked at her.
“May I help you?”
“I just inherited fifty million dollars, and I don’t have a lawyer to tell me what to do. I saw Mr. Roper on television; he looked so kind and honest.”
“He’s very busy right now, but I’ll tell him your problem.”
“Thank you.”
The woman went into the private office and returned in seconds.
“Go right in.”
Maria loosened the dagger under her jacket. She walked into the office, and the man came over to her.
“I’m sorry to hear about your loss.”
“I’m sorry about your loss also,” and she drove the dagger into his heart. The man stared at her; then, he slid to the floor. She took the dagger out of his heart and wiped the blade on his expensive coat. She put it back into the sheath under her jacket and left the room.
“He’s going to help me. I have to get the cash out of my car so he can make sure it’s safe for me. He told me to tell you to take the rest of the day off. He’s going to spend all his time helping me. He’s really nice.”
“Yes, he is,” and the woman turned on the line to the answering service. She picked up her purse and walked out with Maria.
Ten minutes later the car pulled up in front of a large nightclub.
“Rocky will be at a table near the rear of the building. He’s mean. Don’t take any chances with him.”
“Okay. I’ll be right back. Keep the motor running.”
“Okay.”
Maria went into the nightclub and saw her target at the rear of the room. She glanced around. There were two men behind the bar and four men sitting at a table near Rocky’s table. She loosened the Glock and walked over to Rocky’s table. The men at the other table watched her, and there were smiles on their faces. They turned away and let her walk up to Rocky.
Rocky looked up from his papers and his scowling expression turned to a soft smile.
Maria smiled and leaned over the table. The Glock was suddenly in her hand, and she fired two rounds into his head. She swung and shot all four of the men at the next table. Only one of the men managed to draw his weapon, but he died; before, he could aim it at her.
The two men behind the bar raised their hands. As Maria walked towards the door, one of the men behind the bar lowered his right hand.
Maria stopped. “Go ahead; make my day.”
The man instantly locked his hands on top of his head.
Maria walked out of the club. She jumped into the car, and they drove away. She took out her Glock, removed the magazine and refilled the clip; she slid the magazine back into the grip.
Five hours later, Maria had killed all the main people involved with the development of the equipment that would destroy the planet. She had only one thing left to do. Destroy the equipment. Without these people, the equipment could never be rebuilt. No one else knew the principles and plans.
The old man stopped in front of a large building. Maria looked at the roof.
“There’s a tremendous amount of electricity being used. Look at the lines and the size of the transformer.
“You should blow the place to dust, but it would take a truck load of explosives to destroy that facility.”
Maria took out four red colored brick like packages. “One pile of dust coming right up.”
Maria got out of the car and placed one brick on each corner of the building. She got back into the car and took out a small pointer type object. She pushed a button on the device. There was a blinding flash of white light and the building disappeared.”
“I don’t see any dust,” the old man said.
Maria laughed. “It must have been cheap construction.”
They stopped outside his house and got out of the car. They stood on the sidewalk and the old man told her he had something very important to talk to her about. She nodded, and followed him into the house. They walked into his office, and he took a set of plans off his desk. He handed them to her.
“What are these?” she asked.
“The plans for the equipment. I invented the machine.”
“Are these the only plans?”
“Yes, but I have them in my mind. Others will come and take them from my mind. That is what the other group did. I didn’t even realize they had taken them from my mind, until six months later. Someone will do it again. I have no way to stop them.”
Maria looked at the man. “You have a great love for mankind. I will report it to those who sent me.”
“Thank you; you’re from the future, aren’t you?”
“Yes.”
He smiled and nodded his head. Maria put the plans on the corner of his desk. The old man picked up a picture. As he turned to face her, she shot him. She picked up the papers, the picture in his hand, and put them in her bag. She walked out of the house and went back to the wooded area. She stood at the place where she had landed and waited. She waited for over two hours. Suddenly, a bright light covered her.
She opened her eyes. She was in the glass room. The group that had contacted her was standing there.
“You obviously killed them all. How many were there?” the man in charge asked.
“Fourteen. But there was a problem. The man who was my contact invented the equipment.”
“What! What did you do?”
“He told me that he was the inventor of the equipment, and stated that he had to be killed. He gave me the plans, and I killed him.”
There were tears in the eyes of the man. “I’m sorry you had to experience that. It must have been awful for you. I have to ask you this question. Do you want to stay in this program?
“That old man had the courage to give his life for this planet; I will stay in the project.
“Thank you. We’ll contact you, when you’re needed.”
She walked away and looked at a picture she took out of her pocket. It was a picture of the old man. “I’m doing this for you.”
The End.
