Tara 3

Untitled Part 1

            The Earth has left, there are only the remnants of once what was. The barren planet rests alone, uninhabited, an isolated sphere of sand. If there was anyone, or anything, remaining here they would listen to the winds of the storm which bombard the surface into an everchanging landscape.

             The humans that survived live as lost pilgrims in the center of space on an artificial planet named TARA 3. The entire living environment was intelligently planned, having been built by the late Dr. Carmine Ambres, a genius in space architectural construction. Directly in front of Roman Keegan was the plaque commemorating the memory of Dr. Ambres. Beyond the engraved plaque which was set on an extended podium before a massive window built for overlooking outer space, this is the way that Carmine Ambres would have wanted her view. The black space with gleaming stars staring back at her forever. There are no burial arrangements here on TARA 3 for anyone. That was a rule decided long ago simply because of space requirements. Many things became complicated up here, and they worsened with the hours that passed.

            One thousand six hundred and thirty-two (1,632) that what the human race was brought to. Here at TARA 3 there is severe population control, all pregnancies are controlled do to the fluctuation of supplies, people, and death. Which is where this story begins, in the delivery room. Dr. Stanley Rubicon brings Melanie, the newborn daughter of Sandra Ardon into TARA 3. The impending question lurching through the artificial garden, park, gyms, rec-center, and the connecting corridors, was who exactly was the father? Not that it was anyone's business, however, the human race is plagued with revenge, jealousy, and fury.

           Dr. Stanley Rubicon beckoned for Nurse Jessica's assistance.

           She lifted her face mask and gave her latex gloves a quick tug at the wrists.

           Soon Melanie was in Sandra's arms. Together they love one another comforting each other in their own private way.

           In the next room, the surgeons lounge (which was nothing more than a metal locker room with tables and chairs), Dr. Rubicon and Dr. Nancy Keegan spoke in soft voices.

           "Do you have any idea who the father is?" Dr. Keegan eyed Dr. Rubicon in a sharp stare.

           "No."

           "Does she?" She folded her arms.

           "I don't know. If she knows she's not saying."

           "Does anyone else know?"

           Dr. Stanley Rubicon gives her an angry grin. "Not yet, but soon I'm sure the rumors will spread somehow."

           The intercom buzzed and Nurse Jessica's voice lifted through the speaker grate, "Dr. Rubicon. Dr. Keegan. You're both are needed in Captain  Farville's chambers."

           "Thank you Jessica. Since Rita's out sick you're head nurse until we return. If anything happens while we're gone just buzz Farville's office."

           "Yes Doctor."

           Dr. Rubicon allowed Dr. Nancy Keegan to enter first.

            They both sat at the main conference table where the other nine TARA 3 authoritarians sat.

            Captain Farville allowed a moment of silent tension to rise in the room before starting. "It's no secret that we know why we are all here. We have a situation where a young lady has given birth to an 'unauthorized' pregnancy, and she refuses to give the fathers name. Is this report correct?"