Teardrops In The Night Sky (Steven Gordon series)

by Murison, J W

  She was surprised by how quickly and how clearly she heard his reply, ‘tell the Prime Minister I would be honoured to accept one of his pilots on board my ship.’

  She smiled, ‘thank you Steven I will tell him.’

  Komoru told him of Steven response; he was confused, ‘I’m sorry how did you communicate with him?’

  She pulled back her hair and showed him the neural link. ‘Steven and I both have neural implants that connect us directly to the ships. As they are directly connected to one another then so too are the Captains.’

  The Prime Minister wasn’t a stupid man, ‘you mean you talk directly to one another’s minds like telepathy?’

  ‘Yes sir, just like telepathy.’

  ‘Can the rest of the crew do this?’

  ‘No sir, they have to talk directly to the ship and through the ship to each other and us. However as captains our natural abilities give us a direct link to the other members of the crew through our neural link; we can talk to them with our minds and they will hear us, without the ships help.’

  The light of true understanding began to dawn, ‘is this a natural ability that the ships require for someone to become Captain.’

  ‘It’s not so much an ability sir, the part of the human brain that is required for this direct form of communication is dormant in most humans.’

  ‘So that’s what separates you and Mr. Gordon from the rest of us?’

  She blushed, ‘yes sir, that part of our brains are more active than most. That is why we were chosen to become Captains.’

  He nodded, ‘I am beginning to understand. You seemed to have a little difficulty communicating in that manner does Mr. Gordon have the same trouble?’

  She shook her head, ‘I have to concentrate really hard, but it seems to come naturally to Mr. Gordon. I can only get a sense of his true abilities sir, but they far out strip mine.’

  ‘So more of that part of Mr. Gordon’s brain is active?’

  ‘A lot more sir, he thinks it was due to an accident in his youth. Before that occurred he was considered a genius, yes, but he thinks we were of equal intellect. He lost most of his brain functions in the accident and his brain had to utilise that dormant part of his mind at an early age. If he hadn’t been so young then he may have remained in a vegetative state for the rest of his life.’

  The Prime Minister fully understood now, ‘so that is why the ships were drawn to him so strongly. That is why they chose a security guard to become Captain before a scientist. With so much of the dormant brain active it must have been like honey to a bee.’

  ‘I couldn’t have put it better sir.’

  ‘So tell me, what are your plans for the near future?’

  She shrugged, ‘we haven’t had much time to plan anything yet sir. We have a base that is under construction on the Moon. If need be we will make that our permanent HQ. It’s a very large complex and will be able to house the crews of both ships and their families permanently. The trouble up until now has been supplies and it will be our major problem in the near future too.’

  ‘This trouble with the American President.’

  ‘Yes sir, every time we are seen in Earth’s orbit he fires nuclear missiles at us. Steven is worried he will precipitate a conflict with any nation that helps us.’

  ‘Is that a polite way of asking me to keep this meeting secret?’

  Her eyes flicked towards the hovering camera crew. It was obvious they had missed nothing. ‘Yes sir.’

  He smiled, ‘I am afraid it is far too late for that Miss Kaizu, you see this meeting is being broadcast live to the whole of the nation and beyond. Only the location is being kept secret.’

  ‘Oh, I didn’t know.’

  He smiled, ‘we are very proud of you Miss Kaizu. Your acceptance as Captain of one of the ships proves to us beyond any shadow of a doubt that there has been no collusion or deliberate intent behind the Captaincy of Mr. Gordon. He is much a victim of fate as you are.’

  ‘He is the only victim of fate sir. I was asked if I would like to become a Captain and accepted. He was drugged; the ship released a sleeping gas into the air. He sat down and fell asleep. When he awoke two days later he had changed beyond measure.

  I have seen many photos of him and would not have known him if he walked into my house. The ship repaired his mind of the damage inflicted so many years ago by that horrific accident, but what she did to him went far beyond even that.

  The accident stunted his growth as well, but she accelerated it until twenty years later he finally reached his true height. Not even his Mother or Father recognised him when he arose from that chair. Only a DNA test could prove it was the same man who boarded that ship a few days earlier.’

  The Prime Minister seemed concerned, ‘truly a day when fact is stranger than fiction. So you say that in reality Mr. Gordon was abducted by the alien ships?’

  ‘Yes sir but he is a grateful to her for abducting him. What you have to realise is that in the end they were left with little choice.’

  The Prime Minister nodded, ‘yes Miss Kaizu, I do understand. For weeks many of Americas top scientists had crawled all over them, yet none had the type of mind needed to interact with them. Then came the incident with Doctor Sales. So when Mr. Gordon came along he must have been heaven sent to those ships.’

  ‘Yes sir, I just wish everyone was as understanding as you.’

  ‘I am sure time will bring understanding. Now a little bird whispered in my ear this morning that a certain other Prime Minister was given a little trip in his fellow county mans ship, may I be as bold as to mention it.’

  Komoru’s laugh made everyone smile, ‘I would be honoured to invite you and your family on board my ship sir; and you can take the news crew to if you want too.’

  He smiled at the excited reporters, ‘I think they will accept your invitation, as I will.’

  Once the stores were on board a lot more people than was intended were guided on board, Ico left for the Moon. Komoru gave them an orbit of the Earth but was forced to leave as again the Americans launched a nuclear missile at them.

  The Japanese Prime Minister was greatly angered by the gesture. He requested they stay there for as long as it was safe to get visual conformation of the deed. Ico magnified the screen until even the writing on the nose cone could easily be seen.

  Finally satisfied, they arrived at the Moon within a few minutes. The speed took everyone’s breath away and caused a lot of excited chatter.

  Komoru took the ship to the site of the new complex first. It brought no end of excitement. Ico zoomed in on what was happening. They watched a beam of light shoot out of a strange machine into an asteroid. As they watched it began to dissolve. Another ray of light shot out of the other end of the machine where the walls were being built.

  The Prime Minister was highly impressed, ‘I see how it’s done. The particles of the asteroid are reassembled in the shape or form that’s needed.’

  Komoru nodded, ‘yes sir, but we have to make sure the correct materials are available for construction. Rock is all right for the walls but we had to tow metal heavy asteroids here from the asteroid belt.’

  ‘It looks half completed, when did you start building it?’

  ‘Little more than a day ago sir.’

  ‘That is amazing how long until it is completed?’

  ‘Less than forty-eight hours.’

  ‘Can this technology be brought to Earth?’

  ‘Yes sir, once it’s safe. Steven is rather reluctant to share this kind of technology because of the political climate back on Earth.’

  ‘It is hardly surprising given the recent attacks made on you by the United States. What can this technology be used for?’

  ‘Everything from building new hospitals to space ships.’

  ‘How long do you think it would take to build a space ship?’

  ‘That would really depend on how long it took you to assemble the materials needed. You would start out with a shopping list of raw t
he materials needed. Once they were all assembled in one spot the machines would begin to build. I think it would take no more than a few days to build a ship capable of interplanetary travel.’

  ‘So what you’re saying Miss Komoru is that within a few months man could have bases on Mars.’

  ‘Yes sir easily.’

  ‘Yes but; now there must be a but.’

  She smiled, ‘Stevens initial plan was to set up a dedicated space centre in America where most of the raw materials would be ready available. However the American president’s greed has made that almost imposable. His mother is at present beginning to set up a centre in Scotland but he is only going to make communication equipment available at first.’

  The Prime Minister frowned, ‘why is that?’

  ‘He believes that the Americans may try to steal any new technology he brings to his homeland, and would do it by force if necessary.’

  ‘Many countries may have a problem with Scotland being given all that technology to itself.’

  ‘The technology would only be given on the premises that people from of all Earths nations would be welcome to join the project. Also he would insist that the building of such ships would be kept to one place and that a command structure built from all nations would command the project.’

  ‘Does he really think that would work?’

  ‘The United Nations has worked for year’s sir, and if anyone really wants this technology then they better learn to work together. The dangers that face us out there will affect the entire planet not just one nation upon its surface.’

  He nodded, ‘you make a good point Miss Kaizu, but many will see this as a form of blackmail.’

  ‘That’s too bad sir. When we come home we would like to find it as we left it and not desolate from every nation fighting over what we left behind.’

  ‘Tell me whom will you take your orders from Miss Kaizu?’

  ‘I will take my orders from Mr. Gordon sir.’

  ‘And he.’

  ‘From the people of Earth. As everyone knows he has set up a website. On it there is a number of questioners. From it he will determine what it is the common people of World would like him to do. There is also a section for scientists and heads of Government’s; it is free to be used by anyone.’

  ‘I suppose in the lack of any form of structure it’s the next best thing, but once there is structure will he conform to orders from a civil space governing body?’

  ‘I don’t know sir you would have to ask him that yourself.’

  ‘I will given the chance. Do you know where he is?’

  She smiled and sent out a silent order. Ico rushed over the surface of the Moon and came to rest over a number of people out on the surface of the Moon not far from the other ship.

  The Prime Minister was wide eyed, ‘what are they doing?’

  ‘They are out for a walk sir.’

  He burst out laughing, ‘of course it was a stupid question.’

  She smiled, ‘Steven rescued his father from an American prison this morning. He wanted to go on a moonwalk and gather some samples of Moon rock, would you like to join them?’

  The Prime Ministers jaw dropped, ‘I would love to.’

  Chapter 46

  Steven was aware of the Japanese Prime Ministers arrival and of the conversations that had taken place since their first meeting. Babe had been feeding him live information as the meeting had progressed, and even though he had wanted to intervene at times he had let Komoru tell her own version of the story.

  The ships had docked and the party had crossed to Steven’s ship. The new members of their crews had been taken to the doctor, the others to get space suits. Even the children had managed to struggle into them although some of his people had tied up all the spare material with string.

  It was quite a sight and lot of laughter bounced across the barren landscape. Steven couldn’t help his own laughter. His father joined him and nodded towards the procession. ‘Just think Steven, those are the first children in space and on the Moon.’

  ‘I wonder if they realise that?’

  ‘They will when they get home. Hero’s they’ll be one and all.’

  ‘You too Dad and you’ve got a bag of souvenirs to prove it.’

  ‘How much do you want to bet those kids will nick half of it?’

  Steven laughed, ‘no takers here.’

  There was a lot of awkward bowing and laughing when the two parties met. Eventually Brian took most of the party away souvenir hunting, leaving the Prime Minister and Steven alone with Komoru and the news crew.

  The prime minister bent down and picked up a handful of Moon dust and let it slowly trickle through his fingers. It floated gently back to the surface. There was a tear in his eyes, ‘as a young boy I used to dream of becoming an astronaut but there never ever was a Japanese space program. I have now realised my last ambition thanks to all of you, and I promise I will endeavour to do everything I possibly can to help you.’

  Every one of the visitors came away with their own piece of Moon rock to take home with them. By the time they re-boarded the ships the doctor had given all the new people their implants and Steven gave them their welcoming speech in private.

  Returning to the bridge, he headed for Scotland and Komoru for Japan. It was a tearful reunion for Brian and Mary, but she laughed when he showed her his souvenirs.

  The news began to spread around the globe fast. Parts of the meeting were already being shown on every channel. Pictures of the Japanese Prime Ministers children laughing and bouncing across the Moon’s surface were a favourite of all the channels.

  Steven and some of the scientists installed the transponder. A host of nanobots were left to reconfigure the transponder to accept commands from the Earth systems.

  When they were finished Steven retreated to the Moon. Buzz found him pacing in his room.

  ‘What's the matter buddy?’

  Steven shrugged, ‘what the hell do we do now?’

  ‘There's plenty to do man.’

  ‘I know, I know, it’s just a case of where to start.’

  ‘At the beginning.’

  ‘We’re already past that point.’

  ‘So what point are we at?’

  ‘We’re at the part where we need to do too many things at the same time.’

  ‘Like what?’

  ‘Well we need personnel for a start and there's thousands of applications for both ships, that has to be sorted out and of course the collecting of those people is a hazardous occupation at best. We need to appeal to the people on Earth for support to overthrow the Presidents policy on us.

  Then there's the finishing of our base, it would be a brilliant place to select candidates, but of course we would have to be able to collect them first.’

  ‘You were going to appeal on TV weren’t you?’

  ‘Yeah but the Japanese Prime Minister is up and fighting in our corner at the moment and the footage that crew took is going to be doing us a lot of good as well. I don’t want to swamp people and detract from the good those broadcasts might do us.’

  ‘So its round and round and round.’

  ‘Yep.’

  ‘Ok so why don’t we get this base up and running first. Then in a couple of days when attention is beginning to flag a little we go in there with guns blazing. In the mean time we can sort through some of those candidates and maybe pick up a few.’

  ‘It's not a few we need to pick up it’s about a hundred at a time. The longer we’re in close proximity to Earth, the more chance he has of tracking us and firing more nukes.’

  ‘I thought you had a few ideas about how to deal with them?’

  ‘I do, but I also don’t want to start an international incident. If we go screaming in there and start neutralising his nuclear capability there’s no telling how he might react.’

  ‘You think?’

  ‘Yeah I do. Come on, you’re a yank, how would you feel if someone came along and yanked away your nuclear comforter?�
��

  Buzz thought the matter over seriously, ‘you have a point I suppose. As long as we have a nuclear deterrent we feel safe and have done for near a hundred years.’

  ‘Exactly, how is the man on the street going to react? It’s his blanket too.’

  ‘I know exactly how he’ll think. He’ll think we’ve left them open to attack from every other country with a grudge to bare and a nuclear arsenal of their own. Christ they could wipe out half the United States in the blink of an eye and we wouldn’t be able to do anything about it.’

  A slow smile spread across Steven’s face, ‘exactly the point I was trying to make my friend.’

  ‘So how do we get around it?’

  ‘I don’t know yet.’

  Buzz grinned, ‘you'll work it out Buddy. Hey why don’t you get everyone to make their way to Scotland or Japan? We can pick them up there.’

  ‘Yeah and how nice a target would that make for the President. Something that big we couldn’t keep secret for long.’

  Buzz sighed, ‘I think I’m gonna get a headache.’

  ‘You can have mine if you want?’

  Buzz grinned and stood, ‘no thanks I can get my own. Listen do you think the completion of our new base will put us in a better bargaining position. I mean we could offer up a contract to protect it, highest bidder wins.’

  ‘I can see what you’re getting at Buzz. Of course the States would win the contract and put up the man power to protect it, but how would we stop them taking over the whole thing and launching an assault on the ships at the same time once they were entrenched.’

  ‘We could say no weapons.’

  ‘We could but as soon as we’re gone what's to stop them sending up a shuttle full? They have the capability.’

  Buzz slumped, ‘you’re right, bad idea.’

  Steven shook his head, ‘no it wasn’t a bad idea. It was a good idea, just unrealistic to our situation. I will take one piece of advice from you Buddy. I’m going to wait until this base is complete before I make our next move. It will improve our bargaining position tenfold.’