Arthur Geis | Science Fiction & Climate Thriller Author

Chapter 1: Sabotage

Tianjin, China 2033

 

The white bucket truck raced up the service entrance and skidded to a stop at the side of the Tianjin Air Cleansing Facility (ACF). It was a converted domed soccer stadium and the last of four Earth-saving prototypes to come online. They were designed to absorb the heat-trapping carbon dioxide gas enveloping the overheated planet. If the prototypes proved effective, they would be part of a thousand such facilities rolled out across the globe.

 

The electrician leapt out, carrying a shiny metal box under his arm. He and his apprentice, wearing blue coveralls and breathing masks, climbed into the bucket and rose to the roof’s access ladder.

 

“We have nine minutes before the guards come back,” said the electrician. “Let’s move it.” 

 

When they reached the top, the apprentice sprinted to one of the four massive intake vents while the electrician rushed to a large electrical panel and opened it. His quick hands spliced in the digital device and adjusted its settings.

“

Are the vents at twenty percent?” he yelled through his mask.

 

The apprentice signaled two thumbs up, then ran back. He nodded and slammed the control panel shut. The two men darted to the access ladder, scampering down into the bucket.

 

The electrician scanned his watch. “Three minutes.” He knew if they got caught, she wouldn’t protect them. 

“Come on, come on!” he muttered as the bucket slowly shuddered its retreat downward. Finally, it collapsed in place on the truck’s roof. He craned his neck, searching for the sentries. “I don’t see them. Forty-five seconds.” 

 

He scrambled down and jumped in behind the wheel, slamming the gearshift into drive. The apprentice climbed into the passenger side. Before his door closed, the truck escaped down the driveway. Sweat trickled down the electrician’s back. He drove for twenty minutes, doubling back twice. No one followed them. 

 

“We did it.” He fist bumped the apprentice. “Nice job.”

 

When he pulled into his underground garage and came to a stop, he sent a text: 

Minister Wang, Mission Clean Air complete. Operational now.