Reading: "CATACLYSMAL" (A.Glass 2017)

 

“What we are about to disclose is highly classified.” Stephenson opens up a small document satchel that he is carrying, he takes out a single piece of paper handing it to Professor Tori, who in turn takes the paper, he then places on a pair of spectacles. Looking down at the text and images in front of him.

“A gamma ray burst...” The Professor looks closely at the calculations within the text and also the accompanying charts which shows spikes in Electromagnetic and Neutron detection. “...Simultaneously at both polar regions.” He then looks back up at the two men sitting opposite him.

“These are large spikes in Neutrino and Neutron activity, it would seem that it has occurred from a filament solar flare...Incredible, the spike of electrons and protons all occurring at the same time. When did this happen?” The Professor asks, as Stephenson turns and looks at Captain Grunner.

“Two years ago,” Stephenson replies.

“Why wasn't it picked up on civilian detectors? Spikes in Neutron and Electron particles of this magnitude would have most definitely been also recorded...So, you are not saying this is a weapon test?...” The Professor looks at the paper again and its calculations. Removing his glasses, he leans back into his chair still holding the single sheet of paper. “...And it didn't originate from the Sun.”

The two men in front of him sit staring at the Professor, one a former student now working for the Military Space program, the other a military man assigned as a Chief Officer of the Air Force Space Command.

Tori looks at the paper again. “Nor a Magnetar or Quasar...This intensity and its short duration, concentrating around the Earth's poles. Doesn't make sense...Can I take this?” Tori asks referring to the information given to him by Stephenson.

“I'm sorry Ivane, this is highly classified information.” Stephenson leans over Tori's desk his hand open, as the Professor hands him back the information sheet.

“Well, if you want my help, I'll need the full data feed and readouts from the military detectors to understand this better...If it is...” Tori places on his glasses and leans forward. “...a weapons test...at first glance it maybe just that, concentrated releases of photons and Electromagnetic radiation. But simultaneously...” He shakes his head. “...The military surveillance satellites surely would have picked up the movements of any Nuclear or Fusion tests.”

“It is not from Earth,” Stephenson says bluntly.

“Well, then it appears that it is from an exploding Magnetar or Neutron star...”

Both men stand the Professor remains seated.

“This is under military control and jurisdiction, also a National Security issue,” Stephenson replies.

“In a weeks time I will be going to Georgia.”

“We know, while you are there I will be appointing one of our physicists, based in Europe, she will contact you directly. Her name is Karen Ginette.”

“Yes, I know of her, she works at the Borexino Neutrino and Supernova detection facility in the Gran Sasso mountains, Italy.”

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Reading:  "CATACLYSMAL" (A.Glass 2017)