“Indeed,” he replies scornfully, then adds, while glancing around the room with narrowed eyes, “If so, then why did my invitation come from the Minister of Economics?”
One of the seated men suddenly coughs. His face flushes, he did not expect to be called out.
While the room falls into an uneasy silence, the President steps to the table, places his hands on it, then demands, “Tell me everything.”
Five hours later, the room is occupied by only three people. The President holds out his glass, which Pavel fills with vodka once more. Igor, who is quite drunk, begins to chuckle. He holds up his glass, sloshes alcohol over his hand, and says, “Comrades in space!”
The President begins to laugh, and replies, “I don’t think the other committee members will be a problem anymore.” He chuckles even louder then adds, “I would not be surprised if we get a resignation in the morning.” He scoffs, “Minister of Economics, indeed, that fool can’t even balance his own bank accounts.”
Igor laughs loudly, “You should have seen the look on his face when you mentioned him!” He laughs even louder, then adds, “I thought he was going to have a heart attack!”
Their leader’s expression becomes serious for a moment, “I detest backstabbing politicians more than anything else.”
Pavel is still reeling at his reaction, and expected him to be angry with them. But when the other committee members started bickering and deflecting blame, the President dismissed them. It would seem that even though he and Igor kept him in the dark, he understands why, and respects them for it.
Igor lifts a glass to Pavel, who responds by lifting his own. Their leader lifts his as well, then offers a toast, “To Mother Russia!” All three men down the contents of their glasses, then slam them upside down on the table.
A few minutes later, Pavel picks up and fills their glasses once more, then lifts his high in the air. With a wavering hand and a drunken grin, he toasts. “To the Kliper. May she last longer than the Liberty.”
The three men drink long into the night. They discuss Russia’s place as a world power, and of having their own settlement on New Earth. They talk of claiming an entire world, but reluctantly agree that a collaborative effort on one world is a more sensible step.
Location:
Starship Terran
Docked beneath Space Station Unity
Earth
Peter whistles happily while he checks his backpack. Even though he is officially retired, he has received orders to report to Minsk for further instruction. He shrugs his shoulders subconsciously, no one ever really quits being an agent for the Central Committee. He has no doubt that he will be permitted, if not expected, to remain on the Terran. He suddenly stops, and stares at the piece of fishing line he cut from the tree on New Earth. Pausing, he recalls how difficult the line was to cut, and the fact that it was found close to what could have been an old shelter. Then, there was the old rusty nail that was almost fully overgrown by a tree root. He puts the line in his pocket, to take with him for further examination.
Emma steps into the room behind him, puts her hands on her hips and says, “Going somewhere?” The question comes out as more of an accusation than a question.
Peter turns, grins, and says, “Don’t worry. We’re not going off on some combat mission.”
Emma’s eyes narrow, then she says sulkily, “Would you even tell me if you were?”
“Yes, I would,” he replies with conviction.
She nods her head and thinks, he probably would. Emma stares at the man she has fallen for. I hardly know anything about him, she ponders, then sighs, but that is part of his charm, she admits to herself. She shakes her head and says, “I am just worried that one of these days you will disappear. One day you’re Peter, the next you’re Petrovich. How could you even live like that?”
Peter’s expression softens as he replies, “You know who I am, and what I used to do.”
“Used to do?” She says with raised eyebrows as she turns her gaze to his backpack. Turning to face her man, she adds, “And yet you must still report to...” she leaves the sentence unfinished as she shrugs her shoulders.
Peter chuckles, then says, “Yes. But if Radclyf, Hayato, and I get our way, we won’t be reporting to anyone on Earth for much longer.”
“Ha!” She says vigorously, “I knew you guys were up to something. I just hope it’s not some dangerous mission, like last time.”
His grin widens, then he replies, “I already said it wasn’t.” He stares at Emma and adds, “I will say that John is going to be very busy ferrying people around.”
Emma’s eyes narrow, but she knows better than to press him any further.
Location:
10 Downing Street
Westminster, United Kingdom
Radclyf stands at attention before the nine men and two women seated around a large table. His full-dress uniform is in pristine condition and adorned with various medals.
Those seated are all reading a single page of paper and shaking their heads. One of the cabinet ministers, a particularly chubby man, stands. He gazes at his colleagues for moral support, tucks his thumbs into his cardigan, and turns to Radclyf. With disdain heavy in his voice he says, “You’re gone for over a year, and all you can give us is this one page report?”
Radclyf places his hands behind his back and remains silent. His eyes stare directly ahead and focus on nothing.
The chubby man paces behind his chair, then in exasperation says, “Will you say something!”
Radclyf turns his gaze to the man, then says coldly, “The mission was a success. We did not meet any hostile forces. The colony’s defenses are in place, as are those on the Terran.”
“I have read the report,” the minister replies in annoyance as he motions to the single page. He stares at Radclyf for a moment, then says, “Why did we even bother sending you?”
“To get rid of me, Sir,” Radclyf replies blandly.
The chubby man did not expect that answer and swallows nervously at the blunt reply. He then mumbles, “Yes, quite right.”
Radclyf salutes, then says, “I will report back to the Terran, for its next mission.” He turns, then strides out of the room, leaving the group of people spluttering and stammering at his brazen exit.
“Hey, come back,” calls out the chubby man, “We’ve not finished with you.”
Radclyf continues walking, a wide smile fills his face. He chuckles as he replies, “Oh yes you have. I am resigning my commission, effective immediately.”
The group in the room is stunned into silence. Radclyf’s response is not out of disloyalty to his country; on the contrary, he would die for England, but he is tired of the political games. Being on the Terran has given him a new respect for humanity as a whole. No one on the ship cares where you are from. There are more important concerns than the petty disputes that are waged in the many meeting rooms around the world.
Radclyf reflects on how close he, Hayato, and the others, have become. The three independent combat teams have discussed their respective futures at length. He steps outside, stops, and turns his gaze to watch the cloudy skies. Within minutes John arrives with a shuttle to pick him up.
Location:
Riken Institute, Kobe
Japan
Hayato hands over his one page report to his superior, Minoru, a grey-haired colonel. The report is identical to Radclyf’s in every detail. He salutes, then waits patiently. He does not have to wait long.
“Hayato!” Screams the colonel as he turns the page over in his hand. “Is this some sort of joke?” He demands as he stares at the page with its few paragraphs of text.
“No Sir,” Hayato responds in an even tone as he stares directly ahead.
“But one page!” Minoru retorts angrily.
“Yes Sir.”
“This pathetic excuse of a report will probably see you dismissed from service.” The colonel says in disdain.
Hayato turns his gaze to his superior, takes off
his jacket, and then says, “So be it.” He bows, then adds respectfully, “My resignation is already on your desk, Sir.”
Hayato smiles as he leaves the room. This outcome was already determined weeks ago, when he and Radclyf decided that if they were to continue working together, that their national uniforms were obsolete. Selecting who would be in charge has been a tougher debate, and one that has not been fully resolved.
Minoru’s jaw opens and closes as he stares blankly at Hayato’s back. Words fail to come to mind. He wonders what has just happened. He hurries to his desk and finds not one, but two, resignations. He gazes upward at the ceiling as his thoughts drift to the Terran in orbit. Shaking his head in disbelief he says to himself, “Both Hayato, and Chokichi. What is going on up there?” He ponders for a long time about what could prompt the two loyal men to resign so abruptly.
Location:
Outback
Western Australia
The days slowly blend together as shuttles travel to and from the Terran, ferrying crew members back and forth. However, when it comes to the bridge crew, John is always on hand to provide his piloting skills. He has been particularly busy with George, but does not mind at all.
The construction facility’s cafeteria is fairly busy these days. Many crew members discuss whether or not they will stay on for whatever comes next. The generous paychecks are one incentive, while for others, just being on the Terran is reason enough.
George stares at a sealed envelope that rests on the table. His heart races with excitement at what he expects to find. He glances around the mess hall, which is occupied by easily seventy people, many from the Terran. He smiles and nods in response to those that acknowledge him. He is almost embarrassed as it seems that everyone knows him, and yet he knows so few.
Lisa and Johnny step into the room, stop, then look around, searching. The second Lisa spots George, she smiles, then hurries to him. George sees her, smiles, stands, and hurries toward his family. The second they meet he hugs his wife, then ruffles their son’s hair. Johnny’s eyes are glued to the envelope that rests on the table. The words ‘European Space Training Academy’ are boldly emblazoned across its front.
George grins, sits down, and says, “I have spoken to just about every politician, and military commander I could find, and I have some fantastic news.”
Lisa glances at the envelope, then sits down as well. She says, with a little exasperation building in her voice, “Well, out with it then.”
Her husband’s grin expands as he replies, “I can stay on Earth and will use the suit to help build the fleet of spacecraft.”
Lisa’s face brightens, “I don’t believe it. I was sure they would somehow force you to stay on the Terran and go on that mission.”
George replies, “Well, even though Cindy wants me on board, she did not press the matter.” He adds enthusiastically, “I also get my own personal shuttle, to travel to and from home and,” He looks at Johnny, then continues, “I was also able to push your application to the Space Command.”
Johnny’s jaw drops, he has done nothing but rant and rave about his desire to be on the bridge of the Terran, or any spaceship for that matter. George ceremoniously opens the envelope, then reads, “Johnny Stanton’s application has been accepted and successfully moved forward to the selection committee.” George’s smile freezes, then fades, as he reads on, “existing crew of the Terran will continue to receive priority placement over non-crewmembers, as has been corporate policy from the program’s inception.”
Lisa and George glance at each other apprehensively, then George quickly reads, “As a consequence Johnny’s application is on hold, pending an available opening at the Space Training Academy. We thank you for your interest.”
George does not read the last few lines, but stares at Lisa blankly.
Johnny slowly asks, “What does that mean, Dad?”
A single tear falls down Lisa’s face as George responds, “They got to me son, that’s what it means.” He sighs, then puts a hand to his jaw, “Damn, they found a way.”
Johnny glances at his parents warily. With concern in his voice he asks, “Why are you crying mom?”
Lisa blinks away any further tears, brushes her long dark hair back, then says resolutely, “You’re going to the academy! Now run off and let me have some time with your father.”
Johnny steps away from the table, and though he should be ecstatic about going, the way his parents are behaving bothers him. He leaves the table so they can talk. If there is one thing that he has learned, it is that he does not want to be part of whatever they are discussing. He glances back, frowns in confusion, then leaves the cafeteria.
George’s lips quiver as his feelings threaten to overcome him. He stares at his wife and states more than asks, “Why didn’t I see this coming?”
Lisa slowly shakes her head, takes a deep breath, then says, “We want the best for our son, and we will do whatever it takes to see that he gets every opportunity he can.”
George meets her unyielding gaze, then finally lowers his eyes. Once she has made up her mind, there is no changing it.
Lisa adds, “I will stay here while you go off, again! I won’t be a distraction to you this time.”
George quickly looks up and replies solemnly, “You’re never a distraction. I want you with me.”
She runs her hand down his face, then adds, “You know what I mean. I want you to focus on your duty Mister, and not be worrying about little old me.” She smiles, then adds, “Besides, I will be perfectly safe right here.”
George sighs, and says, “You’re right.” He adds dejectedly, “But I really would rather stay here, on Earth, with you.”
“I know.” Lisa shakes her head slowly as she adds, “Fate is surely playing games with us.”
The couple chats about what they will do, where Lisa will live, and how long the mission is expected to take. A few minutes later, George picks the letter back up, then sighs as he stares at a phone number printed under the address. He shakes his head, and says, “I had better make the call.”
Lisa sighs, then says, “You know they have a spot for him.” She begins to ask, “Do you think Cindy...?”
“No.” George shakes his head interrupting her. He adds, “She wants me onboard, but I doubt she would be a party to this.”
Lisa takes a deep breath, then smiles lovingly at her man. She knows his comment about preferring to stay on Earth is not entirely true. She also wonders whether or not he is even aware how much of a draw the Terran is to him.
Location:
Hawking
New Earth
A light splattering of rain strikes the window before Barbara. She stares at the town before her, deep in thought. The pressure of leading the community, though great, is not what bothers her. The cause for her concern is simple logistics. The colony is not self-sufficient, and thus not sustainable without additional supplies and technology.
A knock at her door precedes General Walker, who asks curiously, “You wanted to see me?”
“Come in,” Barbara replies unnecessarily as Walker is already striding to her table. He sits down in one of the large comfortable chairs, and smiles while he waits.
Barbara turns to face Walker and says, “I know we should not have expected the Terran to return straight away.” She pauses, then adds, “But it’s been three months.”
Walker replies matter-of-factly, “Perhaps Earth is sending another ship, instead?”
Barbara shakes her head and says, “I doubt it. From the way George and Joe were talking when they surveyed the Liberty, we have a long way to go before we can make them reliable enough.”
Walker nods in agreement then suggests, “Perhaps they have found a way, and are working on it?”
With a sigh, Barbara says, “Well, for whatever reason, we have not been resupplied. As such, we had better review what we have, and don’t have.”
Walker’s tone becomes business like as he rattles off from memory. “We ha
ve a three-year supply of MREs, in addition Emma’s hydroponics bays on the Liberty are providing the entire colony with fruits and vegetables.” He takes a breath, smiles, and then continues, “The fish are great eating, as are the local buffalo. It just takes a little time to test them all properly.”
Barbara looks at Walker and says, “You’re forgetting the bad news.” She glances out the window as she continues, “Every crop we plant in the native soil fails, and we’re out of soil from Earth to make any more blends.” She stares at Walker and says, “So we have the means to support our current population, but not much more.”
“I see the dilemma,” Walker replies. He quickly counters. “Emma was growing crops in the local soil, wasn’t she?”
Barbara shakes her head, and replies, “Her crops either failed, or included soil from Earth, forming a blend. That’s how she came up with the fifty-fifty ratio for the bays on the Liberty.”
“I see,” Walker replies with a slight scowl developing. He then queries, “What do you have in mind?”
Barbara stares down at her desk, then says, “I am thinking we should begin preserving and storing our surplus from the Liberty. We should also encourage the people to eat more fish.”
Walker lifts his eyebrows at her words and replies enthusiastically, “That’s a great idea.”
She cringes as she asks another question, “And what about our fuel reserves?”
Walker sighs deeply, then answers, “We have less than one year’s supply left.” He adds optimistically, “That’s a New Earth year though, so maybe thirteen or fourteen months to the folks back home.”
Barbara stares at the pitter patter of rain then says, “Let’s begin fuel rationing. The people need to walk more anyway.”
Walker grins, as he replies, “I have already cut down my rides, from daily to weekly.” His motorbike rides around town have become legendary. It helps that he has the only bike on the planet. But his own fuel reserves are diminishing fast, thanks to the fleet of cargo vans the Liberty brought to the colony.
Initiation Series: Series One Compilation (Terran Chronicles) Page 108
