Rabbit Hole on Mars - Day 9 (Nov 9) 677 words

Chapter 9

“You know who I am?” Brian asked.

“I know everything about you, Brian. Along with Scott and Donna."

Scott and Donna looked at each other. Their hope for anonymity was gone.

“Would you like to know who else is in the room with you there?”

“That's enough,” Brian said in a commanding voice.

“Special Agent Kantpis of the FBI and the NSA's Counter Terrorism Specialist Agent Joseph Ortiz. Just Joe in most situations.”

The group sat bewildered. Scott and Donna had been featured on a few videos for the NASA campus tour. Briefly interviewed by the media when Brian allowed it. Agent Kantpis and Just Joe had no idea how this person knew who they were or that they were there in the room. The back wall of the room was filled with more NSA agents all patiently taking notes. Ready to cross referencing anything they could to narrow down who this person could be.

Brian lent toward the microphone, “How do you know all this?”

“Lucky guess.”

That reply caused Brian to smirk, “May we have your name?”

“No.”

“Is there anyway we can work together here on Mars?”

“Offer cooperation when you can't assume domination, that's very thoughtful.”

“What do you want?”

“Well, rules and laws don't apply here. You have no defenses so I can end your existence here anytime I like.”

“What are you waiting for? End us now if that's your intention.”

“I'm building the labyrinth for you. For Opportunity.”

Impatience grew inside Brian, “What's with the games?”

“This isn't a game, Brian. It's a right of passage. You will enter the labyrinth and begin self reflection. Each of you. Fully aware that on the other side, everything you have worked for here will come to an end.”

“Why?”

“Are you familiar with an old phrase, 'Taxation without representation is tyranny'?”

“What the...” Brian was about to swear, but Just Joe was waving his hands not to provoke.

“I'm not here on Mars as a member of some bullshit colony representing the United States or the United Nations. I'm here of my own free will. Robot form or human form, it's my choice. I'm here to live a peaceful, meaningful life. Accomplishing that isn't going to be so easy if you try to repeat the history of earth by placing me on a reservation and then tax whatever I might try to do with my free time.”

“Opportunity rover is a multi-billion dollar project that we have created to explore the planet Mars. We have every right to...,” Brian pleaded with the voice.

“Opportunity is a puppet.”

Deep breathe for Brian, “I'm asking you to reconsider your plans on Mars.”

“I came all this way to cut the strings on your puppet. I'm ensuring my freedom.”

Brian found anger bubbling up inside him, “You are a delusional person who has piggybacked off all the work we have been doing for decades here.”

Both Kantpis and Just Joe waved their hands and mouthed for Brian not to provoke any further.

Brian couldn't help himself, “I've looked over Frankie. I'll be honest. You're rover is a bit more powerful than Opportunity, but the solar strips on your back aren't keeping you powered as well as when you first arrived. You're booger welds holding your frame together are pretty shitty. I'm surprised you didn't crack most of them when you landed. I think you're a smart person, but right now you're being a smart ass. So why don't you...

“Enjoy the next several days with Opportunity. Once the the labyrinth is completed, you will enter and run the gauntlet. Upon completion, your Martian world will end. My only suggestion will be to enjoy your time on earth. Do not return. Ever.”

“Unless we find you here on earth,” Brian said in a stern voice.

Frankie began to roll towards the labyrinth. The Bluetooth connection was straining.

“I welcome the challenge, but don't waste your time. Spend these final days with Opportunity. It's served you well. When the lights go out, I promise to bury you.”