3012: The Artifact

  ~***~

  Meanwhile, Jack and Paul had finally come to the agreement that a second trip to the ice was in order. They were in the workshop trying to plan what they would need for a bare minimum of supplies for the journey. “Do you think there are any shelters such as what we normally use on artic expeditions in that vast warehouse of yours?”

  Not really sure, Jack turned to Suzie and asked “You wouldn’t have any idea of what we could use, would you?”

  “The only things we had that would be appropriate for such an expedition are the tents, but I have to say they are rather primitive, even by your standards, Jack. Obviously we would need to locate some sort of heaters as well.”

  “Well, maybe we should just go down there on a reconnaissance mission and see what we have to work with. What do you think, Paul?”

  “Assuming by ‘reconnaissance’ you mean to go exploring, then yes, count me in, sounds good to me, I wanted another chance to explore anyway.” Paul said with an ear to ear grin.

  Suzie had already disappeared, possibly to get a head start on them. However, before they could get to the stairway, she reappeared with a concerned look on her face.

  “Jack” she said, “There is a government registered hoverlimo approaching a few meters above the access road.”

  In all of the ten years he had been living here, Jack had never had anyone approach his hidden home before. He was sure that the only people that knew about it were the people in this very room. “Who would be coming here in a Limo? No one knows about this place but us!”

  Paul said, “Jack, maybe they are following your embedded signal.”

  With a look of sudden horror on his face, he asked “What embedded signal?”

  “You know, the chip imbedded in your brain at birth. Everyone has one and certainly everyone knows about them.”

  “Paul, as I said many times today, I was not born in this century. When I was born, no one was embedded with a chip for any reason. People would not stand for it. It’s a violation of your personal liberty and freedom!”

  “Jack, it's only for your own good. How would the government keep track of us otherwise?”

  “Why would you want them to, Paul?” Jack said with a show of anger and disgust.