Reading: "CATACLYSMAL" (A.Glass 2017)

Underground Air Force Space Command base,

Gran Sasso mountains, Italy.

“Sir Black Sea movement, Russian destroyers and Lada Class submarines.” A young female communication sergeant says, whilst looking over a computer monitor. Standing behind her is Captain Paul Grunner.

“Tracking and algorithm response?”

She points to the monitor as the augmented reality algorithm (ARA) communication systems via a military supercomputer which tracks the targets on the Black Sea.

“Two destroyers and two subs...formation pattern as calibrated on prediction protocol, detection of stealth submarines...Two by two, front and behind the Russian ships.”

“Good, run attack sequence on simulated tactical nuke strike. Report once complete.”

“Yes sir”

Captain Grunner walks back towards the main command area looking up at the computer readouts at the various black triangulated shapes which fill the screen.

“What the hell is it Nile?”

Chief Physicist, Nile Stephenson, of this secret American facility stands next to the military man, Grunner doesn't look at the scientist, aware of his presence, his focus is on the infrared satellite telescope image and various spectrometric images that are split into a horizontal datum on the large overhead monitor.

“I believe it will be determined as a threat Captain Grunner. Professor Tori is about to explain his calculations...” he pauses, as Grunner looks at the young scientist briefly, his impression stern, arms folded behind his back. He then returns his attention at the cosmic abnormality displayed in front of him. “...That will also verify it's threat as an actuality, but to answer the basic question you ask. We have no idea what its composition is at this point in time. But its projection is clear, it's heading towards our Solar System.”

“Ok let's see the Professor,” Grunner replies as both men make their way towards the main research center of the underground facility to where the Professor and his team are working. Walking along the corridors they pass military and plain clothes personal. Reaching the end of the hallway, Stephenson swipes a security card over the proximity reader, the door unlocks, opening the door Captain Grunner and Stephenson enter, in front of them is Professor Ivane Tori and his assistant Karen Ginette, The Professor stands looking over a mass of mathematical calculations scribbled onto the blackboard, he turns looking at the two men standing behind him.

“It is solid matter...” Tori turns his back and looks at his calculations again.

“So it's not dark matter?” Stephenson asks.

“...Karen has assisted with a print copy of these findings. I have reworked the equations with everything we know about mass in the Universe.” He walks to the board pointing at a certain calculation, Stephenson steps forward and looks over what the Professor is referring too.

“Neutron star?” Stephenson studies the mathematical line that runs atop of the equations.

“It has emitted highly charged Neutrons and Protons, at the same time Electrons. Large spikes were detected earlier this year with the Neutrino detectors here in Italy and Antarctica, but this is still emitting, albeit not as prolific, however it remains a persistent pulse...” The Professor turns looking at the young physicist that was once his pupil, who now, through the ranks of military science, has become a senior physicist of this facility. “...But, this is no Neutron star, nor fragments of one...”

___

Reading:  "CATACLYSMAL"  (A.Glass 2017)