Page 13 of The Space Traveller's Lover
The men sit in front of the computer screens while Sanders logs into the ARA’s Main Rescue Network site.
“State your request type and code,” the ARA’s voice-controlled assistant announces.
“ARA, rescue code is 2099-468. Requesting permission to proceed with the last stage of search and rescue.”
“Waiting for authorisation,” the voice replies, but then they hear nothing.
The extended silence does not deter them; the men know they face a long wait through the night.
After checking the drone’s moving parts, echolocation trackers, and deep-range cameras, Sheppard and Sanders double-check every step of their carefully planned mission while an impatient Lobart keeps asking them questions. Unable to sleep, they wait for the zero hour.
CHAPTER 7
RESCUE
All across the ARA’s live stream channels,
the world watches in suspense.
“Operation authorised,” the computer’s voice assistant announces, and the message “ARA ready” flashes on the wide monitor soon after the cloudless sunrise.
Sanders and Sheppard carry the drones into the rescue speedboat, waiting by the hangar pier. Sheppard has insisted on steering it himself. They’re joined by two paramedics and one extra boat pilot, plus another boat carrying transmission equipment and ARA reporters.
Lobart eagerly waves them off, but they never look back. As they set off, all of their attention is directed ahead, towards Diablo’s cave.
Everyone on the island is expectantly watching the search and rescue operation on the ARA live broadcast. Mr Lobart has called Pat, Martha, and Stella to join him at the control room as they all anxiously wait. The families hold their collective breath as they closely follow the live transmissions, wishing for the best but, deep down in their minds, preparing for the worst.
All across the ARA’s live stream channels, the world watches in suspense as Sanders, Sheppard, and the rest of the team arrive at the cave entrance.
In seconds, Sheppard pushes through the receding waves, steering the speedboat cleanly through the rugged cave entrance. As he forges ahead,the adrenaline rush makes him feel stronger, surer of himself. The thought that he may be getting closer to his son makes him more determined with every metre he advances.
When they finally reach the second lake, Sheppard gets as close as possible to the central passage leading to the waterfall. The men moor the boat securely onto one of the rocky sides, tying the ropes to the wall’s metal bolts installed there during the preparations. Once they’re completely still, Sanders sends in the first drone.
They all watch in despair as the drone approaches too low and immediately hits the water, overturning and rolling downstream. But the second drone successfully passes through and flies unhindered over the current. Using his navigation helmet and remote controls, Sanders dextrously keeps the drone moving forwards, its spotlights reflecting on the rippling water surface, illuminating the dark interior and its numerous side alleys. He guides the drone along very slowly so as not to miss anything. It seems as if it takes hours to reach the end, deep into Diablo’s cave’s gorge.
He manages to keep the drone hovering on top of the plunging torrent, high enough to miss the spraying water jets and, at the same time, at a safe distance from the ceiling. He then sweeps the powerful bright spotlights around every angle, showing the swirling current being sucked into the mighty chasm. The thundering noise of the plunging waters builds up into the scene’s gripping atmosphere.
“Well, there’s nothing here,” Sanders grumbles through the microphone as he daringly guides his drone as close as possible to the water’s edge.
The last traces of hope are fast disappearing from everyone’s mind as they keep staring at the bleak images transmitted from the drone.
“At least we tried everything.” Martha sobs, hugging Stella while burying her head in her daughter’s arms.
Pat Lobart stays motionless by her side while Albert breathes out impatiently.
Sanders tries one last time with the spotlights at full power. He slowly sweeps along the walls’ rough surface, inspecting every illuminated recess in detail. He focuses on a small inlet before the waterfall’s edge. Instinctively, he moves the drone in that direction.
“What are you doing, Sanders?” Lobart shouts, fearing the drone may hit the rocks, but the following image transmission soon stops him in his tracks.
There, tightly wedged between the pillars of yet another alleyway, the outline of Sam’s speedboat is clearly visible.
The Lobarts’ and Stella’s cheers make Martha look again at the screen as Sanders carefully lowers the drone closer to the boat and into the deck area. The sight of Sam lying on the floor seems like an unbelievable miracle. It takes everyone a few seconds to finally take in what they’re watching.
Sanders manages to land the drone near Sam and points the camera towards his upper body.
“He’s alive!” Martha screams in joy as she notices Sam’s chest slowly moving.
“Oh, I’m so happy for my dear brother!” Stella excitedly hugs her mother.
