The Chronicles of Aallandranon - Episode One - Ant-Lion (11 page)

“
Alright,
”
Murphy waved,
“
let’
s talk money. How much will this project run
you?
”

“
It
’
s estimated that by the time the Enigma is complete it will
be close to fifteen-trillion dollars. That
’
s four commas and all of
my money.
”
Jonathan said.

“
That
’
s... quite a bill. Do they let you do payments or is it all
up front?
”

Jonathan smiled.
“
The ship has the
capacity to carry five-thousand crew-members, necessary for the
attention a vehicle like this is going to require to operate
smoothly. Once we pass through the Oort Cloud,
we
’
ll
enter the Interstellar Medium where we
’
ll begin taking data
samples. We
’
d like to get to Alpha Centauri and set up a space station
in that system with hopes of starting the first intergalactic
pilgrimage.
”

“
If
Gene Roddenberry had the money to make his vision happen, he would
have. Cut from the same cloth it seems.
”
Murphy
said.

“
Well, we
’
re not that far. We still can
’
t get a vehicle to
travel at the speed of light, but the Enigma will travel about a
light year in eight years, so we
’
re not doing badly. We
have the map, we just need the time and man-power to make it
happen.
”

“
This is technically the first colony of humans to venture
into deep space. Families will form, kids will grow into adults and
have kids of their own, and so on,
”
said Murphy.

“
That
’
s the idea.
”

“
This isn
’
t just an ongoing project, this is a commitment by
everyone involved to leave everything and everyone they know
behind. Even if you were to come home, it could be decades later.
There might not even be an Earth to come back
to.
”
Murphy said.

“
It
’
s on par to giving up
everything for your religion.
”
Jonathan nodded.

“
You
’
re a fairly influential man to society at this
point.
”
Murphy laced his fingers together, resting his elbows on
the edge of his desk.
“
Recently, there was
an attempt made on your life, and it hasn
’
t been the first
time.
”

“
No,
the attempt last February failed, just like the other seven
attempts. I assumed early on that I
’
d have to worry about my
own personal safety, so I took special precautions to keep anything
unfortunate from happening. It is impossible to assassinate me by
any conventional method at this time.
”

“
It
sounds like a challenge.
”
Murphy said, inspiring a chuckle from
Jonathan.
“
You
’
re a man of many skills. It was wonderful to have
you on the show. I wish you and the crew the best of
luck.
”
Murphy stood up and as did Jonathan.
“
Jonathan
Tabith, ladies and gentlemen!
”
Murphy shook
Jonathan
’
s hand. Jonathan waved at the crowd and made his way off
stage. The audience roared once again as the schematics of the
Enigma continued flashing on a twelve image loop
overhead.

End of Episode One

####

Where
to begin? This is it folks, my science-fiction/fantasy magnum opus
series. Strap in and get ready because Jonathan
Tabith
’
s story has only just begun. There is so much more of the
journey ahead, so thank you for starting it here with me
today.

–
Benjamin Allen

About the Author

Benjamin Allen has been writing novels since he
was eight years old. He prefers writing fantasy and science fiction
with an element of horror. Benjamin lives with his wife in Fort
Worth, Texas and is a master restoration artist for brass
instruments at Houghton Horns by day. He spends his mornings,
evenings, and days off writing, researching, and learning more
about the craft.

Other Titles by this
Author

The Insomniac, 2013

Hidden Worlds: Selected Short Stories,
2013

To Kill A Monster, 2016