Author: 🇨🇦 Helena Trooperman © 2026 all rights reserved
Destination Phobos, Tech Array [AOU,03,02]
Accompaniment to Age of Unity Series
(Included in © No AI scraping and no permission to copy)

DESTINATION PHOBOS

FIX-ION Blogged Chapter by Chapter

The story continues…

chapter 4

GETTING THERE

On the highway, Mirin flicked Agent Carson’s card out of the window and shared a smile with Zani. One less tracking device.

Zani took a turn for the coast road in a bizarre weave through the traffic. Mirin gripped her seat.

“I’ve never taken this route before,” Mirin said, relaxing at the drop in speed and checking on the kids over her shoulder.

“It’s a quieter route. I hate so much traffic. Most of the drivers are crazy.”

Not long after, the coast road ahead came to an abrupt end, and a dirt track led toward a large hanger in the distance. The last vestiges of the sun’s orange glow disappeared beyond the horizon.

“I take it this is one of your notorious backup plans?”

“Something like that,” Zani said. “It’ll be a safe place to stay.”

Mirin surveyed her sleeping children. Her gaze hovered over Ellen, who snuggled Isaac into her. Tears dampened Mirin’s cheeks. I’ll fight to ensure you’re not a child bride, I promise. She glanced along the other sleeping heads. That goes for all of you. “How long before we get to this safe place of yours?”

“A while.” Zani put her finger to her lips.

Right, watch what you say, the car could be bugged. Yeah, that’s about right.

“There’s no evidence against you, me, or Beyond Earth.” Zani was so calm. “Carson didn’t want to admit it.” The car drove into the empty warehouse on a reclaimed peninsula jutting into the sea. Zani stopped the car. “We’ll stop here briefly.”

Mirin was speechless at Zani’s confident rally car driving. The water lapped at the building’s edge. Lights flickered in the back of the warehouse. “Are people working late?”

“I guess. Okay, everybody out. Time to stretch our legs before we continue.”

“But they’re sleeping.”

“I’m sorry. There’s no stopping for the next part of our journey.” Her warm hand touched Mirin’s. “Trust me,” she mouthed.

Mirin nodded.

People approached their vehicle. Zani beckoned Mirin out of the car, pulling her away from the vehicle. “Kendra’s related to Agent Peterson,” Zani whispered. “She’ll be a good source of disinformation. Of course, I won’t be trusting her.”

Around the vehicle the warehouse was empty in all directions. “There’s nowhere to stay here.”

“My friends will carry the little ones. You have my word no harm will come to any of you.”

Should I pull out? Say no? Mirin turned to Ellen. What the heck have I got us into? “Go with them but keep close to me. I’ve got Junie’s car seat.”

Ellen’s agreement sounded thin and high pitched.

The car left the warehouse driven by one of Zani’s people.

“If the car’s bugged,” Zani said. “Best they find the car outside a distant motel.”

Zani led the procession, carrying a large hold-all bag and descended a hidden staircase in the floor; lights appeared as they plunged deeper and deeper beneath ground; far beneath the sea to Mirin’s reckoning. She switched sides with the car seat many times. Please, let this work out.

Her gut feeling remained steadfast to trust Zani. Even so, her breaths came short and fast. At the bottom of the stairs, the procession increased speed as they followed Zani through a long tunnel. I want to save my children, live with my husband, and raise our family together. Instead, I’ve endangered everything and now I’m on a mystery tour.

Zani stopped in a dead end. A white wall blocked their way. “You can turn back now, but you’ll hand them the evidence they’re looking for—a confession you were trying to leave. Or come with us and agree never to speak of this evening again.”

Next

Now it’s your turn. What do you think will happen next? Drop your answer into the comments below. Chapter 5 will be available in seven days.