Gardens of Destruction

With a haste born of necessity, Jana had managed to pack their belongings, the urgency of the soldiers outside propelling her every movement. There was no time for lengthy explanations to Val about the sudden departure. She couched it in terms of an impromptu adventure, promising that their beloved grandparents would be waiting upon their return. Val, ever the embodiment of youthful excitement, embraced the escapade wholeheartedly, oblivious to the underlying tension.

“Mom, can I take my teddy bear?” Val asked, her eyes alight with innocent anticipation.

Jana found herself grappling with the bittersweet realization of her daughter’s growing independence. “Aren’t you a bit old for stuffed toys?” she mused aloud, yet relenting. “Alright, take what you need. We won’t be gone long. Grandma and Grandpa will be waiting.”

Jana’s thoughts turned inward, acknowledging her tendency to overindulge her only child. Each loving gesture, she feared, might be sowing the seeds of future challenges. These reflections accompanied her as they journeyed, the jeep carving a path through the early morning.

As the landscape whizzed by, Jana’s sharp mind noted their divergent route. A flicker of apprehension crossed her features. “This isn’t the way to the airport. Where are we being taken?” she queried, her voice tinged with a rising anxiety.

“Fear not, Dr. Petroff,” the civilian reassured her with an air of calm authority. “We head to the military airfield. Our transport awaits there.”

The revelation sparked a mixture of awe and excitement in Val. “A military plane, mom? That’s so cool!” Her voice resonated with the unfettered joy only a child can muster.

Jana’s maternal instinct to protect and maintain calm surfaced. “Valentina, let’s keep our voices down,” she gently admonished.

The secretary, sharing the backseat, offered a congenial smile. “Let her revel in her joy, Dr. Petroff. As a parent myself, I understand. Children should be free to express their happiness.”

Upon reaching the military airport, they were promptly ushered onto an awaiting aircraft, its interior stark and unadorned, a stark contrast to commercial flights. They were alone, the only passengers on this unscheduled journey.

“Are we the sole travelers?” Jana inquired, her academic curiosity piqued by the unusual arrangement.

Val’s excitement was palpable as she marveled at the empty cabin. “We have the whole plane to ourselves! We can choose any seat and look out all the windows!”

“Yes, Dr. Petroff, this flight is exclusively for you,” the suited man confirmed. The soldiers, ever silent, offered no further insight.

Jana felt a mix of honor and trepidation. The importance placed on her expertise was evident, yet it shrouded their destination in a veil of mystery. Her mind raced, trying to piece together the puzzle, but the pieces remained elusive, lost in a sea of possibilities and unknowns.

As the aircraft ascended, Jana’s outward composure belied the tight knot of apprehension in her chest. A whisper of doubt nagged at her - had she hastily embarked on a path fraught with unknowns? Her scientist’s mind, often so eager to leap into the enigmatic depths of discovery, questioned the wisdom of this unanticipated journey.

In the wake of her divorce, Jana had immersed herself in the realms of science, finding solace in the pursuit of knowledge. Outwardly, she maintained the poise of a scientist, yet her allure did not go unnoticed. Men’s glances often lingered on her, but their attempts at connection faltered, not through any fault of hers. She found their intellectual depth lacking, a reflection of society’s unease with women of intelligence. Men, it seemed, were intimidated by her mind, preferring the illusion of simplicity over the reality of depth. This was a symptom of a societal malaise, a world where genuine connections had given way to superficial judgments based on status and wealth. Masks were worn, feigned happiness the norm, hiding the true depths of unspoken miseries.

The flight was brief, yet Val’s exuberance filled every moment. Jana perceived the soldiers’ growing irritation, their discomfort evident at the child’s unrestrained energy. She mused internally at the irony – these men, trained to confront formidable adversaries, were undone by the boundless spirit of an eleven-year-old.

“Mom, mom, look at me!” Val’s voice rang out, her joy uncontainable as she hopped between seats, her shoes discarded, reveling in the freedom of the moment.

Jana marveled at the depth of her love for her daughter, a love so profound it seemed to defy understanding. Was this the universal experience of parenthood, she wondered? To be so utterly captivated by the mere sight of one’s child?

“Madam, we are approaching our destination. Could you please settle the young one? It’s time to fasten our seatbelts for landing,” the secretary politely interrupted her thoughts.

“Val, shoes now, and come here,” Jana commanded with a firmness that brooked no argument.

“But mom, I’m having so much fun!” Val protested.

“Now!” Jana’s voice left no room for discussion, and Valentina promptly complied.

The landing passed smoothly, and they soon found themselves transitioning to a helicopter, the next leg of their mysterious journey unfolding.

Jana pondered their destination, a place seemingly disconnected from the typical paths of travel. The secretary’s words echoed her thoughts, “We’ll continue by helicopter. No airports nearby. I hope you’re not too weary. We’re close to our destination.”

“No problem, we’ll manage,” Jana replied, masking the discomfort that the journey had stirred within her. In stark contrast, Valentina thrived amidst the adventure, her relentless vitality a testament to the untamed spirit of youth.

The helicopter journey was brief, as the military had assured. Since disembarking from the plane, Jana’s gaze was irresistibly drawn to the vast object soaring into the sky, dwarfing anything shown on television. Its true magnitude was something that could only be appreciated in person. Val, too, was captivated, her face pressed against the window, eyes wide at the sight of the monumental asteroid.

“Mom, isn’t it going to fall down?” Val’s questions poured out in a stream of curiosity.

“No, Val, it looks securely lodged. I don’t think it will fall,” Jana reassured her.

“But mom, can we go and touch it?”

“I don’t think so, dear. We’re here to observe and learn from afar.”

“What about after we study it? Can we touch it then?” Val persisted with her inquiries.

Even the normally stoic face of the general’s secretary softened into a smile at Val’s relentless questioning.

“Enough questions for now, Val. Let’s stay calm. We’re not here to touch it; we have other important work,” Jana gently instructed.

“Yes, mom,” Val replied, her enthusiasm dimming slightly.

They finally landed. The helicopter smoothly descended over an open field sparsely dotted with trees and shrubs. The base appeared small in comparison to the distant, towering asteroid. As they neared the landing pad, the helicopter’s descent was so expertly executed that it felt more gentle than a plane landing. Jana was relieved to have finally reached their destination, though the surreal nature of their journey made her feel slightly disoriented.

Professor Bernstein extended a helping hand to Jana as she disembarked from the aircraft. In contrast, Valentina, the embodiment of youthful enthusiasm, was determined to make a memorable exit. With unwavering determination, she leaped from the helicopter, her small frame nearly toppling over upon landing. But before gravity could claim its victory, a strong and steady hand reached out to catch her. Captain Davidson had come to her rescue.

In the midst of the impromptu rescue, a small rubber toy slipped from Mark’s pocket, tumbling unceremoniously to the ground. Professor Berenstein, seizing the opportunity for playful banter, retrieved the fallen toy with a sly grin, his teasing tone carrying a hint of amusement.

“Ha! The captain’s lost his most dangerous weapon.”

Valentina, however, wasn’t about to let her newfound friend take the fall. She promptly stepped forward, defending the soldier’s honor and, in the process, her own veracity.

“That’s mine! You’re mistaken,” she asserted boldly. “I dropped it!”

Jana, her ever-watchful eye catching the small deception, raised an eyebrow at her daughter’s little white lie. Yet, she chose not to comment, recognizing the innocence in Valentina’s attempt to shield her newfound comrade from jest.

“We’re honored to have you here, Dr. Petroff,” a voice greeted her.

“I’m Professor Bernstein,” he introduced himself.

Jana greeted him warmly. “So, you’re the one who’s been corresponding with Professor Johanson?”

“Yes, I suppose I’m a bit old-fashioned. I prefer letters to emails,” Professor Bernstein admitted with a slight chuckle.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. Professor Johanson always spoke highly of you,” Jana said, shaking his hand.

“And I’ve heard about you too. Johanson often mentioned your talents and dedication,” Bernstein replied, causing Jana to blush slightly at the praise.

Valentina, eager to be part of the conversation, chimed in. “Mom, what are we going to do now?”

Bernstein grinned at her. “You’re the little helper we heard about, aren’t you?”

Val, unfazed by his imposing figure, nodded eagerly. “Yes! And we’re going to study that!” she pointed at the asteroid. “Mom said we might touch it after we study it!”

Bernstein laughed heartily. “I’d like to touch it too, but first, we have to convince the boss over there to let us get close. He’s quite strict about it.”

General Patterson’s weary approach to the landing pad was a slow trudge, his face swollen with fatigue, betraying the weight of a sleepless night. He wasn’t alone in his exhaustion; the phenomenon they had been studying seemed to hang heavily on everyone here. His attempt at a smile was a strained grimace.

“Bernstein, don’t startle the child with my presence,” Patterson joked, though his eyes briefly darted to the mysterious object nearby. “You know I’m not the villain here.”

He then addressed the new arrivals. “Hello, I haven’t had the chance to introduce myself. I’m General Patterson, in charge of this operation and base.”

Jana’s handshake with Patterson was a contact with cold, rough hands, mirroring the tired lines etched deeply on his face. His military uniform was pristine, but it couldn’t mask the heavy burden he carried. She couldn’t help but speculate about the challenges lurking within the facility’s walls.

“Thank you for the trust. I’m still unsure of my role here, but I’m eager to learn,” Jana responded, her voice a blend of politeness and curiosity.

“The thanks go to Professor Bernstein. He’s the one who vouched for you,” Patterson replied, his gaze shifting towards Bernstein with a nod. “As for your role, we’ll get to that. First, let’s get you settled. Come, I’ll show you to your quarters.”

Jana gave a slight, apprehensive nod, her mind racing with thoughts of the task ahead. Her steps were measured as she followed Patterson, feeling the weight of the curious stares from the base’s occupants. Despite her academic attire, which was a simple, functional outfit, she could feel the eyes lingering on her, an uncomfortable reminder of her usual experience in such male-dominated environments.

They were led to a surprisingly spacious bungalow. Its exterior was unassuming, but inside, it was furnished with unexpected luxury, a stark contrast to the austere military surroundings outside. The care taken to provide comfort for the visiting scientists was evident.

“I’ll leave you to settle in. Afterwards, we need to bring you up to speed with our research. We’re counting on your expertise,” Patterson said before departing, leaving Jana and Valentina in their new, albeit temporary, home.

As Patterson exited, Jana began unpacking, while Valentina, still brimming with energy, bounced around the room. Her daughter’s unbridled enthusiasm was a stark contrast to the serious, almost oppressive atmosphere of the base.

“Valentina, let’s find something to eat, okay?” Jana coaxed, trying to channel her daughter’s energy.

“Can we have pizza, mom?” Valentina asked, hopeful.

“I doubt we’ll find pizza here,” Jana chuckled, her smile warm despite the underlying stress of their situation.

They stepped out of the bungalow, heading towards the base’s main building. Professor Bernstein was waiting, his face lighting up at their approach, his gray hair and rugged features softening with a genuine smile.

“You settled in quickly!” he said with a hint of concern. “You should have rested, Dr. Petroff. The general is eager for you to begin work. Don’t hold it against him; he’s just focused on the mission.”

“I’m here to work,” Jana assured him, her determination clear. “But first, could you show us where we can get something to eat?”

“Of course, how thoughtless of me. The chef will prepare something immediately,” Bernstein replied, his demeanor apologetic yet warm.

“Thank you, Professor,” Jana expressed her gratitude, her appreciation evident in her tone.

“It’s my pleasure,” Bernstein responded, his broad smile reflecting his delight in assisting them.

In the empty dining hall, Jana Petroff felt a twinge of discomfort, eased only by Professor Bernstein’s presence. He seemed utterly at home, as if he had spent the last two decades in these surroundings.

“Tell me about the asteroid!” Jana urged while she and Val quickly devoured an omelet.

“Eat up. This isn’t the place for work talk,” Bernstein surveyed the empty room. “We’ll have plenty of time for discussions. And General Patterson wouldn’t be pleased if I spilled the beans without him.”

“I understand, sorry, I didn’t mean to cause trouble.”

“Trouble,” the professor laughed, “I’m usually the general’s main problem. But now I’ve been somewhat eclipsed,” he said, glancing sideways, obviously referring to the asteroid outside.

“Why all the secrecy? Isn’t it a bit much for just an asteroid, even one this size?” Jana asked innocently.

“Doctor, that’s the issue. This isn’t an asteroid!” The professor spread his hands, as if he himself was responsible for this fact.

Jana nearly choked, not expecting such a forthright answer. She had to drink water to manage the bite.

“I... I don’t know what to say. How should I interpret what you just shared?” she stammered, still in shock, her heart pounding, thoughts racing.

“Let’s pretend I said nothing!” Bernstein realized he had let out confidential information.

“No problem. I’ll wait for the general to fill me in,” Jana replied, though her curiosity was now hammering inside her, like a sledgehammer against her chest.

“Right, that’s best,” agreed the professor.

After they finished eating – Jana hurried as she felt she might burst from anticipation – Val, who had long been running around the tables, arranging chairs into geometric patterns, stopped.

“We’re ready, I think!” Jana said, standing up.

“Are you sure? Then let’s go to the general. He’s eagerly waiting for you,” Bernstein seemed just as impatient.

“Just before that, let’s drop the child off with the babysitter,” he continued.

“Babysitter? You’re serious?” Jana was taken aback.

“How else did you picture it? The child won’t be allowed in the lab. She’ll be close by, don’t worry.”

“Alright,” Jana agreed reluctantly.

After introducing Val to Maria, the woman who would take care of her, they went to the control room. Jana gasped. The room was not only equipped with multimillion-dollar technology, but she recognized some of the luminaries of science, people she had only seen in academic journals. She felt extraordinarily proud to meet them, and Bernstein introduced her to his colleagues. She noticed that everyone looked quite weary.

Soon enough, informed of her arrival, General Patterson appeared.

“Glad you’re settled in!” he began. “Now, I apologize for the rush, but we can’t delay any further.”

“I’m all ears, General,” Jana stated, ready for what was to come.

“Let’s sit at the professor’s desk,” Patterson suggested.

“So, where to start?” he pondered, his throat dry. “I assume you know the official story about the asteroid?”

“Yes, it’s been discussed at length on TV,” she replied calmly.

“Now it’s time for the real story. Dr. Petroff, first off, we don’t believe the object is an asteroid.”

Jana looked at Bernstein; he hadn’t been joking. She felt a lump in her throat again.

“And what is it, in your opinion?” she asked timidly.

“We have enough data to believe the object is of artificial origin,” Patterson revealed.

“Say it plainly, Patterson,” Bernstein interjected. “It’s a spacecraft. That’s why we observed a landing, not a crash. You know that if it were a real asteroid, life on Earth would’ve been wiped out upon impact.”

“Internet theories suggested as much, but I thought they were nonsense,” Jana was still in shock but found the strength to respond.

In the silent control hall, Jana Petroff’s voice trembled slightly as she asked a question that seemed to hang in the air. “Can I inquire about something... have you established contact yet?”

Professor Bernstein and General Patterson exchanged a meaningful look, communicating silently with just a glance. “Not exactly what you’re thinking, Doctor,” the professor responded.

“The object, it started cracking at one point! Now it’s riddled with fissures from top to bottom. We sent a robotic explorer, but something happened inside, and we lost contact. So, for now, I’ve ordered that no one gets close to it. We consider this an initial contact; we’re sure the machine didn’t break down on its own, something helped it along!”

Jana felt like she was in a movie, her mind leaping from question to question, overwhelmed by the cascade of revelations. The events of the day were too much to assimilate.

“General, as a scientist, this is incredibly fascinating, but I still don’t see my role in all this. You have a team of outstanding scientists, why do you need me?”

The general looked into her eyes intently. “Doctor, you’re a specialist in a very rare field, with experience. Now, listen carefully.” He began to tell a story about a farmer trying to kill an eagle and what he had to do to succeed. “But it’s hard to explain in words. It’s best if you see ‘the bird’ yourself. I sincerely hope you can provide some answers; we desperately need them.”

They left the dining hall, following the general and professor through the corridors to the laboratory. Jana was awestruck by the lab - so much dreamed-of equipment, the likes of which her university could never afford. She closed her eyes briefly, savoring the moment, imagining it as her own lab. “Incredible, I’m impressed!” she whispered, though silence wasn’t necessary.

“Wait until you see ‘the bird’, save your exclamations for then,” the professor said, unable to contain his enthusiasm.

They stopped in front of a small incubator, covered with a cloak. “Are you ready?” the general asked, looking at her expectantly.

“Yes, of course. Show me!” Jana replied, her voice eager yet slightly shaky.

The general removed the cover, and Jana’s breath hitched for a second, refusing at first to believe what she was seeing. Then, like the other scientists, she felt a wave of nausea at the sight. The strange structures, with a dull metallic sheen, seemed unreal to her. It was inconceivable, but they wouldn’t have brought her thousands of kilometers for a prank.

“This thing,” she pointed at ‘the bird,’ “you think it comes from there?” she asked the professor, still bewildered.

“Yes, madam, I’m convinced it’s not of our making. You’ve worked with similar materials; tell me, could anyone, any lab in the world, make this?”

“No, professor, impossible. I know the level of bio-robotics worldwide; such a complex structure can’t be grown. Our work was mainly molecular and cellular. May I ask about the chemical analysis of the material’s structure?”

The professor went to fetch some files and returned with a sheet in his hand. “My initial opinion is that it’s a carbon-based metal.”

“Is that possible?” the general asked, surprised.

“Yes, it’s entirely feasible, it has been produced for several years now. Organic metal is a chemical compound of crystalline with metal ions in it. Currently, due to its strength, it’s used for storing gaseous substances.”

“Professor, have you heard of anything like this before?” General Patterson glanced at Bernstein, an unspoken query passing between them.

“I’ve heard of it, but never delved deep into the subject,” Bernstein replied uncertainly.

“Please continue, Ms. Petroff,” urged Patterson, signaling her to proceed.

Jana, still processing the enormity of what she had learned, spoke thoughtfully. “The structure surely contains carbon; otherwise, it couldn’t connect with organic matter. We’ve experimented with similar materials, trying to create substrates for growing artificial organs. We also tried making materials that could attach directly to nerves, building artificial prostheses.”

“And what results did you achieve?” Bernstein, still holding the analysis sheet, asked with genuine interest.

“We wanted to integrate the tissues with the prosthesis, like the ‘bird’ we see here. But we couldn’t do it. The late Professor Johanson believed genetic changes were necessary for such integration.”

“Wait, you mean to say this ‘bird’ in front of us has had its genes modified?” Patterson appeared visibly shaken.

“It could be true, General,” Bernstein chimed in, “our studies show it’s a carbon-containing metal, with silicon and other elements in lesser amounts. Look here for yourself.”

Jana examined the analysis, her lips unconsciously forming strange shapes as she pondered. “Is something wrong?” Patterson interjected.

“No, it’s just... I can’t comprehend how these elements were combined. My chemical knowledge says such a structure shouldn’t exist,” she confessed.

“That’s what the other chemists found too!” Patterson cut in.

“Dr. Petroff, do you have any theories? Please don’t hesitate to share. Everything happening here is madness to me.”

“It’s difficult to say more at this point, General,” Jana began tentatively, her voice tinged with anxiety. “I’d like to do some research before making any statements. Biobotronics isn’t advanced enough for this. Our work has been mainly molecular and cellular. The scale of what I’m seeing here is staggering. Give me some time. I should have more answers and perhaps a couple of theories by tomorrow evening.”

“Alright, I’ll expect quick theories from you. National security, maybe even humanity’s future, depends on your insights,” Patterson sighed.

“Of course, I realize we’re in a delicate situation,” Jana replied tactfully.

“I won’t keep you any longer. Go rest from the journey and take care of your daughter. We’ll talk again soon.”

General Patterson swiftly exited the room. Jana and Bernstein also didn’t linger long in the lab, preferring the fresh air in the base’s courtyard, where military personnel scurried like ants in a colony. Bernstein excused himself and disappeared. Jana, left alone, felt a wave of unease wash over her, sensing the hostile environment of the base. It was hard to adjust to everything in just a few hours.

She found the babysitter and Val playing football, the European version. Val saw her mother and dashed over. “Thank you for looking after her,” Jana said to the babysitter, who smiled, revealing her white teeth.

“You can go now. I’ll be with her for the rest of the evening. We’ll see you tomorrow when I go to the lab. You’ll need to take care of her then,” Jana told the babysitter.

“Whenever you say, ma’am!” the babysitter nodded, then turned and walked briskly toward the back of the station.

***

Jana sat on a bench, watching Val kick the ball with fervor. She thanked God every day for her daughter. Her love was boundless, and she could watch Val for hours without growing tired or noticing the time. Now, Val grounded her, pulling her back to reality after the shocking revelations. She needed time to gather her thoughts.

Startled by an unexpected male voice, Jana turned toward the source of the intrusion. “May I sit with you for a moment?”

“Don’t do that again, you scared me!” She looked up to find a well-built military man in his thirties, impeccably dressed in his uniform with rolled-up sleeves. His clean-shaven face was stern, his cold gray eyes piercing as they appraised her.

“My apologies, I didn’t mean to frighten you. I approached too quietly. Let me introduce myself; I’m Captain Mark Davidson, responsible for security here at the base.”

“Captain, I believe we already saw you today” Jana nodded, accepting his extended hand with a polite smile. “I’m Dr. Jana Petroff.”

“You must be the new scientist I was warned about?”

“That’s right, and this is my daughter, Valentina.”

Jana hastened to introduce Val. It was her usual tactic to deter any man she perceived as intrusive. This one certainly wasn’t invited. She knew from experience that introducing her child was the quickest way to deter an unwanted attention. Most would back off and quickly escape at the mention of a child. However, this approach sometimes backfired, driving away even those she might not want to. But she had come to terms with her fate, not often begrudging it.

“A very lively child,” the uniformed man smiled. “I’ve always wondered where they get so much energy.”

“Indeed, I can’t run around like that all day, can you?” Jana replied.

“Doctor, actually, I wanted to introduce myself and assure you that you can count on me if any problems arise. Moreover, I promise to keep an eye on your daughter while you’re working during the day.”

“Thank you! That’s very kind of you!” Jana thought, ‘Please leave, I’m not in the mood to talk to anyone, not capable of carrying on a meaningful conversation right now.’

“I won’t bother you any longer. Have a good evening, and I’ll see you around the base!” Davidson, as if reading her mind, stood up and left.

“Yes, of course, thank you, and good evening to you too!”

‘I hope not too often,’ Jana mused silently, returning to her thoughts. She stared at the enormous object in the distance, contemplating the role it would play in her fate. She needed to find herself and face this new challenge. She had always succeeded before and hoped this time would be no different. Her intuition told her that life would never be the same after encountering the asteroid, and she hoped the asteroid wouldn’t be the same after encountering her. Gazing into the horizon, she watched Valentina play, peripherally aware of her daughter’s obliviousness to the monumental changes unfolding.