Telstar 4

Chapter 18.

Chapter 18.

Immediately on hearing Sia's warning Commander Storr ordered the evacuation of Telstar 4. He would not clear it with Earth Control first. Explanations could come later.

The siren sounded throughout the Colony. Startled personnel and terrified guests didn't know what to do. There were tunnels appearing around the Colony, clearly visible through the windows.

Sara and Peter were told to supervise the guests into grabbing the absolute essentials only then making their way to the Escape shuttle. It would be a severe squeeze to fit everyone in but he refused to leave even one person behind.

"Sara, I've given you access to the missing guest's rooms. Go in and look for anything important then get in to the shuttle yourself. Try and keep everyone calm. Mass panic is the last thing we need."

"Yes, Commander Storr. Look," Sara pointed out of the window. "Is that Sia?"

"Yes. That's the Explorer." Erik watched grimly as more and more tunnel-like openings appeared between the vehicle and the perimeter of the Colony. "She's going to make it."

Some of the tunnels were now so close together that the crumbling ground merged them into huge chasms that it would be impossible for Sia to get round. But slowly, carefully, she was steering her way through eventually driving into the docking bay.

"Come on, Sia. We can't wait much longer."

Even as he spoke Erik Storr felt the Colony shudder. The tunnels must have started to make their way underneath the structure.

Arno burst into the Command Centre closely followed by Riley, Tony, Susanah and Henry.

"Get to the Escape Shuttle now. If we don't leave now we won't be able to. Where the hell is Sia?"

Arno looked back over his shoulder as he led the others away. She said she had to do something. She'll be quick. We can't leave without her."

The world seemed to tilt as the Colony itself started to slide into a chasm.

"We have to go now, Arno. I'm so sorry, Sia."

Commander Storr turned and walked swiftly to the Escape Shuttle.

Just as the shuttle doors were sealing shut Sia pushed her way inside. There were cheers from everyone as she found a space to squash herself into.

"What took you so long? We almost left without you." The relief that Sia had made it to the Escape Shuttle in time was clearly seen on Erik Storr's face.

"Sorry, Commander. There was just one last thing I had to do before leaving Telstar 4." Sia would say no more but continued to count under her breath as the shuttle shot upwards.

There was a bright flash, a rumble, and the Escape Shuttle juddered before continuing in it's upward path.

"For Harvey," Sia said as they sped towards Earth.