Nova Days Book One: Supernova

The Supernova

     A supernova is classified as an increase in the mass of the sun, resulting in a massive explosion. Scientists said we would never see one in our lifetime; that our sun was stable enough to sustain the human race for the next few millennia. That was before a young heliologist, Sophia Deitz, discovered that the sun had increased in size over the past few decades. Her findings were laughed off as speculation or miscalculations by her colleagues. "She's only in her twenties, she's not accredited." Scoffed news reports, while late night talk show hosts referred to her as "An amateur that has no right to ask for further funding of her 'doomsday' research." Another report quoted the President, stating; "Ms. Deitz is no longer funded by the United States government, and has been restricted from entering government research facili-"

     Sophie clicked the power button on the remote to her television. She knew the truth, yet the scientific community continued to laugh at her findings. "Ugh." She groaned as she rolled off her couch and dragged herself to her kitchen for another cup of tea. At least the government is paying me to keep quite, she thought to herself as steam rolled up from her cup.  It had been about two months since she had last stepped foot in her personal research lab, and she had found resolve in her pets; a huge "lap" dog named Brooks, and a sly black cat named Midnight. Sophie decided to take another nap, since she had nothing better to do, when there was a loud knocking at her door. Sighing as she got to her feet, Sophie peeked through the curtains to see who it was. Two large men in nice, black suits stood outside her door. Huh, another check-up from the Feds? She thought as she unlocked and opened the door. "Hey Jason," she welcomed the first man, "and hello Ger-" She started to welcome the second man in as well. "Ms. Deitz, this is a confidential meeting, please keep this to last names." Jason had stated Coldly. Sophie sighed, "alright Watson and Holmes, how ever may I serve you?" Sophie asked, almost too sarcastically.

     Several hours, and many confidential government secrets later, Sophie shut the door behind the two government agents. She leaned against the door and slowly slid down to a squat. Sophie sighed and buried her head in her hands, just as there was a small knock above her head. Gathering her strength, Sophie pulled herself up to open the door. "Look, guys..."Sophie started as the door swung wide, but stopped when she saw her neighbor standing there. "So who were those guys, Sophie?" The young girl  asked. "Strippers? Kinda ugly if you ask me but-" Sophie cut her off. "Shut up Paige, just pretend you never saw them okay?" Paige looked at her funny and laughed. "Sure Sophie, I'll just pretend I never saw two big burly strippers arrive at your door and stay for three hours." Sophie sighed again, she knew she could trust Paige with the truth. "They were from the government...It was about my research..." Sophie started. "What about it? Didn't they say you miscalculated or whatever?" Paige asked entering Sophie's house. "That's just it... i didn't make a mistake..." Sophie trailed off. "So..." Paige pet Midnight as she waited for a response.

"I... " Sophie started with a shaky voice. "I was right about everything...and according to my research, we only have sixteen days left..."