SUNGLASESS AND ROCKETS Part 2: The Machine

LAST DETAILS

"Half deserted?" I was surprised.

"Since four days ago. That will allow us to begin our task without troublesome meddling."

"Why is the base half deserted?" Darwin asked.

"Mama Bat works with groups of scientists who are sent back once their mission is over. The team that joined the SVM together has already left. And a new group of scientists will arrive in eight days."

"The one chosen to operate the SVM," my friend deduced.

"That's right, but by then, we should be in charge," the doctor seemed pleased. "Naturally, this team will work with us to repair the SVM."

Intrigued by the curious space staff rotation, I asked:

"What is the reason why they replace scientists?"

"The execution of projects at Mama Bat is similar to the military's secretive structure...just like the Manhattan project. Most scientists and technicians are assigned a task and that's the only thing they know...they don't even know what it's going to be for...or if it is an individual device, or just a part of a more complex mechanism. Even, many semi permanent workers at the base don't know that an SVM has been built there. As for the rest, some departments are forbidden to exchange information."

"Really?" I was horrified.

The doctor agreed.

"The work structure is totally militarized," he looked vexed. "I never liked the system and the truth is that only a few of the leaders in turn know the whole picture..."

"And you were one of those leaders," I observed.

"Exactly, and as you see," he raised his eyebrows resigned; "they switch us too every now and then."

"And—"

"Let's take off the helmets," the doctor hurried unexpectedly. "There is only a 48 hour reserve and believe me, each molecule of oxygen out there is worth more than all the gold on Earth."

We did as told and left the helmets floating in the middle of the triangle that we had formed.

"Whoever sent you the signal must be one of the current leaders?" I asked quickly.

"No. Phil is in charge of an analysis division of all types of signals. His emergency call was undoubtedly justified...Phil is a genius and is absolutely trustworthy," he fixed his eyes on us. "Just as you are."

We nodded timidly. I admit this last reassurance was only about the trust the doctor had in us.

"And, do you know any of the leaders?" Darwin inquired.

Trying to pack his beard together, the doctor responded:

"Voodoo."

"Voodoo?" Darwin questioned.

"That's how the main leader of the base is called. Voodoo is the one who has stayed the longest at the base; Voodoo is about to end his 15 year period."

"And, this Voodoo...Will he remember you?" I wanted to know.

"Sure, sure," he moved his head lightly as a sign of weariness. "We had our differences, perhaps, but before I went back to Earth, we had worked them out and that will also be in our favor."

Darwin cast me an optimistic glance. I still had my doubts.

"What will happen if more Vampires were to come?"

"If they don't shoot them down before leaving Earth, the Bats will...that, if the Vampires find a way to get to the base. Not many of us can find Mama Bat. Besides, there aren't too many Vampires." He pulled his beard. "There must be five at the most and, we are aboard one of them!"