Journey to the Heart of Luna - Andy Frankham-Allen [64]
“I am quite glad I have made your acquaintance, Captain. Initially I had feared I would be out of place on this mission, but you have made me feel like one of the crew, whom you clearly hold in high regard.”
Folkard nodded abruptly. “You are quite correct, Professor. I think, during the course of this mission, you have undoubtedly learned much about yourself, which is surely the whole point behind everything we do in this life. The more we experience, the more we learn of ourselves.”
“I never took you for a philosopher.”
Folkard winked. “There is much you do not know about me, Professor.”
“So I am learning.”
The pleasant conversation was thus ended when, with a soft bump, the lift reached the bottom of the shaft. Nathanial stepped off the platform, while Folkard remained to pull the lever. The lift started to rise again and Folkard quickly jumped off it. Together they watched it climb, the unconscious guard still lying where Folkard had left him.
“If he awakes he will find himself in a very unattainable position,” Folkard said.
“Quite. But how do we return up there?”
Folkard indicated the small bell on the wall next to them. String was attached to it, which ran up the lift shaft. “I noticed a similar bell at the top. All we need do is pull the string to alert those on top. Now then!” He turned from the wall, and looked to the small tunnel before them. A soft green-white glow pulsated in the distance. “Shall we seek some answers, Professor?”
Nathanial nodded, and the two men set off.
2.
THEY EMERGED into a cavern of some forty feet in height. The glow was stronger now, casting everything with a soft luminescence. Before them stood a wall of metal. It seemed perfect, not a single imperfection, despite obvious attempts to cut through it. Such efforts were witnessed by the tools and equipment discarded on the ground. Various cutting tools and drills, all damaged beyond repair. Several tunnels, these looking as natural as those previously seen, branched off in all directions. Two people stood by the wall; one was Vladimir Tereshkov. His gangly form, in its ill-fitting clothes, was unmistakable, as was the shock of white hair. He seemed to be shaking, either from fear or rage, Folkard could not be sure. Before him stood a much shorter, rather plump man. He was dressed in a more casual suit, but at least it fitted him better than that of Tereshkov. Tufts of grey hair emerged from the sides of the man’s head, which was otherwise bald. Folkard recognised him as Doctor Cyrus Grant.
Something very untoward was happening to Doctor Grant. The man stood, his palms pressed against the wall, and the glow which infused the cavern emanated from him. It pulsed gently, rhythmically, as if with some kind of purpose.
Folkard looked up to Stone, who was standing behind him slightly. “Professor?” he asked in a whisper, careful not to disturb Tereshkov who was now muttering to himself in Russian.
“I have no idea,” Stone responded, equally as quiet. “We could, perhaps, ask? There appears to be no one else here.”
“Hmm.” Folkard looked around the cavern. The professor was quite right. “Very well, but keep alert. There are almost certainly others down here.”
Professor Stone nodded grimly, his eyes casting around the cavern. Folkard stepped forward, raising his carbine until he had Tereshkov directly in his line of sight.
“Doctor Tereshkov,” Folkard began, “would you care to explain your illegal presence on Luna?”
Tereshkov froze. He turned slowly, his eyes continuing to dart between Folkard and Grant. “What is this?” he said, his English almost fluent despite his thick accent. “British Navy?”
“I am Captain Folkard of Her Majesty’s ship the HMAS Sovereign. Your illegal operation here is over; the Russian camp is now under my control.”
“That is impossible.” Tereshkov, wild eyed, turned back to Grant. “I am so close. This was to be mine. Mine!” He made to move towards Doctor Grant.
“Stand easy, Doctor!” Folkard ordered,