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  "Control this is team leader two, we have arrived at the 20th floor and are holding the doors open. Will proceed to the 21st floor when approved."

  "Teams one and two the raid is a go," directed by Agent Michaels. On the screen with the agents in the stairwell, he could see the emergency fire door slam open in agents rushing in with machine guns held high yelling "FBI, FBI, don't anybody move." The cameras showed was a large room with many desks, Some of which had computer monitors.

  "Control, team one leader, the main room seems to be clear of suspects. We are securing the room and fanning out to check the doors on the west side."

  While that was happening the agents on team two were exiting the elevator, yelling "FBI, FBI, don't anybody move." The video feed showed a reception area with an empty desk and some chairs for waiting with a double set of glass doors. On the wall were pictures of the moon, asteroids, planets, and the earth. Below the pictures was a model motto "Through space a better future for Mankind!"

  As the agents spread out, you could see that they were wondering why the place was empty. Suddenly, through the glass doors, we saw an older lady walking towards them with a shocked expression on her face and slowly raising her hands.

  Opening the door, I said, "Special Agent Chane, FBI ma'am, to whom am I talking too?"

  "Janice Brown Senior administrator for space development holdings. What is the meaning of this?"

  "We have reason to believe that you are in violation of the Sustainable Earth initiative. We have a warrant to confiscate anything that would pertain to our investigation. Would you care to explain what is going on here, the lack of people and equipment?"

  Ms. Brown "Yes about a month ago the Board of Directors voted to shut down SDH in compliance with to the Sustainable Earth initiative. I was instructed to liquidate the company and lay off the employees with severance."

  "Where are the documents and computer records then?"

  "All the computers were workstations and hooked up to the server. Very little was kept on paper other than legal contracts. Per an internal email, the legal papers and server were shipped to a storage facility. Everything else was liquidated at auction last week and the funds deposited into SDH's accounts," Ms. Brown, told Agent Chane.

  "Ms. Brown, I am going to need the companies account numbers. The government is going to freeze the accounts to determine if there is a violation of the initiative."

  Ms. Brown, "Agent Chane, the Board of Directors as part of the liquidation, directed that all funds be dispersed back to SDH's members. They also had me prepare statements of compliance per the Sustainable Earth initiative. I do still have a copy of those statements and would be happy to give it to you." Motioning towards a desk, she picked up a file from the counter and handed it to me.

  "Miss Brown, this does seem to be an official compliance document. At this time you're free to go. Please give Agent Michaels your phone number in case, I need to reach you."

  As I entered the large open area, Agent Michaels waved me over to the windows, "We have searched the premises, and there are no computers or papers of any sort. This looks like a bust to me."

  While thinking of how this was just a big waste of time, I was drawn to the windows from which I could see the 911 memorial. While looking out the window, I noticed on the ledge a folded sheet of paper that blended with the white color of the ledge. Curious, as to what it was, I picked it up. The paper was a short memo about Infinity Metals and the launching of future mining vehicles. More importantly, it was dated after the Sustainable Earth initiative was instituted. Finally a Break!

  Special Agent Chane's office, Washington DC

  There was a knock on the door, the administrative assistant sticks her head in and says "Agent Michaels and Analyst Amber Bock are here for your meeting."

  "Show them in." As they came in, I got up from my desk and shook their hands and waved them over to the conference table.

  "Agents' Michaels and Bock I'm glad you could make it to this meeting. The reason I called to here was to plan some strategies for our next move. The SDH raid didn't get as much information, but it did provide one lead. A memo was found that indicates Infinity Metals is continuing to launch asteroid mining vehicles. As you know this is in violation of the Sustainable Earth Initiative.

  Agent Brock, did you bring the information, I asked you to gather?"

  "Yes," replied Agent Brock, "I compiled all the information we have on Infinity Metals. This includes bank accounts, properties, and known associates."

  "Excellent, was there anything that stood out in the compiled information?"

  Agent Brock, "While I was compiling the information one ongoing financial transaction did stand out. It seems that they are paying Spaceport America a leasing fee for a hanger. That would probably be our best bet to catch them red-handed violating the initiative."

  "Agent Michaels, what are your thoughts on that?"

  Agent Michaels, "It makes sense that we might catch them with incriminating evidence. Additionally, it could provide further information by raiding the hanger. If this is going to be successful, we need to plan this out carefully."

  "I agree with you both this is probably our best opportunity. The information in the memo should be enough to get a federal search warrant, although it is going to take some time. While we are waiting for the search warrant, we will need to get the various parts of the raid setup. So what are your thoughts on what will be needed to raid the hanger?"

  "Sir, as an analyst, I've never been involved in the logistics of a raid, but I would recommend that we get a map of Spaceport America," said Agent Brock.

  Agent Michaels, "As you know I have a lot of experience with organizing and conducting raids. Agent Brock's recommendation of getting a map is a good one, especially in this case because Spaceport America is very spread out and in an isolated location. The nearest FBI location with resources to conduct the raid is Phoenix AZ. Moving the resources that will be needed is bound to attract attention to the operation."

  "Is there any way around that?"

  "I have an idea that may provide a way around that. The issue is the number of forces we need to secure Spaceport America and raid the hangar would be noticed. I propose that we transport our vehicles in by semi on covered flatbeds over a few days and fly the majority of our personnel in by military aircraft," explained agent Michaels.

  Hum, "That may be more practical than you realize Agent Michaels. I think Gen. Bradley at Luke AFB would be eager to help us. He is still PISSED about the theft of the rocket engines. Another benefit is that the base is located right outside of Phoenix. What else?"

  Agent Michael's, "Could the general provide some troops to secure the spaceport, while we raid Infinity Metals hanger?"

  "I don't see why not, it will help to keep our profile lower and maintain better secrecy."

  "Additionally, it just occurred to me that scheduling a military plane to land at Spaceport America might raise a lot of questions. What if the pilot were to declare an in-flight emergency, we could land at the spaceport without arousing any suspicions."

  "I like that Agent Michaels, and I have a feeling that Gen. Bradley will also. Okay, let's go over what we have so far.

  Agent Brock, you will obtain maps of Spaceport America and the surrounding area. Also if you will determine the best staging area to launch the raid while being close to the runways.

  Agent Michaels, you will determine what vehicles we're going to need and obtain the semis' to transport them in secrecy. Additionally, get with Agent Brock to make sure they get to the staging area ahead of time. Also, bring together a team of 10 agents for the raid on the hangar.

  While you two are doing that, I will obtain the search warrant, and contact Gen. Bradley about the air transport and troops to secure the spaceport. Additionally, I will ask him about the possibility of the in-flight emergency idea. Lastly, agent Michaels, I will forward you the information to contact Gen. Bradley to coordinate everything with him.

&n
bsp; So anything I missed? "It seems like a pretty good plan to me. Now it just requires getting all the details worked out.”

  Agent Brock, "Yes, I should have the maps within the next couple of days, and will contact agent Michaels at that point."

  Agent Michaels, "Nothing at this point, I think that does it."

  "Okay then let's get to it. Make sure you communicate regularly, especially if any issues come up let me know immediately to get them resolved. The code is "Operation Cleanup."

  After they left, I sat down and outlined the operation. While I didn't have a lot of the details as of yet, it seemed that we had covered all of the basics.

  Infinity Metals warehouse, Spaceport America, NM

  Jackie VanSwann, "Be careful with loading that rocket engine onto the launch vehicle. If you damage either one, it's going to delay our lunch tomorrow."

  Technician, "Jackie quit busting our balls, we got this, it's not like this is our first load. It will be ready to launch tomorrow."

  "I know, I'm just a little nervous after having recovered the rocket engines from the FBI," cell phone ringing, "I have to get this call.

  "Hello Jim, what do I owe this call too?" Thinking that it was unusual to be receiving a secure call.

  Jim, "Nothing good I'm afraid! One of my technicians, at the space command center, just intercepted FBI communications. A team of FBI Agents will be raiding the hanger within the next two hours."

  "Damn, we are just loading the launch vehicle with the rocket engines. It's not scheduled to launch until tomorrow." Jackie answered with panic in her voice.

  "There is nothing we can do from this end, the FBI has already left Phoenix.," said Jim. "It's a good thing we planned for a situation like this. Initiate the evacuation procedure. The most important thing right now is to get our personnel out of there and erase any sensitive data."

  Looking around the warehouse, Jackie couldn't help but think that it was unfair that they would raid at this time. When we were so close to launching the last of the rocket engines. Upon pressing the emergency button, lights started flashing and alarms indicating a priority evacuation. "Jim, I have initiated the evacuation and am starting the computer wipe protocol."

  Jim, "I know it's unfair but it is important we do not let our personnel or information fall into the FBI's hands. Since we cannot afford to lose you, get to the Jacksonville Florida launch facility and board one of the passenger shuttles."

  "I will be leaving here in a few minutes, to make my way there," I stated as my eyes fell on the truck loaded with the engines. "One of the rocket engines is still loaded on the transport truck. I am having one of the technicians drive it out of here."

  Thinking for a moment, Jim replied, "Have the technician drive that over to Seaward's staging area in Truth or Consequences. It should be safe there. Now get out of there, I'll talk to you later."

  After hanging up the phone, Jackie opened up the desk drawer and pulled out an envelope filled with papers. Quickly she wrote on the envelope "Attention Agent Chane" and laid it on the desk as she turned and left the hanger.

  ******

  FBI outside Infinity Metals warehouse at 11:55 AM.

  "Okay, ladies and gentlemen the raid of the Infinity Metals hanger is a go in five minutes." Agent Chane broadcast over the command radio. "All units, confirm status."

  As the time counted down all units indicated they were ready. When the time reached twelve noon, an Agent radioed, "The Operation is a go! Proceed with your objectives. I repeat the operation is a go!"

  Watching from the command vehicle, Agent Chane could see agents taking up positions on either side of the hanger door on monitor one. They were communicating with hand signals and had their weapons ready to fire.

  Monitor two showed agents lined up next to a rear exit door with their weapons deployed. A group of four agents were using a battering ram on the door and would soon make their entrance.

  The third monitor showed Agents entering the hanger office door. An agent had just threw in a gas grenade while another was yelling "FBI! We have a warrant to search these premises for contraband under the "Sustainable Earth Initiative." When there was no response, the officers cautiously entered the building.

  As the agents entered the other entrances, a fourth screen started filling up with feeds from their body cameras. One of the feeds was showing that the agents in a smoky atrium with a reception desk. They quickly proceeded through the office area, as there was no one in sight.

  Another agent cam showed the agents had entered the rear door directly into the hangar. I couldn't tell if anyone was there with the amount of equipment and the launch vehicle in the hanger. As the agents spread out, to it became evident that no one was in the hangar.

  After a few moments, the two units reported that the hangar was all clear. "Stand down, I am coming in."

  Once in the hangar, an agent ran up to me with an envelope. "It looks like the computers have been erased, but we won't know if anything is recoverable until the lab has taken a look at them. We did find this manila envelope addressed to you on one of the desks," he said while handing it to me.

  Opening the letter

  Agent Chane,

  Since you are reading this letter, I can only assume that I have not succeeded in completing the work of Infinity Metals. It was not on a whim that we continued developing asteroid mining after the Sustainable Earth Initiative executive order.

  The order will not solve the world's problems with limited resources and living conditions. The reason I believe that it will not solve the problem is that on this earth there is a limited amount of resources and as they are exhausted everyone's living conditions will worsen, and society will collapse in the long run.

  Over the last 10 years, I have watched the world commit more and more resources to third world countries, and there have been no appreciative improvements in their living conditions. A lot of it just gets siphoned off by the dictators and others.

  With my mining technology, the asteroids have the potential to provide the earth with the resources that it needs for hundreds if not thousands of years. Because of a few shortsighted people, we are looking inward. I believe that we are doomed by looking inward rather than outward.

  I could not just sit around and watch as the world committed suicide and people die.

  Sincerely,

  Jackie VanSwann

  CEO of Infinity Mining

  PS – enclosed you will find engineering information on how to mine the oceans floors.

  After I looked at the other pages. I caught myself wondering if she was right, as I put the envelope into my coat pocket.

  "Agent, please assign a unit of four to secure the hangar until further notice. It doesn't look like we're going to find much else. Make sure the computers get to the lab in case we can get anything off of them, but I don't think we will." Well, at least this wasn't a total bust, we got the two of the rocket engines back. I should be able to just get back to Phoenix in time for dinner, but what's the point without JJ. The director is not going to like this.

  Conference room, Space station, Lagrange 5

  Upon entering the conference room, I noticed that Ben and Theo are already connected via teleconferencing and that Jackie was audio only.

  "Everyone, we are in a bit of a pickle," said Ben. "As you know, the FBI raid on Infinity Metals hangar cost the loss of a cargo lifter and the last rocket engine needed for the asteroid mining. This puts quite a damper on our schedule to become self-sufficient. Is there anything we can do to recover from this?"

  "Ben, you know this wasn't our fault. The FBI caught us by surprise, and if we hadn't intercepted their communication, we would've also lost the Third engine."

  Jackie's voice could be heard coming from the speakers, "I have been giving some thought to the asteroid mining project and may have a way to decrease the number of engines we need. Currently, we are scheduled to launch eight more mining vehicles, to the nemesis asteroid group. Our current plans call fo
r launching a vehicle a month for the next eight.

  "If, I remember correctly we decided to launch them one at a time in case one of the vehicles failed," stated Ben as he pulled up the operational plan for the asteroid mining. "I don't see that we have a lot of wiggle room in the schedule for those lunches. So Jackie what is your idea?"

  Jackie, "Launching the mining vehicles over eight months made sense when we had the resources to get them there. With the loss of the rocket engines, we are able only to launch two at this time. It will be months before the 3-D printers can be devoted to producing additional rocket engines. So what I propose is that we launch all eight vehicles in two launches."

  "I don't see where that is going to help any?" Said Ben, as he noticed Jim saw deep in thought.

  "Jackie, I think your idea could work. What Jackie is alluding to is originally we had planned on transporting all of the mining vehicles in three launches. When we decided to launch them individually, we scrapped the frames that had been built for that those launches. Another reason we decided on separate lunches was due to the heavier launch weight taking longer to get to the Nemesis."

  Excitedly Jackie said, "Precisely my thoughts Jim."

  "If I remember correctly the frames had beacons put on them in case they were needed in the future," pulling out my phone and I punched the command icon.

  Technician, "What can I do for you, Jim?"