Thorpe's Candle

SWIM WITH THE TIDE

Marine Super Cobra gunships whipped the air as Skyler and Gates walked across the sandy compound to the entrance gate of the korium lab, now a mass of twisted metal and tangled chain link fencing. The trade winds caught the smoke from the partially burned-out structure and swept it out to sea. The acidic smell of charred wood and cordite lingered. Among the Rangers guarding a rescue chopper was Captain Rees.

“I need to say goodbye to someone,” Gates said, and trotted off in the direction of the aircraft. “I’ll catch up with you.”

Skyler watched him go. Then he turned and noticed a man a short distance away leaning against the thick trunk of a coconut palm. It was William Thorpe. His body sagged — his empty eyes stared into the distance.

“Glad to see you made it out in one piece, Dr. Thorpe.” Skyler approached the scientist. “I’m Matt Skyler with OceanQuest.”

Thorpe turned in Skyler’s direction and sighed. “I know who you are, and that’s one way of looking at it.”

“Any way you look at it you still created a revolutionary new energy source.”

“I created a monster, fed it, nurtured it, let it grow. I wound up building something evil. I can’t believe I let it get this far.”

“You didn’t, Dr. Thorpe,” Skyler said. “You just got caught up in the riptide. The secret to survival is knowing when to fight the current and when to swim with it until you’re safely back on shore. You can be proud of what you did.”

“So many could have died.” Thorpe turned his eyes toward the horizon.

“Look at it this way. What does a Candle do? It gives off light, right?” Skyler placed a reassuring hand on the scientist’s shoulder. “Remember your original goal with Project Candle Power — an alternative energy source? What’s to stop you from completing it now? I’m told there’s a great deal of korium still crated in the sub. Use it for the good of mankind.”

Thorpe’s eyes brightened as he looked at Skyler. “Maybe I still have time to make up for my foolishness. Do you think they will put me in prison?”

“I can’t speak for the authorities, but I believe they’ll realize that you’re more valuable to the country and the world out of prison than in. And I happen to know some guys with an outfit called Deep Scan who would love to have you working for them. Just swim with the tide until you’re safe on shore.”

Thorpe stood a little taller. “I will.” He extended his hand. “Thank you.”

“If for no other reason,” Skyler said as they shook, “I’m getting tired of paying the high prices at the gas pump.”

Thorpe gave a timid smile and walked back in the direction of the temporary military command post.

That’s when Skyler spotted Gates running toward him with a sat phone in his hand.

“What’s up, Mick?

“This shit ain’t over, Sky.”

He saw the grave look on his best friend’s face. “Explain.”

“Escandoza’s second sub — the Mako Shark—Blackstone is in command and threatening to launch a Candle at Los Angeles unless we release the drug lord.”

“Where is Escandoza?”

“He was choppered out to the Iwo Jima about ten minutes ago. He’s being held under guard until the military arranges for transport to Gitmo.”

Skyler thought for a moment, then turned toward the command post. “Dr. Thorpe, wait up!”

The scientist paused.

Skyler raced to his side with Gates a few steps behind. “Doctor, I know you developed the process for turning korium into a major energy source. But did you have anything to do with the design of its implementation into the warhead?”

“Of course. Without my input, they would never have been able to make the adaption work.”

“I see where you’re going, Sky.” Gates turned to Thorpe. “Is there a way to disarm the warhead?”

“I’m afraid not. Escandoza was specific in the design. Once it’s armed and the launch code is activated, there’s no turning back.”

Skyler rubbed the stubble on his chin as he noticed an increase in activity around him. “Colonel,” he called to the commander of the Marine assault team a few meters away. The officer appeared to be in an intense sat phone conversation. He signed off and gave Skyler is attention.

“Mr. Skyler,” he said walking toward the three men. “I only have a moment.”

“What’s going on?” Skyler asked.

“Washington has refused Blackstone’s demands to release Escandoza. The launch of the Candle on Los Angeles is imminent.”

“We may have a method to keep that missile from reaching LA. Have you transported Captain Schafer to the Iwo Jima yet?”

“About to. He’s in the next group of prisoners.”

“I need you to bring him down to the Tiger Shark. He’s going to have to synchronize the missile control system with the one on Blackstone’s sub.”

“You mean you intend to blow up his Candle?”

“Exactly.”

The Colonel narrowed his eyes at Skyler. “I’ll have him there in five minutes.” Then he started calling out a series of commands into his sat phone.

Skyler took Thorpe by the arm and led him in the direction of the wharf and the submarine. “Let’s go swim with the tide, doctor.”