34º 44’ 15.72” North, 120º 32’ 54.09” West
Air Force Space Command, Vandenberg Air Base, the United States 19 October 2012
18:00 GMT+1
Just as he did every morning, Dan Edwards was sitting at his desk at the Joint Functional Component Command for Space. He had been working here as an analyst ever since JFCC Space was moved from its underground facilities at the Cheyenne Mountain Complex in Colorado Springs to Vandenberg Air Base in order to unify the management of US space operations. The Component had one prime mission directive: to ensure the nation’s freedom of action in space while preventing the adversary use of space against it. Its operations included aspects such as satellite launches, missile testing and monitoring any object that entered the Earth’s atmosphere. The government had long recognised the importance of keeping track on the ever-expanding volume of space junk orbiting the planet. The precise position of space waste was closely controlled to avoid collisions during rocket launches and to prevent space debris from crashing into populated areas.
For the past two years, JFCC Space had been working closely with NASA as part of a new programme to track objects in orbit. Sensors on the ground and military satellites in space were being used to create an accurate map of all the debris circling the planet. The plan was to use this map as part of a space junk elimination procedure that would beam long distance lasers at the waste, altering its course as it orbited Earth. It would be forced to make a violent re-entry into the atmosphere, thereby destroying it safely and avoiding any collateral damage.
Normally NASA used its own analysts for monitoring objects in orbit but sometimes it needed assistance from JFCC Space. This was where Dan Edwards came in. He was responsible for filtering and prioritising tracking requests before distributing them among his colleagues in the military Orbital Tracking Department. To be honest, it was fairly dull work. It wasn’t quite what he had envisaged when he graduated from the Air Force Academy and eagerly accepted an invitation to join the 22nd Space Operations Squadron. Every morning he came into the office and sat down at his desk. He checked his emails, ran through any new tracking requests in his inbox, classified these requests and forwarded them on. And that was it. During his first year he had excitedly anticipated the arrival of a dangerous object in space, daydreaming that he would be the one to detect and neutralise the threat in time. But that had been five years ago. And nothing remotely critical had ever raised its head. Until now.
As usual, there were several emails with tracking requests in his inbox. However, one immediately caught his eye. It was marked ‘urgent’. Strange, Edwards thought. It had been sent last night but hadn’t been opened or processed yet. Whoever was working the previous shift must have somehow missed it. Edwards remembered that the person who had been on before him was a newbie, a guy who barely had a couple of months in the squadron under his belt. Nevermind. Edwards resigned himself to his task. He opened the email and read the message attached to the request:
From: George Patson
To: JFCC Space Tracking Centre
Subject: [URGENT] 2012 UA. Priority 1. Trajectory: 100% impact
2012 UA detected by amateur astronomer (Charles Bradway) at 06:12 GMT +1 on 14 October 2012. Initially presumed to be asteroid on outer edge of Solar System. After receiving classification request, its trajectory was analysed and current coordinates estimated according to initial data. Object could not be found. Search field expanded by on-duty technician to include all potential completed trajectories.
2012 UA detected in far orbit of Mars at 09:35 GMT +1 on 18 October 2012.
Data indicate abnormal acceleration of object, precluding normal asteroids and comets. Origin entirely unknown. Assumed to originate from outside Solar System.
Studies indicate object is on course for direct impact with Earth. Probability: 100%. No new sightings of 2012 UA. If object continues at predicted speed, impact is imminent.
We calculate that 2012 UA is rhomboid-shaped, diameter: 0.5 miles.
It has been categorised as a catastrophic threat.
Request urgent tracking and preparation of contingency measures for possible interception, if appropriate.
Edwards couldn’t believe his eyes. He studied the images and read through the data three times. It all appeared to be accurate. There was nothing to suggest it was a joke. If this turned out to be real, the newbie could kiss his job goodbye: the request should have been processed the second it arrived. There was no time to lose. He rang NASA and asked to speak to George Patson, requesting the most up-to-date data on 2012 UA. Then he grabbed his tablet and a print-off of the images and rushed off to see Commander Jackson, the squadron commander, in his office upstairs. It was located on the next floor up, just above the large tracking room where the analysts worked. Glancing through the glass walls, he could see his colleagues concentrating hard, their silhouettes outlined against the large orbital monitoring screens on the far side of the room. Edwards leapt up the stairs two at a time and rang the intercom outside the office.
“Commander Jackson, it’s Lieutenant Edwards. I have an urgent tracking request you need to see, sir.”
The commander’s voice crackled over the intercom. “Come in.”
Edwards heard the door unlock and instantly pushed it open, bursting into his superior’s office. Commander Jackson was sitting at his desk and his remained fixed on the three screens in front of him. Lieutenant Edwards sat down opposite the him and agitatedly waited. A few seconds passed before Commander Jackson finally threw him an irritated glance.
“Well, Lieutenant Edwards? Aren’t you going to tell me why I have to see this urgent request?” He looked him up and down, irritated.
“Yes, sir. Sorry, I thought you were busy. Well, it’s about 2012 UA. It’s an object detected by an amateur astronomer and our contact at NASA sent it to us because—”
Commander Jackson cut him off. “An asteroid found by a NASA hobbyist? I haven’t got time for this nonsense, Lieutenant. These people think they can use our resources whenever they like just by putting ‘urgent classification’ in the subject line.”
“Well, you see, sir, this time it’s different. It’s important. Take a look,” Lieutenant Edwards handed him the photos and his terminal with the data.
“What am I looking at, exactly?”
“2012 UA was first detected by an amateur on the outer edge of the Solar System travelling at nominal speed. When NASA attempted to verify the sighting, it couldn’t find any trace of the object. They expanded the search range and finally found it… It had practically reached the orbit of Mars. Just four days later,” Lieutenant Edwards pointed to each of the images.
“What do you mean it had reached the orbit of Mars? That’s impossible! That would mean—”
“Yes, sir. All data indicate that 2012 UA has been accelerating at abnormal speed. And it gets worse… Simulations run after the last contact indicate that it’s on course for a direct collision with Earth.”
“That can’t be right. Asteroids and comets simply don’t behave like that. Have they ruled out it being a satellite?”
“Yes, sir. We’ve been through all the databases and records. Nothing that big has been launched into space.”
“Does NASA have any clearer images? All I can make out is a blurry ball…”
“No sir. That’s the best we’ve got. The last sighting barely lasted a few seconds before we lost it.” He replied, visibly nervous.
“When was that?” Commander Jackson was getting more and more impatient.
“Less than nine hours ago, sir.”
“If NASA’s predictions are correct, that gives us very little time to manoeuvre. Go downstairs and see Captain Roberts. Start tracing it immediately,” Commander Jackson ordered as he picked up the telephone.
“Yes, sir.” Lieutenant Edwards jumped to his feet and rushed out of the room.
Commander Jackson sprang into action. “Captain Roberts,” he said down the telephone, “Lieutenant Edwards is on his way to see you with a priority tracking order. I’m putting the whole squadron on alert. Cancel all leave.”
He hung up, but soon glanced at his telephone again. He had a bad feeling about this. Valuable time had been wasted for no good reason and his head would be on the line. But at this point there was no choice but to step up to the plate. He picked up the telephone again and dialled a number.
“Get me the general,” he ordered, waiting patiently until he heard a man’s voice at the other end of the line. “Sir, I’m afraid we have a serious problem…”
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Edwards had joined Captain Roberts on the floor. Together they were coordinating the search for 2012 UA; the whole team of thirty analysts was instantly tasked with locating the object. The team listened closely as their superiors apprised them of all the information known so far and then frantically leapt to work. A direct link-up was opened with NASA to coordinate work across the departments. Within minutes, every available land observatory and observation satellite was tracing the skies. Surely an object of that size, travelling at that speed, couldn’t be hard to find? It would be tracked down sooner or later. Everyone focused on their duties, anxiously praying that the data were somehow wrong, that the predicted collision with Earth was a dreadful mistake. Commander Jackson joined them in the tracking room shortly afterwards.
“Well? Any news?”
“Not exactly, sir,” Captain Roberts was sweating profusely, despite the air conditioning.
“Talk to me.”
“Well, all available operatives are tracking the sky. They’re following any possible trajectories that would lead to an impact with Earth. But this is the thing… At the speed it was moving, well, it should have reached us already.”
“What do you mean?” Commander Jackson was beginning to lose patience.
“Either the object has changed course, or it’s slowed down…”
“Let’s hope it’s the former… If it were the latter, well, we’d be facing something rather more serious than an asteroid collision.” Commander Jackson raised his voice. “Ladies and gentlemen, I need your full concentration. We have to verify the position of 2012 UA, now!”
“Sir, we’ve implemented predictive algorithms to estimate every possible position of 2012 UA. It’s only a matter of time before we find it,” Captain Roberts tried to remain calm.
“That’s the problem, Captain. There is no time. You’d better hurry up. I’m reporting to the chief of staff and president in less than ten minutes. Get me something I can use to placate them. Unless you want us to all end up on a radar station in Alaska,” the commander warned. His team stared at him, the colour draining from their faces.
Captain Roberts swallowed hard. “We’ll find it, sir.”
Protocol dictated that JFCC Space had to immediately inform the chief of staff and president of any potential threat to the United States from space. This included scenarios such as a ballistic missile attack, a malfunctioning satellite or a meteorite impact. The protocol had not been used since the end of the Cold War and Commander Jackson felt highly uncomfortable at being the first to implement it. He broke out in a sweat, thinking of all those high-ranking generals waiting for his report, such as the USAF chief of staff, General Giles, the defence minister and the president himself. In just a few minutes he had to return to his office and join them in a videoconference that would probably mean the end of his military career. It was time to pray for a miracle.
An analyst interrupted his thoughts. “I think we’ve found it, sir!”
“What?” Commander Jackson swiftly asked.
“The guys on the ISS have just reported an unusual sighting,” The analyst held the receiver tightly in his right hand.
“Captain Roberts, are they online right now?” Commander Jackson asked. “Yes, sir.”
“Get them up on the main screen. I want to talk to them in person.”
“Right away, sir.”
A few seconds later the screen was filled by a large image of an ISS astronaut. His spacesuit was marked with his name and rank: Commander John Ellis.
“Commander Ellis speaking. I think we’ve found what you’re looking for, sir.” He greeted, bringing his hand to his temple.
“Evening, Commander Ellis. Commander Jackson here. Please excuse me if I skip the formalities but time is of the essence. What have you found, precisely?”
“It’d be easier for me to show you, sir. The image isn’t very clear, but it’s the best we could do bearing in mind the distance and urgency,” Commander Ellis explained.
A window opened on one side of the screen. It displayed an image of Earth as seen from the space station. The curve of the planet was clearly visible.
“What are we looking for?” Commander Jackson asked impatiently.
“One moment, sir. When we received the priority notification from NASA to trace 2012 UA we immediately went to the Dome module to see what we could find. It’s usually pretty hard to detect something at such short notice with our equipment but, as luck would have it, about five minutes ago we spotted a strange flash in the atmosphere. We calculate that it’s about five thousand miles away from the ISS in our first contact. Look at quadrant 23K in the image I’m about to send you.”
The image in the frame zoomed in on sector 23K and focused on Earth’s white and blue atmosphere. At first it was hard to make out, but after a few moments everyone soon spotted it. A type of dark object.
“This was only just filmed so we haven’t had time to process the video yet. But if I had to make a guess, I’d swear that the object you see there is making a controlled descent into the Earth’s atmosphere. Are you sure it’s an asteroid? Unless the laws of physics have suddenly changed, and believe me, they’re something I know quite a lot about, an asteroid would have entered the atmosphere at full speed. We’d already be talking about a massive impact on the Earth’s surface,” Commander Ellis said, perplexed.
“Agreed. So, it isn’t an asteroid. Right now, our task is to find out what the hell it is and, more importantly, whether or not it’s a threat. Do you still have a visual on the object?” Commander Jackson couldn't stop thinking about all the possible scenarios.
“No, sir. It left our range three minutes ago. But we’ve got a fairly precise hold on its trajectory and coordinates.”
“Where is it now?” He wanted to know without waiting.
“We believe it’s started its descent over the Eastern Mediterranean and is heading west, sir.”
“Thank you, Commander Ellis. Let’s stay in touch.”
The link-up ended and Commander Ellis disappeared from the screen. Now it displayed a blurry image of the object. Its precise shape was hard to make out.
“Captain Roberts, do we have any satellites in the area?” Commander Jackson stared at him.
“Checking now, sir. Yes, a CIA satellite will be in range in thirty seconds.”
“Good. Get us immediate access. Let’s see what this thing is for once and all.”
“Yes, sir. They’ve just transferred control. We’ll have a visual of the target zone in a few moments,” Captain Roberts interacted with his keyboard with alacrity.
A few seconds passed but the main screen remained unchanged. Then it suddenly turned in a haze of black and white static.
“What’s going on, Captain?” Commander Jackson was becoming more and more irritated.
“I’m working on it, sir. Just calibrating, you should see something now—”
Before the words had left his mouth, an image of Earth flashed up on the screen. It showed wide expanses of blue ocean interspersed by clouds above. A small black dot surrounded by a fiery orange halo could be spotted right in the very centre.
“There it is, sir. That’s 2012 UA. It appears to be making a controlled entry into the atmosphere,” Captain Roberts pointed out quickly.
“Zoom in, Captain,” Commander Jackson tried to strain his eyes, but to no avail. “We can hardly see anything.”
“Yes, sir. I’m on it. Let’s see…” Captain Roberts manipulated the controls on the signal they were receiving.
The satellite image gradually zoomed in before making a sudden leap forwards so that the area around the object was blown up as large as possible. All they could make out was a fuzzy image in a hailstorm of interference.
“What’s happening, Captain?” Commander Jackson bit back an outburst.
“I’m not sure, sir. It looks like electromagnetic interference. I’m trying to zoom in and apply different filters… But it won’t let me show you the object more clearly. Perhaps the interference is caused by the object entering the atmosphere.”
“I thought things seemed too easy… Can you determine its speed and trajectory at least? We need to know where that thing’s headed.”
“Yes, sir. We’re already running the calculations. Lieutenant Edwards, any news?” Captain Roberts turned to him.
“Got it, sir,” Lieutenant Edwards replied. “This isn’t good…”
Commander Jackson exploded. “Lieutenant, we haven’t got all day. Give us the goddamn data!” The team exchanged alarmed glances.
“2012 UA is definitely decelerating and making a controlled descent. If it continues along its current route, it’ll stop somewhere in the south-west of the Iberian Peninsula. Spanish territory, sir.”
“Damn, just what we needed. OK, don’t lose sight of that thing. Use every resource available. I don’t care if you have to redirect a commercial satellite. This is top priority. I’ve got to go and make an immediate report.”
With these words, Commander Jackson stalked off back to his office. It was time to face his superiors. He racked his brains. How could he explain, in a way that made sense, what they had just learned and the terrible implications of their discovery?
37º 10’ 69” North, 5º 36’ 24” West
Morón Air Base, Seville
18:45 GMT+1
Preston was in his office finishing off some paperwork. This would be his last weekend in Seville. On Monday he was due to return to Groom Lake with the new data obtained from the Hermes Project. It was precisely what they needed to speed up the final development stage of the Phoenix. It’s a shame I have to leave so soon, he thought. Preston had always felt at home in Spain and had close friends at the base. He had also enjoyed seeing how quickly Takeda had fitted in with the group, but by now Curtis was dropping heavy hints about wanting to head back to the States. Apparently, he missed good old American food.
The telephone rang. Preston looked at the screen in surprise. The call had maximum security encryption. That couldn’t be good.
“Lieutenant Colonel Jack Preston speaking.”
“Preston, there isn’t much time. Listen very closely,” General Giles began with a severe tone.
“Sir. What’s going on?” His voice alarmed Preston.
“In few moments you’re going to be asked to attend a meeting at Morón Command as my direct representative in an emergency NATO operation.”
“What’s happened?” He stood up and started to turn off the laptop.
“Less than an hour ago, JFCC Space discovered that what we thought was a normal asteroid, 2012 UA, is in fact an unknown object with independent engine capacity. Meaning it has full control over its movement. Twenty minutes ago, it began a controlled entry into our atmosphere somewhere over the Eastern Mediterranean.”
“Do we know who it belongs to? The Chinese?” Preston couldn't believe it.
“No, Preston. Listen up. We have no idea where it comes from or what its intentions are. All I can say is this: it’s not from here.”
“What do you mean, it’s not from here?”
“Whatever this thing is, it wasn’t made on Earth,” General Giles said dryly, it was obvious that he was very tense.
“I see.” Preston tried to remain calm. “Why are we being alerted? Isn’t the Sixth Fleet nearer?” he asked, fighting back the confusion that threatened to overwhelm him.
“The President has already ordered the Sixth Fleet to mobilise. The Second Fleet, in the Atlantic, has also been called. Both are heading to the Strait of Gibraltar. The problem is that, according to the calculations by JFCC Space, the speed and altitude of the object mean it’ll be impossible for them to get there in time. NATO’s been informed and it’s been decided that the best course of action is to send up a reconnaissance drone. We believe that 2012 UA is descending towards some point close to your position. That’s why your base has been charged with intercepting it and finding out what it is. It’s been impossible to do that so far with our satellites… There appears to be a lot of electromagnetic interference, possibly caused by its entry into the atmosphere.”
“Do we know its size and operating capacity?” His analytical side took over to neutralize the panic.
“All we know is that it’s up to half a mile long. That’s why we need you. I want you to monitor the operation closely. You’re one of our most experienced officials. I know you won’t let me down.”
“Much appreciated, sir. I’ve got to go, there’s another call on the line. It must be the Command Centre.”
“Preston…” General Giles began.
“Yes, sir?”
“Be careful. Instinct tells me we’re up against something highly dangerous here.”
“I will, sir. I should go. I’ll keep you informed,” Preston said, hanging up and switching to the waiting call. “Lieutenant Colonel Preston speaking.”
“Lieutenant Colonel Preston, this is Colonel Hidalgo. I expect you’re already aware, but we need you at the Command Centre right now. You’re required for an emergency NATO operation in an advisory capacity.”
“Colonel Hidalgo, sir. Yes, I’ve just been briefed. I’m heading over there now.”
“Lieutenant Colonel Preston, one other thing. Notify your team. We’ve just put the base on Alert Level 2.”
“Understood. I’ll let them know right away. They’ll be ready for any contingency. I’m on my way,” Preston said, hanging up.
This must be serious. It was the first time he had ever heard General Giles sound nervous. That in itself was deeply worrying. He rang Chapman’s mobile phone.
“Captain Chapman speaking.”
“Derek, the base is on Alert Level 2. Tell the boys. An unidentified object is heading this way and we’re sending up a reconnaissance drone to intercept it. Prepare for an emergency. I can’t give you any more details right now but I’m afraid there’s a good chance we’ll be seeing some action shortly.”
“OK, I’ll let Kira and James know. We’ll get ready and head over to the 11th Wing section.”
“Great. I’m on my way to the Command Centre. I’ll call you when I have any news.” Preston hung up and took a deep breath.
Preston grabbed his things, leapt into his jeep and sped across the base at top speed, parking outside the Command Centre. Looking around, he could see people making urgent preparations in every direction. Access to the base had been closed and all civilian employees were being evacuated. He hurried into the Command Centre building. Aguilera was waiting for him at reception with an expression as worried as his own.
“Hi, Jack. Let’s head over there now. General Echevarría and Colonel Hidalgo are waiting for you. Have you been briefed?” Aguilera asked, guiding Preston along a series of corridors.
“There’s an unidentified object over the Mediterranean and it's heading towards us. We’re going to send up a reconnaissance drone to assess its capacity and intentions. Have we tried to contact the object?”
“Yes, using every frequency. No reply. The drone’s about to take off. You go in. I’m going to follow the operation from the squadron’s facilities,” Aguilera said as two security guards let them through the entrance to the Command Centre. Aguilera opened the door for Preston.
The Command Centre was buzzing with activity. Twenty people were analysing data displayed on numerous monitors. Preston spotted General Echevarría and Colonel Hidalgo who were sitting together in front of a screen. He walked over to join them.
General Echevarría greeted him. “Lieutenant Colonel Preston. Glad you can join us. I’m sure your good judgement will be extremely useful.”
“I hope I can help, sir. What are we sending up?” Preston greeted him with respect.
“A Euro Hawk. It belongs to the German Luftwaffe. It’s the best type of vehicle for this sort of operation. By chance one arrived here this week for some tests. Let me introduce you to Captain Klaus Steiner. He’ll be operating the drone,” Colonel Hidalgo said, gesturing to a blonde man sitting next to him in front of four screens.
“Lieutenant Colonel Preston, it’s a pleasure,” Captain Steiner saluted him.
“Pleased to meet you, Captain Steiner.”
“Right. President Alonso and the defence minister have been informed and have authorised the mission. Captain Steiner, please initiate take-off. We have to reach 2012 UA before it enters our airspace,” General Echevarría made a gesture with his head.
“Yes, sir. Initiating Euro Hawk 1 take-off,” Captain Steiner operated the controls that allowed the vehicle to be controlled remotely.
The screens showed the drone speeding down the runway for take-off. It was an impressive size for an unmanned vehicle, measuring over forty feet long with a wingspan of nearly a hundred and fifteen feet. The UAV was painted dark grey and had a striking jet nozzle between its two rear ailerons.
“Sir, we’ve had an update from JFCC Space,” a Command Centre official reported. “2012 UA is currently between Libya and Malta at an altitude of a hundred thousand feet. Our interception point will be over the sea, sixty miles from Ibiza and a hundred and twenty miles from Murcia. Predicted altitude at time of interception: sixty-five thousand feet. There’s a ninety-eight percent probability that it will fly over Seville if it continues on the same course.”
“We don’t have much room for manoeuvre. I’m liking this situation less and less…” General Echevarría remarked. “Colonel Hidalgo, inform Central Control that I want the rapid response unit on maximum alert and ready for take-off.”
“I’m contacting Torrejón de Ardoz right now. The 12th Wing is on duty at the moment,” Colonel Hidalgo picked up a phone.
“Captain Steiner, put the drone on full speed ahead,” General Echevarría was beginning to have a bad feeling.
“Yes, sir.” He pulled the lever to accelerate.
Everyone in the Command Centre watched as the UAV rocketed upwards, their eyes glued to the screens. It had taken off just minutes ago but was already flying over the Sierra Nevada. The Euro Hawk 1 was fitted with a radar system and standard, thermal and infrared cameras that would reveal every last detail of 2012 UA. Or so they hoped. It was time to discover exactly what they were up against.
“General, the Defence Minister has requested that we open a direct line with the president. They want to follow the operation in real time,” an official announced.
“Go ahead. Put them up on the main screen,” General Echevarría replied.
Moments later the screen displayed several people sitting around a long table and staring back at them. Preston only recognised two of them: Manuel Alonso, the president of Spain, and Ramón Ballesteros, the Defence Minister.
“General Hidalgo, I’ve called a crisis cabinet together to monitor the situation as closely as possible,” President Alonso announced. “I’m joined by the Defence Minister, the Home Affairs minister, the Foreign Affairs minister and the chief of the defence staff.”
“President Alonso, let me introduce Colonel Hidalgo of the 11th Wing, Captain Klaus Steiner of the Luftwaffe, who will be operating the Euro Hawk reconnaissance drone, and Lieutenant Colonel Jack Preston of the USAF who is attending in an advisory capacity,” General Echevarría pointed them out one by one.
“Good evening everyone. President Powell has personally informed me that one of their top assets is with you today. We’re grateful for your support, Lieutenant Colonel Preston,” President Alonso looked directly at him.
“I’m just pleased I can help, sir. This affects us all,” Preston would never have imagined that he would be talking to him that morning.
“Very good. Now the introductions are over, General Echevarría, can you give me an update?” President Alonso turned his attention to him.
“2012 UA is on the same course and maintaining its predicted speed. It’s gradually descending and decelerating. If nothing changes, we believe that it will stop very close to Seville. The reconnaissance drone is under ten minutes away from the interception point. I hope to be able to tell you more once we’ve established contact,” General Echevarría got straight to the point, avoiding flourishes.
“How long before the object reaches Seville?” President Alonso became tense when naming the capital of Andalusia.
“Half an hour, Mr President,”
“Not long at all. What contingency plans do you have in place, should the object turn out to be a threat to the civilian population?”
General Echevarría outlined their plans with a martial tone. “All air traffic in the area is being diverted and civilian air traffic control has been informed that restrictions may be expanded to the rest of Andalusia. Two F-18s from the rapid response unit are ready. They’ll be able to intercept and shoot down the object before it reaches the city. The Rapid Response Force in Ronda is also on alert. Two hundred marines can be deployed by helicopter in under an hour. They can be used to secure the impact site almost immediately. If necessary, a further eight hundred can be deployed in under two hours. Civil defence and local security forces have been informed. They’ll be ready in case people start to panic.”
“I sincerely hope it doesn’t come to that. Has there been any success at trying to establish contact with the object?”
“No, Mr President. Whatever that thing is, it’s not answering. We can’t track its signal by radar either. There’s too much electromagnetic interference.”
“Lieutenant Colonel Preston, what are your thoughts? Have you ever seen anything like this before?” President Alonso seemed to be hoping that he would give him an unexpected solution.
“I’m afraid not, Mr President. No one has, at least as far as I know. Either way, bearing in mind we have no way of knowing what the object is, or what its intentions are, it’s best to handle the situation with the utmost caution.”
“I hope we’re being overly prudent but yes, I agree. Better safe than sorry. I’m going to close airspace across all of southern Spain. We don’t want any civilian flights to be affected.”
“But Mr President, that means—” the Home Affairs Minister began.
“Yes, I know. I’m going to call an urgent cabinet meeting so we can get ready to declare a state of alert. We’ll wait for the results of your reconnaissance mission before making a final decision,” President Alonso put his hand to his forehead and sighed.
“Understood, Mr President. We’ll keep the communication line open and inform you when the drone is reaching the interception point,” General Echevarría called an officer to whisper something to him.
Preston scanned the monitors. The Euro Hawk 1 was zooming forwards at top speed. It was now leaving the Spanish coastline and crossing the Mediterranean Sea for its rendezvous with the mysterious 2012 UA. Preston felt uneasy. He didn’t like having to rely on this mission alone to assess the situation. The fact that none of their powerful tracking satellites had been able to capture a single clear image was particularly unnerving. He sent General Giles a message with the latest news although he was certain that both the general, the US chief of staff and President Powell would all be linked into the mission and watching the very same images.
“General, reaching the final approach. We’re at an altitude of sixty-five thousand feet. We should have a visual on 2012 UA in around two minutes, if the latest update from JFCC Space is correct. I can’t verify the position because we still can’t find a radar signal,” Captain Steiner reported.
“Mr President, we’re about to establish contact. Please watch your screen,” General Echevarría gestured for them to enlarge his window.
Everyone’s eyes were firmly on the Euro Hawk’s main monitor. The drone was currently crossing a dense patch of polar stratospheric clouds so its visual scope was limited.
“According to our satellite data, it’ll pass through this patch in a few seconds and then we’ll have a visual on 2012 UA,” Captain Steiner spoke without taking his eyes off the control screens.
The Euro Hawk 1 raced gracefully through the clouds, cutting through them like butter. Captain Steiner noted that it was effortless to handle, even when it was operating at full capacity.
“We’re leaving the area of low pressure. We should be able to see it now,” Captain Steiner alerted the room.
The screen displayed a clearing in an area dense with clouds. Still nothing was visible. The unmanned aircraft flew onwards expectantly. Then they saw it. Emerging out of nowhere, somehow materializing out of the bank of clouds. An immense object that loomed over them, flickering with flames. Descending earthwards hard, the object was now practically at the same altitude as the Euro Hawk.
“Zoom in,” General Echevarría demanded.
The drone’s standard camera zoomed in on the object, finally exposing the enigmatic invader.
“My God! What is that?” President Alonso exclaimed.
“Captain Steiner, circle the object. We need a full visual,” General Echevarría felt his heart pounding at the sight.
The object was a dark, greenish colour and shaped like an elongated rhomboid. It must have measured over half a mile high with wings that ended in a type of protuberance at each tip. Its surface was covered in ridges and peculiar, unidentifiable features. Whatever it was, 2012 UA was approaching the ground fast. The Euro Hawk 1 rapidly circled it, now filming the far side. Whatever the object might be, it was taller than it was wide and appeared to be solid and well-protected. Preston didn’t miss a single detail.
“Good. Now let’s see the rear,” General Echevarría requested to Steiner.
Captain Steiner wheeled the Euro Hawk 1 around until it was positioned behind 2012 UA. This new view revealed a burst of orange flames shooting outwards; some type of jet was propelling the object forwards.
“Mr President, we can confirm that it’s definitely an artificial object. It has its own propulsion system,” General Echevarría tried to maintain his professionalism.
“Any indication of what or who is controlling it?” President Alonso asked.
“Not yet, Mr President. Captain Steiner, what do the electronic sensors show? Is that thing transmitting anything?”
“I’m not sure. The sensors have gone crazy—I don’t understand their data readings. Damn!”
Suddenly, the Euro Hawk 1 jerked violently and shuddered.
“2012 UA’s jets are causing severe turbulence. I’m going to have to avoid them,” Captain Steiner was becoming increasingly tense.
He tried to balance the drone and guide it away so that it was flying alongside the unknown object. After struggling against the heavy turbulence for a few moments, he eventually succeeded in stabilizing the UAV.
“We can’t follow it like this for very long. It might be decelerating, but it’s still going faster than the drone’s top speed,” Captain Steiner looked at them, frustrated.
“Understood. Continue for as long as you can and carry on gathering data with the—” General Echevarría began to say before falling silent mid-sentence.
The Euro Hawk’s screen had suddenly switched to a snowstorm of static. Everyone exchanged glances of astonishment.
“General Echevarría, what’s happening?” President Alonso asked, alarmed.
“We’re not sure, Mr President. Give us a second to verify the situation. Captain Steiner?” General Echevarría needed an answer from him that did not imply the worst possible scenario.
“We’ve lost the signal. It could have been the turbulence. Perhaps it generated some kind of interference. Either way, the drone is programmed to fly by autopilot if it loses contact with the operator,” Captain Steiner frantically tried to regain connection.
Preston had turned pale, replaying the final images filmed by the Euro Hawk in his mind. The drone had been focusing on one side of 2012 UA.
“Interference isn’t affecting the signal,” Preston’s voice sounded icy as his face turned livid.
“What? What do you mean, Lieutenant Colonel Preston?” General Echevarría asked sharply under the expectant gaze of President Alonso and his emergency cabinet.
“The drone has been destroyed,” Preston said slowly, making sure everyone understood the implications of what he was saying.
“What do you mean, it’s been destroyed?” President Alonso tried to control the shaking of his hand.
“Captain Steiner, can you play back what was filmed by the Euro Hawk’s main camera, the last couple of seconds?” Preston requested.
“Yes, sir. One moment.” Captain Steiner was visibly nervous.
2012 UA reappeared on the main screen and the image cut out shortly afterwards, turning to static. No one could detect anything anomalous.
“Replay it in slow motion, please,” Preston swallowed.
Captain Steiner pressed some buttons and the same images appeared, now playing in slow motion. Watching closely, this time they saw an almost imperceptible green flash moments before the transmission ended.
“Mr President, General Echevarría. It’s just as I thought. I’m afraid that confirms it. 2012 UA just destroyed our reconnaissance drone,” Preston grimly announced to a room of horrified faces.