The Sun Day

THE SUN DAY

A Novel by

Kenny Yao

and

Kevin Yao

Smashwords Edition

(This Novel is also available in print edition)

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Published by

Klyflyhigh

Copyrighted by

Kenny Yao

Cover Design by

Kevin Yao

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locales is purely coincidental.

This work is a copyrighted property of the author, and may not be reproduced, copied and distributed in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for commercial or non-commercial purposes.

Copyright 2013 by Kenny Yao

All rights reserved

This Book is dedicated to

Mom,

Betty Limpe Ngo

and

Uncle,

Jerry T. Limpe

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Above all, thank you God for the inspiration. This book is for my children, my family, and all the brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. I would like to thank my son; Kevin, for the great science research, and for collaborating with me on this project. To my son, Kyle, thank you for the typing and formatting. To my Doctor; Celestino Dalisay, who took the time to read the book and for the positive feedback. To Allan Alumno, who reviewed the entire work and made the very tough criticisms. I would also like to thank my family, without whose steadfast belief in me, this work would never have been completed. And lastly, to all my sons who patiently endured my enthusiasm. When asked, they gave me the truth. As usual, the mistakes are all mine. Thank you.

-Kenny Yao

I would first like to thank God for blessing us with this book and for everything else in life. To my Dad, who encouraged me to write and gave me all the support, thank you for giving me this opportunity to collaborate and work with you in writing this novel, from the starting drafts to the finishing touches. Gratitudes to my brother, Kyle, who took the time to help me out with the proofreading and formatting. And finally, thanks to my two little brothers, Keanu and Keone, who took time reading and reviewing our work and gave helpful insights. It is greatly appreciated.

-Kevin Yao

*****

UNITED NATIONS

UNEP GRID

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA

UNEP HEADQUARTERS

Nairobi, Kenya

UNITED NATIONS

Geneva, Switzerland

*****

CHAPTER ONE

The Conspiracy

1975 -- Washington, D.C.

No! It can’t be. Senior Analyst Will Prady exclaimed. This can’t be at least for another billion years.

Did you guys double check and reload the computers? Dr. Cage looked at his team to confirm the data.

The Center for Space Studies (CSS), a local agency for NASA, exploded with excitement as baffled researchers were trying to find out what was happening. Dr. Cage, the Directorate of the Astrophysics Department, settled his eyes on the computer while he and his team read the data from a recent solar spectroscopic analysis done on the sun.

We’ve already reloaded a few times, Sir. a reply came from Keith Fatou, one of the team members.

Well, do it again. ordered Dr. Jason Scheff, who is the head researcher for the team, as well as a colleague of Dr. Cage.

Senior Analyst Will Prady, together with the team, adjusted some of the dials in the computers that they have been working on as they reloaded the results from the recent analysis of the sun.

As the computer began to load again, the data shown across the screen were like the fire-like colors of the spectrum on the monitor.

It’s the same, Sir. We’re positive about the results. Senior Analyst Will Prady said.

Are you sure? I mean, really sure? Dr. Cage said with doubt. Now if what you’re showing me is true, and this gets out, you know the consequences.

Yes, are you sure? What about our equipment? This is not a good time to play pranks. Dr. Scheff followed up, looking around at everyone in the room.

Yes, we’re sure. The team answered all at the same time.

The equipments are fine, doctors. They have been checked out every hour on the hour, and the technical teams have logged in their findings every time they do maintenance. Fatou replied, showing the logs to Dr. Cage.

Well, can you check everything again, to be sure? Dr. Cage directed the team.

The team actively got up and pushed some buttons and toggled some dials and switches across the big machine of what seemed like a supercomputer. The team programmed the machine to reset and one of them switched off the power then turned it back on.

By the time they were done, they geared up for another reading of the activity of the sun and afterward, they loaded up the results on the big screen. All eyes gazed at the big screen, and they saw again the same fire-like colors of the spectrum as they had reported earlier. Everyone was amazed at the colors leaping in front of their eyes. They could not believe what they were witnessing.

That can’t be. Keith Fatou murmured in amazement, scratching his head.

Do you want us to do another reset, Sir? Analyst Will Prady asked Dr. Cage.

No, we’ve done all we can. Dr. Cage replied. You guys realize what this means so brace yourselves.

You guys are familiar with the procedure. Call NASA-Kennedy and announce a level-8 protocol meeting. Dr. Scheff ordered their team as he watched in concern at his fellow colleague, Dr. Cage.

Moments prior to contacting NASA-Kennedy, Keith Fatou first called his best friend Abe Singh, who recently completed his Doctorate degree in Astrophysics at the University of Cambridge, and is currently a Management Intern under the tutelage of Mr. Mcvet, the Chief of the Science Bureau, at the UNEP- United Nations Environmental Programme, in Geneva, Switzerland.

Are you sure you have identified and transcribed everything relevant to our project? Singh questioned.

Yes, I have. Now I will send them to you for markings and safekeeping. Be sure to do so. And be sure to keep this a secret. Fatou instructed Singh.

Of course. Mr. Singh calmly said. And don’t you worry, I’ll take care of Cage, Scheff, Prady, and the disappearance of the rest of the staff.

*****

January 25, 1977 -- UNEP (DEWA) GRID -- Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA.

In Attendance:

Mr. Keith Fatou

Mr. Abe Singh

Mr. Michael Long

Ms. Eva Long

My Dear Associates, our meeting tonight will bring us to a stage where we will rock the Earth. I mean literally ROCK! Keith found a golden opportunity to make us quite rich! We can all retire and buy our own island and live in luxury. Mr. Singh explained, his eyes bulging with excitement. I mean what is the price you are willing to pay against the unknown? I’m talking here about the loom of the end of the world against profit for you and me. What are the odds of this unknown ever happening, for us to spend the rest of our lives to live exquisitely until our last breath? Keith will tell you the details then later we’ll set up our plans and each of your individual involvements. Any questions? Singh said, turning to his right. Keith?

Thank you, Abe. Two years ago while doing a research on the sun’s activity, we discovered the unusual brightening of the sun during a pyrheliometer analysis. Further studies showed, the increased glow and brightness of the sun would mean more heat and radiation to hit the earth. This will mark the beginning of the Red Giant phase -- in layman’s term, the death of the sun!

Mr. Singh added, And in our case, Keith, cheers to our Nobel Prize!

And how do you propose to make profit from this? Mike Long interrupted.

Oh, you'll see, Mike. Fatou replied. You'll see.

*****

June 29, 1980:

Conference in Nairobi, Kenya

United Nations Environmental Program:

Division of Early Warning Assessment:

In attendance:

Ronald Mcvet, Director, DEWA

Abe Singh, Chief, Early Warning Branch

Keith Fatou, Chief, Scientific Assessment Branch

Dave Monik, Chief, Capacity Development Branch

Adel Kadel, Regional Coordinator, West Asia

Anna Stavra, R.C. Asia Pacific

Fred Turya, R.C. Africa Region

Will Litt, R.C. Grid -- Europe

Grace Mettern, R.C. Latin America & the Caribbean

Good morning, Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you all for coming on such short notice. Part of the agenda today is a report made by the distinguished Chief of Science, Mr. Fatou, in collaboration with Mr. Singh, the Chief of the Early Warning Branch. Ronald Mcvet, the director of the Department of Early Warning Assessment (DEWA), paused and greeted each of the attendees with a slight nod to emphasize the importance of the meeting.

Director Mcvet continued, It is most urgent, we conduct and research more on the issues these two gentlemen had discovered. Let me reiterate, everything spoken inside this room today should never be spoken outside.

What about the Secretary General? Anna Stavra, regional coordinator of the Asia-Pacific Region, asked.

All eyes turned to her. Director Mcvet calmly said, I will inform him, as soon as we acquire all the pertinent information. Is this clear?

All eyes were on Anna as she nodded with uncertainty.

Okay, shall we commence with the report? Director Mcvet looked at Chief Abe Singh on cue.

Rising up from his seat, Mr. Singh addressed the committee; My dear colleagues, here is a compiled report submitted by the office of Mr. Fatou in collaboration with my office. Mr. Kevin McAllister, my assistant, will present them to you. Kevin, you may now proceed.

Thank you, Sir! Kevin replied, rising from his seat. Ladies and gentlemen, I am here before you on behalf of the Early Warning bureau, to report about the environmental issues which directly affect our world and the Earth itself. These issues include the developing effects of global warming, and its number-one cause: pollution, which is still the world’s long-time environmental crisis since it started. And if I may say so, the effect is really quite damaging and is really hurting our planet. Not only does this kill Mother Nature in a gradual event, but as a result, will eventually lead to our own demise. What I am saying here is, over a period of time, like say fifty years, there will be a shortage of food and drinking water here on earth. And I am talking only about pollution, which is the first thing we will discuss as we break down the causes of global warming and the Greenhouse effect.

Kevin paused as he turned on the projector and set the slides on the screen which showed some data of fatality rates in several major countries.

Let me begin by bringing your attention to the screen. He continued. You may all know that pollution is the primary cause. But just how pollution really affects us? Let us make a common, everyday comparison. According from a recent report and a study done by the World Health Organization, there are three million people who die each year from the effects of air pollution. While this is three times the million deaths in automobile accidents, it shows the truth and the reality that air pollution has now become more dangerous than car accidents. To put this in actual example, there are over forty thousand traffic accident fatalities per year in the United States alone, whereas there are seventy thousand national deaths related to air pollution annually. These air pollution-related deaths in the United States are practically equal to both breast and prostrate cancers combined. This now puts air pollution fatalities to exceed automobile fatalities by three to one.

Excuse me, Director Mcvet interrupted in a polite manner. Aside from the United States, what are the other major countries that contribute highly to the world’s pollution?

Thank you, Sir. Kevin said, as he displayed another set of slides. Here, we have the top ten countries that contribute the most to the world’s pollution. These nations are the highly industrial comprised countries. Not in any particular order, our list include China, Russia, India, Japan, Germany, Iran, Canada, UK, South Korea, and of course, the US.

"What do we mean by ‘highly industrial’? Anna Stavra said in a follow up. How do we define a country, or any other entity, corporation, or organization, to be a major contributor in pollution?"

Mr. Mcvet added, Do we have any factors or criteria as a basis for our top ten list?

Thank you, Sir and Ma’am. Kevin said, as he skipped the slides forward. "We have what is called a Superfund site. A Superfund site is any property in the world that is identified by the Environmental Protection Agency as contaminated by hazardous waste. The agency classifies them as a risk to human health and the environment, and therefore becomes a candidate for a clean up. Every Superfund site in the world is petrochemical-related, and the petrochemical industry is the biggest polluter. This is the basis and criteria that we use to determine which countries and properties are the most polluted."

Thank you. Mcvet said, as he and Ms. Stavra nodded to Kevin. Please proceed.

Thank you, Sir. Kevin replied and continued, rewinding the projector back to the original slide. "That being said, these countries as being largely industrial, are highly dependent on technologies and machinery, which utilize coal, oil, and gas. And this is our problem. As we all know, we have natural carbon dioxide, along with other gases, in the Earth’s atmosphere. These gases, called greenhouse gasses, trap heat, energy, and radiation from the sun, and help regulate surface temperature on Earth. This is what we call the greenhouse effect. This regulated heat is what makes Earth, our world, a hospitable place. But when we burn coal, oil, and gases, especially through industrialized means, we produce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses as by-products, which then add to the atmosphere as ‘pollutants'. These extra, artificial additions in the Earth’s atmosphere induce more heat entrapment beyond the regulated heat, and therefore increase the Earth’s surface temperature. By nature, land temperatures increase faster than ocean temperatures, due to heat by evaporation. And now we find that ocean temperatures increase twice as much as faster than land temperatures, about 0.50°C per decade in ocean temperatures against 0.25°C per decade in land temperatures."

So, about how much temperature has increased over the years? asked Dave Monik, the Chief of the Capacity Development Branch.

There has been a big deal of effort in deriving estimates. But predicting temperature increase is complicated, as it involves many factors. Most of these efforts use a model of a scenario which doubles the concentration of carbon dioxide specifically, in the atmosphere. Its direct consequence would result in an increase of the Earth’s surface temperature by 2.2°F. If current progression in today’s global industries maintain and continue, this could occur perhaps as early as 2030, if not by the next century.

And what would be its effects? Mr. Monik replied.

There are two side-effects that will result from this temperature increase. Kevin replied and showed a new slide on the screen, with the picture of the Antarctic ice shelves. One effect is the direct danger through the polar-ice regions. The temperature rise would cause more ice caps and shelves to melt to an increasing rate. When considerable amounts of ice have melted, a coastal flood could occur, submerging lands by the seaboards.

Kevin paused and changed slides again, this time showing a picture of a desert.

The other effect would be the increased rate of heat waves, should there be less ice and snow. The Earth would get warmer and hotter, then we see more unnecessary flooding. In short, as far as our report goes, this is what is happening now.

What exactly is the worst scenario which may be likely to happen? How could this affect us ultimately? Mr. Mcvet asked.

Yes Sir. That is the next issue I will be discussing with the Board. Kevin said. On the screen, we have the ice lands and the ice caps in the North and South poles. Kevin pointed to the picture on his presentation. This will result in a global flood.

At this point, the room was filled with unbelief and tension. Kevin continued with a sigh.

Lands by the seaboards globally will be affected by a massive flood, causing key cities along the seaboards to be totally removed from the face of the Earth. Kevin warned.

The room went silent again. Then, Mr. Fatou spoke out, And when is this expected to happen?

Should the greenhouse-gas production progress or increase, it would be most likely to happen more or less around 2030, about fifty years from now. Kevin replied, surprised at the report he was holding, and the coincidence of who was asking. Not believing in coincidence, Kevin double-checked his folders and suspected a discrepancy in the reports, which were supplied by Mr. Fatou and the Science Department.

The room was now filled with muted noises, as the Chiefs and the Board Members spoke in whispers.

We would like to know, what are the targeted cities and areas most likely to get affected by this flooding? Mr. Mcvet interjected and broke the silence and the tension as he looked at both Kevin and Mr. Singh.

Mr. Singh stepped up and went to the podium as Kevin handed him his report.

Thank you, Kevin. Mr. Singh said. Ladies and gentlemen, if I may. This report I am holding here states those cities by the coasts which will most likely be affected. To summarize, we have, in North America, San Francisco and the Bay Areas, the New York islands, and parts of Florida. Other areas outside the US include Cuba and the Caribbean. In Asia, we have listed the cities of Ho Chi Minh, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Tokyo as the major areas most likely to be affected. In the Euro-Mideast area, we included Amsterdam, Belgium, and Luxembourg, as well as Alexandria in Egypt. These are just some of the major cities, which fit the profile.

While Mr. Singh explained the data, Kevin operated the slides in the presentation, showing different images and animated simulations of the areas mentioned being swept off by the flood.

These are all due to the climate change. Mr. Singh concluded. Kevin, would you please continue?

Thank you, Sir. Research and studies also suggest that economic and social aspects of the world could also be affected by the global flooding.

All of a sudden, the room got eerily silent as the subject matter and the tone of Kevin’s voice made the Board Members more anxious than ever. The people in the room were now filled with fear as if they’re saying, It never ends.

Issues with the ecosystems and species are also determined to get affected, as food chains and natural resources are changed and destroyed. So not only us humans would suffer in this catastrophe, but so do animals and living creatures alike. Kevin said as he pointed to the slide.

While Kevin continued to explain the issues, the Chiefs and the Board Members were now filled with unease, where all the questions and the answers were now playing in their heads and their hearts, blocking out the clear voice of Kevin in the process. When Kevin winded off, he concluded with a gesture.

Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. May I now turn you back to Mr. Singh for a proposed resolution by our research teams? Mr. Singh, Sir...

Kevin faced Mr. Singh and handed him another folder, the proposal.

Thank you, Kevin, for your detailed discussion with regards to these issues. Ladies and gentlemen, our research team has devised a program for a protective resolution to these issues. Kevin will be handing out a report to each and every one of you in attendance today.

Kevin then carried the packets and distributed them among the people as Mr. Singh continued on.

"We need new laws and programs regulating industrial technologies with regard to pollution. Germany and Sweden apply a kind of law what ecologists call the precautionary principle. This is the type of legislative program we need to mandate, to protect the environment, the Earth, and as well as our health. Other countries are now considering doing so. Currently, we are using a policy that is in favor of the industrialists, wherein the new technologies and techniques require an absolute proof of harm, before they can put a stop to their use. The WTO identifies any preventive measures used by a government to stop a product or practice, as an unlawful obstruction to trade, and orders them to stop, in favor of the environment. But with the adoption of the precautionary principle, we as the UN, as well as governments and local citizens, gain the right to decide what risks we, or the natural environment, should be exposed to, in favor of a healthy environment. In this way, we would promote, by mitigation, the use of environmental-friendly, ‘green’ technologies that are now developing around the world."

Mr. Singh went on and further explained the proposed resolution while giving visual aids. The Chiefs and the Board Members were impressed with the proposed project and some of the tensions were relieved with the positive feedback after the classified meeting, whereas the UN had been enforcing mitigation around the world, as global industries learned to use environmental technologies, such as the use of solar and wind energies, rather than the use of fossil fuels, that they have reduced the harmful emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses.

The Chiefs and the Board Members shook hands with Mr. Singh, along with their compliments for a job well done.

As they were leaving the UN Environmental Programme building, Mr. Singh took ahold of Kevin’s elbow as they were about to board their vehicle.

Kevin, I would like to thank you for a job well done. How would you like to have a drink and maybe a dinner with me later tonight?

I would like that, Sir. What time do we meet up?

Say about 8pm at the hotel’s lobby bar? Mr. Singh replied.

Okay. I have a feeling this is not just a simple dinner, am I correct Sir? Kevin whispered.

Okay, you’re right. I want to discuss with you some factors before we go into the full discourse with the Committee. Is this alright with you? Mr. Singh insisted. Kevin nodded and got in the back seat of the limo, followed by Mr. Singh.

*****

Later in his hotel room, Kevin immediately got on the phone and urgently dialled a number back in the states. After a couple of rings, a man answered saying;

Reynolds’ residence.

Hey, Ray! How are you and my pretty sister? Kevin greeted his brother-in-law, who served as a Major in the United States Marines and the Special Forces, and now has been assigned a post as an intelligence officer for the CIA based in Sound Beach, USA.

It was just last year, 1979, when Ray had been recalled back from his honorable discharge since his unit's last assignment in a POW rescue mission in Vietnam back in 1975.

At the tender age of eighteen, he was awarded a US Congressional medal of honor for his services for that rescue mission. The POW turned out to be a US Army Colonel, who was kept imprisoned in a local camp near the Mekong River. It turned out to be an ambush mission, as soon as their unit approached the target site, Vietcong militias hidden under the tall grasses had ambushed them and killed all the unit's members, except for him and the unit's first lieutenant. The two surviving Marines escaped and saved the imprisoned Colonel. Unfortunately, the lieutenant had been shot by a Vietcong sniper in the back of the head, dying before he could get into the chopper in time, thus making the then-Captain Ray, the only survivor to return home with the rescued Colonel. This had earned him his merits to be awarded the Medal of Honor and be promoted to Major. He was later honorably discharged to seek trauma therapy.

And so, after regaining back his fighting frame of mind and his trainings, he was re-commissioned back to the corps, to relocate him as a CIA intelligence representative, to the Southeast coastal base in Sound Beach, USA. Only a few months prior to this, he was summoned at the Capitol Hill where the US Special Forces enlisted him in their Special Ops Unit. He underwent a severe elite training and briefing, making him ready to be deployed for any assignment their unit would be tasked.

Though Ray has always gone on missions, Kevin knew his brother-in-law could be trusted and reliable when needed. And this is one of the times Kevin needs Ray.

Listen, I need you to do me a favor. Kevin said. Would you please go to my house and check, and at the same time, please go through my desk and in the left drawer, you will find a disk and please insert the disk into my PC and open the file?

Sure, what’s up? Ray asked.

Nothing but a bunch of reports I need to go over here in Kenya. I will be calling you in fifteen minutes there at my house. Thanks! Kevin said and hung up the phone.

Kevin walked to the window, and let his thoughts run as fast as possible, thinking over and over again, "2030? Did they change the report? Last time I read the report, it was 2015. Why would they give a margin of another fifteen years?"

Sighing, Kevin gazed at the wide horizon of the bluish gray clouds of the Nairobi skies.

About fifteen minutes later, he picked up the phone, and dialled a number. After a few rings, a man answered: Hello McAllister residence, this is Ray, speaking.

Oh hey Ray, did you get the file opened? Kevin said over the phone.

Yeah, man. It’s all right here. This is some pretty serious stuff.

Right, but you know the drill. You can’t talk to anyone about this, alright?

Sure, I understand. Don’t worry about anything. Ray replied, But can I tell my friends that my brother-in-law works for the UN? Both of them laughed at the thought.

Ha-ha, can I tell my friends here in the UN that you’re in the Special Forces? Kevin jokes.

Well, I guess. You know, you always had been like a brother to me, Kevin, even before Claudine and I got married. Anyways, but I’d need to kill you and your friends. Now what do you need me to do with the file? Ray asked with a chuckle.

Oh right, the file. Please print them out and fax them over here at the hotel. I’ll ask the lobby for their fax number. I’ll call you from the lobby, alright? Thanks, man.

Alright man, anytime. Talk to you later. Ray said as he said good-bye over the phone.

Kevin went out of his room, down to the lobby, to the Reception desk. Kevin was greeted by the receptionist.

Good evening Sir, what can I do for you? asked a rather tall woman with a dashing smile on her face and a twinkle in her eyes.

Good evening to you. I am Mr. McAllister, and I am in room 1177 upstairs. I’m wondering if I may use your fax machine to receive a document. Kevin asked charmingly.

Oh yes, Mr. McAllister, you’re booked under the UN’s office and conference. The lady replied with a smile, as she typed on her computer. And yes we are glad to serve you in any way, Sir.

Thank you very much. May I use your phone? So I can have it sent right here. Kevin asked politely.

Here you go, Sir. The lady said as she reached over the counter and handed the phone to Kevin.

Kevin called Ray as he asked the receptionist for their fax number. The