Robert Vernon - Terror from Outer Space

Canyon Quest

Mystery Lights of Navajo Mesa

Legend of the Desert Bigfoot

Escape from Fire Lake

Terror from Outer Space

Terror from Outer Space

2021 Focus on the Family. All rights reserved.

A Focus on the Family book published by Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.

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The characters and events in this story are fictional. Any resemblance to actual persons or events is coincidental.

Cover design by Mike Harrigan

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ISBN 978-1-64607-048-0

Build: 2022-01-19 10:31:30 EPUB 3.0

Ambrosia, Arizona1995

T HE FOLKS IN THE SMALL, DUSTY TOWN of Ambrosia were certainly no strangers to spells of hot weather. But this particular late spring afternoon was turning out to be what the old-timers called a real barn burner of a day. Over 107 degrees according to the large thermometer that hung over Grundeys Drugstore on the south side of town.

It was even hotter on the blacktop-covered roof of the EZ Industrial Storage building on the northeast side of town.

As the four members of the Last Chance Detectives made their way across its roof, their sneakers sank and slightly stuck in the soft roofing tar. The heat was unmerciful, radiating from both above and below. And to make matters worse, Mike Fowler and Ben Jones were struggling to carry Spences latest inventiona large, strange-looking device that weighed well over 150 pounds. The old buildings ceiling creaked and groaned with each heavy step.

How much farther? Ben complained.

Spencer Martin stopped next to a three-foot square skylight and knelt down. Sweat was beading on his brown skin. Set it right here. As close to the skylight as possible.

Mike and Ben set down the contraption with a loud thud.

Wynona Winnie Whitefeather brushed her long black hair out of her eyes and peered through an oversized pair of binoculars at the gravel road below. The coast looks clear, guys. But hurry! Its not getting any cooler up here!

Spence snapped open the stabilizing legs on the strange-looking device. Rappel-O-Matic was stenciled in sloppy red letters on its side. Spence may not have been gifted in the graphic arts department, but he more than made up for it with his clever inventions. This latest contraption was a strange combination of a car battery, an electric garage door opener, wires, pulleys, and counterweights, all strapped to a sturdy metal frame.

Mike pulled a crowbar out of his backpack and dug the business end under the edge of the skylight. At thirteen years old, Mike was not only a year ahead of his friends, but his easygoing self-confidence made him their natural leader.

Now listen, guys. We go in and get out as quickly as possible, he said. The skylight popped open with a loud creak, and Mike leaned the cover back, exposing a hole big enough for a person to drop through. Spence, you sure that this thing can haul us back out of there?

Absolutely. I tested it with Ben in the harness several times. Though Spence was a bit younger than the rest of his friends, his inventive mind and photographic memory made him an invaluable member of the team. If it can successfully lift Bens weight, the rest of us should be a breeze. Spence suddenly realized how insensitive his remark must have sounded and looked sheepishly over his glasses. No offense, Ben, he said.

None taken. Ben shrugged. Mom says I just got a husky frame.

Ben was a little heavy for his age. He was what some folks might call chubby. With wavy hair, freckles, and a quick smile, Ben liked video games and comic books more than sports and school. As for nutritionhe never met a candy bar or pizza he didnt like (as long as anchovies werent involved). His contribution to the team was his wild imagination that got everyone thinking outside the box. Besides that, he had a good sense of humor that never failed to lighten the mood of everyone around him.

Okay. We go in one at a time. Mike stepped into the rappelling harness and pulled back his leather jacket in order to clip himself into the line attached to the Rappel-O-Matic. No matter the weather, Mike always wore his trademark A2 flight jacket. Today it made him look a little like Indiana Jones about to drop into an ancient catacomb. Spence, do you think you should stay up top just in case?

We should be fine as long as I have this remote. Spence adjusted his glasses and held up a simple garage door controller for them to examine. Besides, I want to see whats in there too.

Mike straddled the open skylight and eased his weight into the harness. Hit it, Spence!

With a click of Spences remote, the Rappel-O-Matic whirred to life and started to slowly let out line.

As Mike sank into the darkness below, the walkie-talkie at his waist suddenly crackled to life.

Hello? Mike? You there?

Mike immediately recognized his moms voice. Gail Fowler usually had her hands full serving customers at the Last Chance Gas and Diner, but she was never too busy to keep tabs on her only sons whereabouts.

Mike Fowler? Do you read me? she persisted.

As Mike continued to descend into the vast storage facility below, he lifted the walkie-talkie to his mouth. Mother Hen, it is imperative that strict radio protocol be maintained during all covert missions.

Oh! Uh... Gail lowered her voice to make it sound as official as possible. Sorry, Desert Eagle.

Thats okay, Mom. Mike chuckled as his feet hit the dusty concrete floor. I was just teasing.

Mike unbuckled himself, stepped out of the harness, and gave the line a quick tug. Okay, Ben, youre next!

Mikes two-way radio crackled back to life. Listen, Mike. I know youve got permission from the owner to go in there, but if your hunch is right and somebody is illegally using that place to hide stolen goods... Even over the walkie-talkie speaker, Gail sounded a bit worried. Well, I just want you kids to be careful.

We will, Mike assured her as he sent the line back up to Spence.

I also wanted to tell you, Gail continued, because of a hurricane system over Florida, it looks like the space shuttle is being diverted to Edwards Air Force Base after all.

Tomorrow night?

Yep.

All right! Mike exclaimed. Does Pop think he can rig up the radio in time?

Hes working on it right now. Be sure to tell Winnie and Spence that theyre welcome to join us.