by Russell Fine
Jeffery thought about what Garlut had just told him for a while and then he said, “I think we should return to Procolt 2 as soon as possible and let our two crew members know there’s a potential for danger if they stay. Dr. Kavits said the rate of mutation is slow. Does he know how slow? We’ve been gone four months. Could Cathy and Sheila already be showing the effects of the radiation?”
“I do not know the answers to your questions, but I will ask Dr. Kavits. I think it is a good idea for you to go back to Procolt 2 and check on your crew members.”
“Do you have a problem with Debbie and me leaving in the morning?”
“I think you should wait a few more days. Your guests and crew are still touring Coplent and I think you should allow them to complete their tours. I do not believe a few more days will make any difference.”
“I guess you’re right. We’ll stay for two more days.” Then he asked, “Debbie, do you agree?”
“I’m concerned, but I agree delaying our return to Procolt 2 by two days shouldn’t be an issue although, it would be helpful if we had a way to contact them.”
“Yes, it’ll take four months to get back just to find out if everything is okay.”
A few moments later, Garlut said, “I have an idea. I have access to a small ship that can make the trip to Procolt 2 in thirty-five days.” Looking at Jeffery, he continued, “It will only hold six people, but you, Dr. Weber, and Brealak could make the trip there and return in less time than it would take for you to get there in the Star Rover. There would still be room for your two crew members if you decided to bring them back here.”
Jeffery asked Debbie what she thought.
“I don’t like the idea of being without you for almost three months, but it does make sense. I wonder how our guests would feel about being stranded here for that long.”
“You know, there may be a real benefit to you, Garlut. While I’m gone our chef, April, could teach some of your people how to cook Earth food.”
“That makes me think it is an even better idea. Brealak, is this plan okay with you?”
“Yes, of course it is. I like the idea of being out on my own.”
“You will not be on your own. Jeffery will still outrank you.”
Jeffery said, “No, that’s not right. Brealak, if we do this, I have no intention of ordering you around. As far as I’m concerned, you’re in charge. Dr. Weber and I will be there to support you.”
Garlut said, “One thing I should mention. There is almost no privacy on board the ship. Is that going to be a problem?”
“No, that’s not a problem for me. On the missions I made to Mars and Ganymede there was no privacy either. I’m used to it.”
Brealak said, “Since the ship has not been used for a while, I will bring it to the space station tomorrow to run a complete diagnostic routine before we leave. I will stay aboard tomorrow night.”
“I have a question,” Jeffery said. “I have no idea how to operate this ship. What if something happens to you?”
“I am sure I can teach you how to operate the ship in a few hours. Most of the systems are automatic. Basically, you tell the ship where you want to go and when you want to leave. The ship does the rest.”
“Does the ship understand English?” Jeffery asked.
“The ship control system has a translator feature built in, but I will have to add English to its database. I will do that tomorrow as well,” Brealak replied.
When they returned to Garlut’s apartment, the first thing they noticed was the smell of something cooking. Much to their surprise, it smelled good. A moment after they stepped inside, they realized why. Inside the kitchen they discovered one of the chefs from the Star Rover, William Peterson, making dinner.
“Good evening, Ambassador Garlut, Admiral. Captain. You’re probably wondering why I’m here. This morning Koltep contacted the ship and asked if we could send somebody down to prepare a typical Earth-type meal. I volunteered. For dinner we’re having beef brisket with barbeque sauce, baked beans, and yeast rolls.”
“That sounds delicious,” Jeffery exclaimed.
Brealak added, “It smells very good too.”
“It will be ready in about an hour,” the chef announced, smiling.
“Thank you,” Jeffery said.
“My pleasure, sir.”
The dinner was excellent. Koltep, who had never tasted Earth food, said, “This meal is wonderful. Can you teach me to cook like this?”
William replied, “I don’t think I’ll be here long enough to teach you very much, but I’ll be happy to spend some time with you while we’re here.”
Jeffery said, “William, you’re going to be here a little longer than we originally planned. I have to go back to Procolt 2. In order to make the trip as fast as possible, we’ll be using one of Garlut’s ships which can reduce the travel time by about nearly seventy percent. So, the Star Rover will be here for another ninety days.”
“Well, in that case I’ll have plenty of time to teach you how we prepare and cook traditional meals,” William said, smiling at Koltep.
“I am looking forward to it.”
After the meal they talked for a while. They discussed the situation on Procolt 2, so William now understood why Jeffery had to return.
After Brealak offered to take William back to the Star Rover, he asked, “Is anybody on the ship aware of this plan?”
“Not yet, but I’m going to contact Mike and let him know,” Jeffery responded. “I’ll need to contact Dr. Weber so he’ll be ready to leave the day after tomorrow. By the time you get back to the ship, everybody aboard will know.”
A few minutes later, Brealak and William left.
Jeffery picked up his com unit and contacted Mike to give him the details of the report from Dr. Kavits and his plan to return to Procolt 2. He finished with, “Please inform Dr. Weber about our plan and tell him he’ll be accompanying us. He should pack whatever he thinks he’ll need.”
“Okay, I’ll let him know immediately, sir. Is Captain Whitestone going with you?”
“No, we’re using a small ship that only accommodates six people. I expect we’ll be back in seventy-five days. Be sure to let the guests know what’s going on as well.”
“I understand. I’ll take care of it.”
“Garlut will be staying on Coplent, so if you need anything, I’m sure he’ll be happy to assist you. Brealak will be going with us to Procolt 2.”
“Understood. I don’t know how the crew and guests will react when they find out we’ll be here for another three months, but I’m sure they’ll understand.”
“Good. Thanks, Mike.”
“Godspeed Jeffery.”
Ten minutes later, Jeffery received a call from Dr. Weber. He explained everything again.
Dr. Weber agreed they should leave as soon as possible.
The following morning when Jeffery and Debbie left their room, they found Garlut in the living room watching the news. When he saw them, he said, “Good morning. Brealak left several hours ago to prepare the ship for the trip to Procolt 2. Is there anything you would like to do today?”
Jeffery replied, “Good morning. We’d like to go back to the Star Rover. I want to meet with the crew and guests before I leave tomorrow. Can you arrange that?”
“Yes, I will take you there myself whenever you are ready. Tomorrow morning a shuttle from the space station will go over to the Star Rover to pick up you and Dr. Weber to take you to Brealak’s ship.”
“Thank you, Garlut. I also want to thank you for your hospitality. I’m really going to miss that bed. I don’t suppose the beds on the ship will be that comfortable.”
“No, unfortunately they will not. But I am sure they are no worse than what you have on the Star Rover. Remember, for twelve of the days you are traveling, you will not be aware of anything because of the time stasis field.”
“I realize that. But we’re still going to be spending more than twenty days in a small ship without much to do. Do yo
u think Brealak could spend some time teaching me your native language?”
“I think she would be happy to do that. However, with the translators that really is not necessary.”
“I’d like to be able to read as well as speak your language. Besides, it’ll give me something to do.”
“I will talk to her about it,” Garlut agreed.
Less than an hour later, Debbie and Jeffery were packed and on their way back to the Star Rover with Garlut.
When they exited the shuttle bay, Mike was waiting for them.
Jeffery said, “Hi Mike. Is everybody aboard aware of the plan?”
“Yes, they are and they all agree that rescuing our crew members takes top priority.”
“Okay, good. I need to talk with Dr. Weber now. Garlut, please come with me. I’ll see you later, Mike.”
They walked to the medical office and found Dr. Weber inside looking at a video monitor. He looked up from the screen when they walked in and said, “I’m glad you’re back. I’ve been doing some research and couldn’t find any instances of radiation causing mutations in DNA on living creatures. Obviously, our records only cover Earth.” Then turning toward Garlut, he asked, “Can you set up a meeting, or at least a conversation with Dr. Kavits?”
“Yes, I will try right now.”
Dr. Weber continued, “I’m bringing some standard first aid items and a DNA analyzer.
Since we have DNA profiles for everybody aboard, it will be simple to determine if there are any changes. However, if there are changes, there’s absolutely nothing I can do about it.”
“I understand that, but we still have to know if being on Procolt 2 creates genetic anomalies. I’m wondering if the squirrels we found were the result of a genetic mutation,” Jeffery replied.
“Without DNA samples from previous generations there’s no way to tell,” Dr. Weber stated emphatically.
At that moment Garlut said, “Dr. Kavits will contact me in an hour on my com unit and you can discuss this situation.”
“Does Dr. Kavits speak English?”
“No, but my com unit has a translator built in, so you will be able to understand one another.”
“Thank you. I really appreciate what you’re doing for us,” Dr. Weber said with a note of sincerity in his voice.
“Garlut, I have to go to the bridge,” Jeffery said. “Do you want to stay here with Dr. Weber?”
“I would like to go to the dining room and have a snack. Will you join me, Dr. Weber?”
“It would be my pleasure, sir. However, please call me Frank.”
Garlut and Frank walked to the dining room. They found a large tray filled with a variety of donuts in the food service area. Garlut looked at the donuts and asked, “Frank, what are these things?”
“They’re called doughnuts. They’re usually made with sweet dough that’s fried in oil. Try one. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.”
Garlut tasted one that was covered with chocolate frosting. With a big smile on his face, he said, “These are great! I think they are even better than cinnamon rolls. I have heard the word ‘doughnut’ before, but never realized what it was.”
“We have them here every morning,” Frank assured him.
Garlut and Frank talked for a while until Garlut’s com unit beeped, Dr. Kavits getting back to him. He spoke to Dr. Kavits for several minutes in his native language, pressed a button on the side of the com unit, and said ‘English.’ Then he handed the com unit to Frank.
“Hello, this is Dr. Frank Weber.”
“Good morning, Dr. Weber. I understand you have some questions regarding our report on the remains found on Procolt 2.”
“Please understand, I’m not questioning your conclusions. However, your report mentions the possibility of some type of radiation present on Procolt 2 that caused ongoing genetic mutations. I did some research and couldn’t find any indication radiation with those properties has ever been found on Earth. Is it common in other solar systems?”
“I would not say it was common, but I have seen evidence of this type of radiation before. However, I never encountered it personally. All I have are medical reports. I was hoping you could search for the source of the radiation while you are on Procolt 2.”
“I have no idea how to detect this radiation. Before we went down to the surface of Procolt 2, we did a thorough scan of the planet and didn’t find any indication of abnormal radiation. However, our equipment may not be as sophisticated as yours. We aren’t using the Star Rover to go back to Procolt 2. We’ll be using one of Garlut’s ships.” He stopped and looked at Garlut, “Does the ship have this type of radiation detection equipment aboard?”
Garlut thought for a moment about what Frank asked. “The ship you will be using does have the ability to detect most types of radiation. But the equipment is five hundred years old. Perhaps Dr. Kavits has something more modern you could use.”
Frank repeated Garlut’s comment and Dr. Kavits replied, “Yes, I do. Do you know where the ship is now?”
“It’s at the space station being prepared for our trip tomorrow.”
“Good. I will send the equipment along with somebody to install it in two hours. Please let me speak to Garlut again.”
Frank handed the com unit to Garlut. He had a brief conversation with Dr. Kavits, then closed the com unit and said, “The updated equipment will be installed before you leave. He also asked if he could send his assistant, Marcet, on the mission. Will that be all right?”
“Yes, I think we should take advantage of any technical expertise available. Do you think Brealak will object?”
“No, but I will let her know. We should also confirm with Jeffery.”
They talked for a few more minutes before Jeffery came into the dining room to get some coffee. He then sat down with Frank and Garlut.
Frank said, “I spoke to Dr. Kavits. He wants us to try and find the source of the radiation so he’s sending over a new radiation detector that will be installed on the ship we’ll be using. He also wants to send his assistant, Marcet, on the mission with us. Would you have any reservations with that, Admiral?”
“No problem at all,” Jeffery assured him. “Debbie and I met Marcet at the university. She seemed to be very competent and I’m sure she’ll be an asset on the mission.”
“The ship you will be using is docked at the space station. I am going to leave now and go there so I can tell Brealak what is going on. Somebody will be here tomorrow morning to bring you two over there. I do not know if I will see you again before you leave, so I wish you a safe journey,” Garlut said.
“I want to thank you for all the help you’ve given us,” Jeffery said.
As Garlut stood up to leave he said, “You are welcome. I will see you when you return.”
Jeffery went to his cabin and found Debbie waiting for him. She smiled mischievously and said, “I have plans for us this evening.”
“I was hoping for a passionate goodbye. Is that what you had in mind?” he said with a smirk.
“Exactly.”
The day passed quickly. Jeffery, Debbie, Frank, and Mike had dinner together. After, Jeffery and Debbie went back to their cabin and didn’t come out until morning.
They had breakfast in the dining room and every member of the crew came by their table to wish Jeffery good luck on the mission. When breakfast was finished, he went back to his cabin, picked up his bag, and brought it to the shuttle bay. Frank was already there with the equipment he was bringing on the mission. The timing couldn’t have been better. At that moment, the exterior door to the shuttle bay opened and a small shuttle flew in.
They watched through the glass and saw Brealak emerge from the shuttle. She saw them watching and smiled. Jeffery opened the interior door to the shuttle bay and as she walked in, he said, “Good morning. Is everything ready for our trip?”
“Yes, the only thing missing are you two.”
Jeffery said, “I want to go to the bridge and say goodbye to Debbie. I’ll be back
in a few minutes.” As he turned to go, he saw Debbie walking toward him.
They hugged and kissed goodbye. Debbie said, “Brealak, please take good care of him.”
“I promise. This should be a very easy mission, so do not worry.”
“I’m sure I’ll worry anyway.”
Jeffery kissed Debbie one more time, picked up his bag, and walked to the shuttle.
Frank had already loaded his equipment and was seated inside. Brealak stepped into the shuttle right behind Jeffery.
Fifteen minutes later, they were at the space station. After they landed, Brealak said, “Leave all of your things here. Somebody will bring them to our ship.”
They followed Brealak through the space station. It was obviously designed to be functional. There were no shops or restaurants, just hallways with lots of doors. Each door had writing on it that Jeffery couldn’t read. They walked for only a minute or so when Brealak said,
“This is our ship.”
They followed her into the small ship. They walked through the hatch and directly into the control room. Brealak gave Jeffery and Frank translators and said, “Marcet does not speak English so you need to wear these.”
Jeffery looked around. The first thing he noticed was, despite the fact the ship was hundreds of years old, everything looked new. There were two consoles which seemed to have identical controls. There were also four more large chairs that looked like recliners mounted on the deck. Three doorways lead out of the control room. They walked through the first one.
They were now in the sleeping quarters containing six sleeping areas, each had a bed, a small chest, and a place to hang clothes. At the opposite end of the room was a door.
