The SkyReach Prophecies: BOOK 1. JEFFREY GREY

- they are also known as the Lanthanides.”

      “Hmm,” Olivia said to Duncan. “Maybe that’s why those probes were sent out by the Earthers. Maybe they were searching for the Rare Earth Elements!”

      “Oh, I see now,” said Duncan. “So the Rare Earth Elements, or Lanthanides, can’t be found on Earth. But they might be more common on other planets.”

      “Right. So the probe on Mercury may lead us to significant amounts of one of more of the Lanthanides.” Olivia turned to the N-Bots and said, “Are there any special uses for these elements?”

      “Searching my database for data,” said MIM. After a moment, MIM said, “Lanthanides are mainly used in small amounts in the manufacture of electromagnetic devices, such as computers and generators. I detect no other major scientific theories or research that indicates a practical use for the Lanthanides. However, scientists are always experimenting to find new ways to use the elements, perhaps by combining them into new molecules.”

      Just then, an announcement came through their commlinks. “Attention, passengers!” said a commanding voice. “This is Captain Stannum, commander of the space freighter QuickSilver, speaking. Please begin boarding. Launch is in 30 minutes.” We’re on our way, Olivia thought.

       SUBSPACE COMMUNICATION #2

       Incoming Communication:

       To: Dr. Avery Jenkins, HUB subspace code 10543.4221A

       From: Dr. Gregory Grey, subspace code 10528.4312J (Encryption Level 4.2)

       Message Commencing: Avery, our field trip to Mercury has begun. Soon I shall be within reach of the first satellite, if it still exists. I feel very optimistic about our chances of finding the first Lanthanide.

       However, I have discovered that Eloquan Silican, the head of the Guild’s Security division, is on his way to Mercury. I suspect that Silican’s presence on the BERG is not a coincidence. In fact, I have information that indicates the Guild has an agent on the HUB, someone who is feeding information to Silican about our plans. I am at a loss as to who the agent could be – I know our science team is above reproach. Yet only a few of our team members were aware of the true reason for the Mercury journey: Janice Hubermann, Peter Garrity and, of course, you. I have no idea what to do about this agent. Do you have any advice on how to proceed?

       At the very least, we must do everything possible to ensure that no more vital information falls into the Guild’s hands. If the Guild knew our true purpose, of what project SkyReach is capable of, then the Guild army would invade the HUB without a second thought.

       As far as I can determine, the Guild knows nothing about Project SkyReach, not even the project’s name. The true power of Project SkyReach must not be revealed until all four Rare Earth Elements have been found. That piece of information is vital, and must be kept secret. Please do not share with the rest of the team. You’re the only one I can trust.

       Best Regards,

       Greg Grey

       End SubSpace Transmission

       Incoming SubSpace Communication:

       To: Dr. Gregory Grey, subspace code 10528.4312J

       From: Dr. Avery Jenkins, HUB subspace code 10543.4221A (Encryption Level 4.2)

       Message Commencing: Greg, I understand your situation completely. I will do all I can, of course, to support your mission. Project SkyReach is so important to the whole human race that we must not let anyone interfere. Not even the Guild. I will keep the probe secret, until such time as we identify the Guild agent. Please let me know if you learn any more. I will keep cautious watch on the HUB. Perhaps I can find out who is betraying us.

       Best Wishes,

       Avery Jenkins, Ph D., Astro Mechanics

       End SubSpace Transmission

      A brief history of the interplanetary mining guild

       A Brief History of The Interplanetary Mining & Transport Guild, Part 1 (reprinted from the ISIS database archives)

       Originally Founded in 2019 as a joint international venture between the former United States and China, the International Space Initiative Society (ISIS) was created to fund and launch the largest space station ever built.

       Funding the venture with billions of Yen from the Chinese government, ISIS created a perfect opportunity to create a self-sufficient city in space. The former United States of America contributes Near Earth space travel technologies, as well as nanotech and subspace communications. The space station was named the Human Urban Base, and came to be known as the HUB.

       When the HUB was completed in 2024, ISIS turned its attention on colonizing Mars, rather than just disbanding its multi-trillion dollar operation. A fully equipped Mars expedition landed in 2028; the first tower was raised by nanotech construction in 2029. The colony was running independently by 2030. In 2031, ISIS utilized its entire fleet of space cruisers and cargo vessels to move their headquarters to Mars Colony. ISIS was also renamed the Interplanetary Mining & Transport Guild Corporation, the first organization of its kind. This move vastly expanded the Mars colony and caused a mass exodus from Earth of scientists, technicians and mining experts. This move was also considered to be the shrewdest business decision in history, since it established the only self-sufficient off-Earth human settlement that survived the Great Collision.

       In 2033, expeditions to colonize Mercury (for the raw materials lacking on Mars) and Ganymede (a planet sized moon in orbit around Jupiter) were successfully launched. Within a year, the small but profitable outposts were shipping valuable minerals and ores to Mars colony, the HUB, and Earth.

       Then in February of 2034, the Great Collision changed everything. In the destructive wake of collision between the Apophis meteor and Earth, the Guild came to the rescue race. As many ships as were available were sent to Earth's most desolated areas: China, North America, and Europe. The Guild transported as many as possible from the areas that were no longer habitable. For every one person saved, a thousand died.

       The Guild became the literal savior of humankind in 2034. It was a tremendous responsibility for a corporation to undertake. With all governments either destroyed or in total disarray, the Guild unofficially became the new government for the human race….

       Excerpt Submitted by Dr. Peter Garrity, Official Historian of the Human Urban Base Space Station (HUB)