Worlds Without End: The Mission (Book 1) Read online

  Worlds Without End

  The Mission

  Book 1

  Shaun F. Messick

  See what readers are raving about . . .

  5 out of 5 Stars – One of the best books I have ever read!

  Shaun Messick has redefined the science fiction genre. He wonderfully mixes LDS doctrine with science fiction into a page turner that I could not put down. … Shaun Messick is my new favorite author and I can't wait for the next book to come out in the series. (Amazon.com Customer Review)

  5 out of 5 Stars – What an adventure …

  Shaun F. Messick has written an excellent story (book 1 of 4) that includes fantastic character development and thrilling narrative. His descriptive storytelling makes one feel as if they were truly present. … "Worlds Without End: The Mission" is both an easy buy and an excellent read! (Amazon.com Customer Review)

  5 out of 5 Stars – I couldn't Put "The Mission" Down!

  Mr. Messick has written a book that will appeal to a large audience, regardless of one's religious affiliation (or even no religious affiliation). The story telling is first rate with plot twists and turns that kept me spellbound.

  I can't wait for the next book in the series titled Aftermath. (Amazon.com Customer Review)

  A Must Read! – Truly Awesome!

  This just may be one of the best fictional stories that I have read in a long time! … I can tell that the author of this book is very creative and has excellent writing skills. I was glued to the pages! Couldn't put it down... I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys reading fiction adventure stories, especially if you’re into space and aliens, I cant wait to read the sequel! (Amazon.com Customer Review)

  5 out of 5 Stars – Stars Without End

  One of the best books I've ever read and I've read thousands of books in my time. Can't wait for the 2nd book to come out and I'll be devouring that book as soon as it's on the shelves. Buy this book! You won't be disappointed! (Amazon.com Customer Review)

  5 out of 5 Stars – I LOVED this book!

  I have downloaded many books from "Book Bub" and this is by far the best. It has made me a fan of Shaun Messick, and I will be downloading other books of his. I can't wait for the sequel! (Amazon.com Customer Review)

  Copyright © 2011 Shaun F. Messick

  Cover Art, Copyright © April 2016, Fiona Jayde

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

  This novel is a work of fiction. Any references to real events, businesses, organizations, and political figures are intended to give the story a sense of reality and authenticity. Any resemblance to actual private persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Scripture references taken from the Authorized King James Version of The Holy Bible, The Book of Mormon, The Doctrine and Covenants, and The Pearl of Great Price.

  This book may be ordered through booksellers or by contacting:

  http://www.EmpyreanBooks.com

  E-BOOK ISBN: 978-1-61397-358-5 (e-book)

  ISBN-13: 978-1460910603 (Paperback)

  ISBN-10: 1460910605 (Paperback)

  ISBN-13: 978-1-257-06045-0 (Hardcover with Dust Jacket)

  Printed in the United States of America

  Table of Contents

  Worlds Without End: The Mission

  Copyright © 2011 Shaun F. Messick

  Table of Contents

  DEDICATION

  Note to Reader

  Acknowledgments

  PROLOGUE

  CHAPTER 1: ANOMALY

  CHAPTER 2: THE MESSAGE

  CHAPTER 3: EINSTEIN-ROSEN BRIDGE

  CHAPTER 4: THE CHASE

  CHAPTER 5: THE TEMPLE

  CHAPTER 6: REUNION

  CHAPTER 7: FIRST ENCOUNTER

  CHAPTER 8: THE SAVIOR

  CHAPTER 9: ALLEGIANCES

  CHAPTER 10: THE RESCUE

  CHAPTER 11: THE ATTACK

  CHAPTER 12: ANCIENT SCRIPTURE

  CHAPTER 13: THE BELOVED

  CHAPTER 14: SECRETS REVEALED

  CHAPTER 15: A KINDLING LOVE

  CHAPTER 16: HONOR AND STRENGTH

  CHAPTER 17: REVELATIONS

  CHAPTER 18: A RENEWED HOPE

  CHAPTER 19: WELCOME HOME

  EPILOGUE

  Worlds Without End: Aftermath (Book2)

  About the Author

  Pronunciation Guide

  DEDICATION

  To my beautiful wife Tanya and my four wonderful children: Kylee, Bryant, Alexis, and Parker. You have all shown that I can go beyond myself and find strength in areas that I didn’t know I had.

  Note to Reader

  Dear Reader,

  Thank you for reading Worlds Without End: The Mission. As you read this novel, you will discover a strong religious theme. In no way does this novel reflect the views or doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have simply taken elements of the Church’s doctrines and turned it into a story.

  It is my hope that you will be entertained, uplifted, and your mind opened to the possibilities that lie beyond our mortal understanding upon this Earth. Again, thank you for reading Worlds Without End: The Mission.

  For more information about this series and upcoming books, please visit: www.EmpyreanBooks.com.

  Sincerely,

  Shaun F. Messick

  Acknowledgments

  Writing a book is a long and arduous journey. Despite this, it is also very rewarding and satisfying to hold a written work of your creation in your own hand.

  I came up with the idea for this novel when my daughter was being treated for cancer at Primary Children’s Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Each weekend, I would make the 205-mile journey from my home in Shelley, Idaho to Salt Lake. It was during these trips that the idea for the Worlds Without End series began to flourish.

  I began writing the original edition, entitled Beyond Mars, in 2003 and self-published it in 2005. After several revisions and edits, I changed the title to Worlds Without End: The Mission in the spring of 2011. Regardless of these revisions, I still was not satisfied with the final product because I knew it had not been professionally edited.

  Then in April of 2012, I decided to risk the investment and paid for a professional edit. Needless to say, it was the best decision I have made for my writing career. And it is with these services and individuals for whom I wish to express my gratitude.

  First and foremost, I would like to express my appreciation to Beth at http://www.bzhercules.com. The editing job she did on my manuscript was top-notch, and she offered several suggestions for improvement. In addition to the editing, I want to express my appreciation to Fiona Jayde at Fiona Jayde Media. Her cover art for this book is spectacular, which makes the book come alive.

  Next, I wish to convey my gratitude to all of those friends and fans that have read the original versions of the book. All of you have motivated me to keep writing.

  Finally, I want to thank my beautiful wife who has put up with me spending long hours staring at the computer screen for countless hours in hopes of making this book better.

  In summary, I hope that you will enjoy this final edition of Worlds Without End: The Mission. I believe that this edition is better than ever with a new cover, professional edit, and an exciting, new beginning.

  PROLOGUE

  Over 2,000 years ago. 22-light-years from Earth …

  Moriantun stood ga
zing out of crystal glass at the top of the gold pyramid that he and his people built in honor of their God and Savior. He stared at the awe-inspiring view of the sun as it began to set behind the sprawling city that his people were busily constructing. Turning, he noticed his reflection in the glass, which gave him a three hundred sixty-degree view of the surrounding landscape.

  He turned completely around and continued to stare at how his appearance had transformed. He had been transfigured to withstand the presence of his Lord. His eyes had returned to their normal shade of bright blue, and his hair returned to its shimmering black from its mangled mess of gray. He smiled at his appearance, revitalized from the countless hours that he and his people of the Tilicah tribe had worked to complete the temple in which he now stood.

  “Moriantun, blessed art thou, my son.”

  Moriantun, startled out of his trance, looked up toward the night sky at the two moons of his planet that were full and bright. Smiling, he responded to the thunderous voice of his Lord, which had penetrated the night sky and the temple walls. “My Lord?”

  The Lord’s voice echoed through the silence. “Kneel before the altar.”

  Moriantun turned and looked at the solid gold altar in the center of the floor. A gold tablet rested on top of the altar. It was about three inches thick and about the size of the parchment he had used so many times to record the words from his Lord. He knelt next the altar. Then, closing his eyes and bowing his head, he offered a fervent prayer, thanking his God for the prophecy that he was about to receive.

  As soon as he finished, he looked to the sky up through the point of the crystal top of the pyramid. Suddenly, a beam of white, blinding light shot down from the night sky, piercing through the top of the crystal pyramid, and down onto the gold tablet. White light exploded out all around him. Instinctively, he raised his arms to protect his face and eyes from its intensity. But surprisingly, the beam of light did not blind him, nor did it burn his skin. Rather, the light seemed to radiate comfort and peace to his soul.

  Slowly, he lowered his arms and looked down at the gold tablet. There, he saw the finger of the Lord writing symbols onto the sheet of gold, symbols he did not recognize. After a few minutes, the light dissipated, returning the crystal pyramid to normal.

  Moriantun reached down and picked up the gold tablet. He examined the writings, but he could not read them. Confused, he looked toward the sky again and said, “My Lord, I do not understand the symbols on this plate.”

  Again, the thunderous voice of his Savior reverberated through the quiet calm of the night. The crystal glass of the pyramid vibrated as He spoke. “Blessed is he who shall unite two worlds and two peoples. These words are not meant for you, my son. For you are the keeper of the prophecy. Only he who was foreordained before creation is worthy to translate my words. For my word is the pure language of God. For it is he who is prophesied who will come forth to free your people. You shall be liberated. A Savior I will raise up among you.”

  Moriantun then looked toward the two moons with a burning in his bosom as he witnessed the miracle the Lord would send among the people of his planet. And then, the vision closed.

  CHAPTER 1: ANOMALY

  2017 A.D. Mars I Space Shuttle. In orbit around Mars…

  “Commander, I’m picking up some strange gravimetric anomalies.”

  Commander Adrian Palmer heard the report from his Physics Officer, Isaac Cooper, but he couldn’t pull his gaze away from Mars, just outside the plasma shield that separated him and the rest of his crew from the vacuum of space. The view of the red planet below was simply breathtaking and a surge of energy tingled up his six-foot-one toned frame. The thought that he would soon be the first human being to set foot on Mars was surreal.

  “Commander?”

  Adrian turned, his deep-set azure eyes locking them onto Isaac’s. Isaac shifted on the leather sofa on which he sat, within the recreation room of the Mars I Space Shuttle and flipped his computer pad around to face him. Adrian walked over to the pad, glancing at the numbers and geometric figures scrolling across the screen. “What do these numbers mean?” he asked, pointing at the screen.

  An uneasy look flashed across Isaac’s hazel eyes. He rubbed the dark stubble of his shaven head and then flipped his pad around back onto his lap. “I have been monitoring the gravity on Mars. The numbers have been consistent as we prepare for our landing tomorrow. But within the last hour, the numbers have increased by a power of one thousand.”

  A knot formed in Adrian’s stomach. Isaac rarely showed concern. He was unflappable. “One thousand?” Adrian questioned. “Where?”

  Isaac shrugged. “I’m not sure.”

  “Are we in any danger?”

  Isaac looked up with the same worried expression on his face. “I don’t know, but I’ll keep looking into it. In the meantime, you should get ready to talk to your family back on Earth.”

  Isaac was right. In a matter of minutes, Adrian and his crew would be communicating with Kevin, his brother, and Jake, his five-year-old son, via the communication satellite orbiting Mars. It was a technological miracle really. Prior to the Mars I crew mission, NASA figured out a way for instant video communication from Mars to Earth. And now they were about enjoy the fruits of this miraculous blessing once again.

  Adrian turned and met the gray eyes of his computer officer, Sean Gibson, who was seated in the leather recliner adjacent to the sofa. His computer pad rested on his lap as well. Sean reached up and adjusted his glasses with his index finger. “There’s a problem with the signal. It may be because of the anomalies that Isaac has discovered,” he said.

  “Keep on it,” Adrian ordered.

  Sean nodded and went back to work on his computer pad. Adrian glanced up behind the sofa at the pool table where his Medical Officer, Dr. Charles Porter, and his Geologist/Botanist Officer, Skyler Green, were playing pool. They were locked in heated competition, oblivious to what he had just discussed with Isaac and Sean.

  He then turned and made his way back to the plasma shield and looked above Mars at the docking station, orbiting the red planet. The station was a gigantic circular space station where Mars I would stay in dock while the crew performed various missions on the planet below. The center of the station contained the docking bay and the command bridge. Ten corridors extended to the outer portion of the station to separate living quarters and observation decks in what looked like a giant wheel with spokes in space.

  As he stared at the station, he saw movement on the underside of the command bridge. A sense of fear flushed through his body as he pushed the comlink in his ear. “Gloria, I almost forgot you were still working on that thing. How long have you been out there?”

  Gloria Jackson, his communications officer, floated over the silver metallic surface of the command bridge in her white spacesuit, which was securely tethered to the station. “I’ve been out here for almost five hours now. Gotta make sure everything is ready to go for our big day tomorrow.”

  Adrian bit his lip. “We’re going to swing around to pick you up. I’ll have Scott extend the arm with the cable so you can latch on to it. It will be faster to get you in here through the payload-deck.”

  “Wh . . . the rush?” she questioned as her transmission cut in and out.

  Adrian didn’t want her to sense his trepidation. “No rush. I just thought that you would want to talk to Jake, that’s all.”

  “Well, then come get me. I miss that little guy.”

  Adrian smiled as the comlink disconnected. He felt the butterflies in his stomach in anticipation of seeing Gloria again. Not long after his wife’s death, Gloria Jackson was the first person he confided in. A strong friendship developed, and just two months ago, that friendship gave way to a full-blown romantic relationship.

  It was obvious why Adrian was beginning to fall in love. At thirty-four, Gloria was a brilliant communications analyst and mechanic, in addition to being compassionate, athletic, and competitive. Often during the physical training requir
ed for the mission, she would hold her own with the men of the crew and at times beat them in timed drills.

  Not only did she have these admirable qualities, she was drop-dead gorgeous. From her parents, she inherited the genes of an athlete, the intelligence of a top-notch lawyer, and the looks of one of Hollywood’s A-list actresses. She had silky smooth dark skin, bright blue eyes, long brown hair, and a body that would make any man palpitate in her presence.

  Adrian pushed his comlink again. “Donald.”

  Donald Garrett, Adrian’s copilot, responded with the condescending arrogance with which he usually answered. “What?”

  “We need to swing around to pick Gloria up from the station.”

  “Sure,” Donald answered with indifference.

  Adrian rolled his eyes. His perspective of the red planet began to change as Donald veered Mars I toward the station. He pressed the comlink again to alert his Payload Commander of Gloria’s impending pick up. “Scott.”

  “Commander?” Scott Hauler answered from his station in the payload-bay.

  “Get the satellite arm ready. I want you to extend a cable out to Gloria. We’re going to pick her up through the payload-deck.”

  “Roger that,” Scott replied.

  Adrian watched as the shuttle made its way toward the station. His mind began to drift again as he thought about the mission at hand. At thirty-five, he never would have dreamed that he would be in this position. But it was the memory of his late wife, Melissa, and his desire to be a positive example for his son that drove him to this prestigious honor. And now, here he stood on one of the most sophisticated technological wonders ever created by man.

  Not only was the computer system of the Mars I Space Shuttle entirely interactive, but these new NASA shuttles were marvels of technological ingenuity as well. The design and shape of Mars I was similar to the old shuttle designs of the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. This new shuttle was ten times larger and could travel four times as fast as the originals – roughly 72,000 miles per hour, which cut the journey from Earth to Mars in half.