Starborn Odyssey (The Starborn Odyssey Trilogy Book 1)

by Haines Sigurdsson

  “What are we going to do to try and bring them to reason?” I asked.

  “Our greatest hope is that his son, Roger, can talk some sense into him,” The Captain responded. “He’s as stunned as I am and came to see me right after the hijacking of the two shuttles. His mother also went with the colony because she wanted to go where Wade went; Roger apologized for not coming to warn me ahead of time, but he said he didn’t really think they’d go through with it.”

  “I’ll go,” I said. “If you think it will do any good.” Everyone in the group echoed in volunteering. I really had no idea what we were supposed to do when we got there, but I was sure the Captain had some plans to start negotiations.

  “I have twenty five of the militia standing by to go with you in case there’s any real trouble, though I’d hate to see it come to blows. The very idea has troubled me from the start; the idea of colonist against colonist is too terrifying to comprehend.” Captain Pierce sat down and then looked up and said, “You all need to get some rest; a few more hours won’t change things, so assemble at the landing bay at 0700 hours, and we’ll get things under way; oh, and thank you all for your support. See you in the morning.”

  We saluted and departed for our homes with heavy hearts. I walked with Nettie as far as her home, where there was a group of people outside and inside. Of course; Nettie’s dad was the Mayor. Her brother, Oliver, who like Nettie went by a nickname, Ollie, met us at the door, in uniform.

  “Are you guys going with us to retrieve that piece of star crap, Turley?” He asked. “Captain Pierce told us he wanted our most experienced people on the mission and that has to be you guys.”

  Ollie was younger, only 19, and overly enthusiastic as youth so often is; “Dad doesn’t want you to go.” He directed at Nettie. “Thinks it’s not safe; it’s too risky for his little girl.” He chuckled.

  “Well, the goal is to talk reason into those misguided idiots,” replied Nettie. “I can’t see any real danger there.”

  “Then you haven’t heard the whole story of what went down while you were gone,” Ollie rebutted. “Those guys actually opened fire on the guards. Morgan died just an hour ago, so now there’s a murder rap involved; not just theft of the two shuttles. Dan Hartman’s in critical condition as well. The other two guys are going to be fine, or at least that’s what Dad says.”

  “Liz Morgan?” Asked Nettie in disbelief. Ollie nodded. “I can’t believe it! I’ve known her all my life!” And then, as the more larger repercussions sank in: “You mean, there’s really a likelihood of armed resistance?

  “Dad says it’s Turley wanting to control a colony of his own; you know how he likes to dictate policies and make his own rules. Anyway, he apparently has a dream of power and a scheme for economic gain by using the natives as a labor force; at least that’s what Dad thinks.”

  “I think your Dad’s right; you’d really better stay here just in case it does get nasty,” I said. “I’d feel a lot better knowing you were safe.”

  “You think I could stay here knowing you were in danger?” Nettie exploded, with fire in her eyes.

  It caught me a bit by surprise, and Ollie looked as surprised as I was, and was bouncing his eyes back and forth between us to see what he had missed; then a smile of realization crossed his face and he laughed out loud.

  “I don’t believe it!” He snickered. “You guys finally accepted the obvious; I’ve a good mind to go inside and announce the news to everyone!” He looked as if he would lose control at any moment.

  “Alright, alright,” I said, as Nettie and I both blushed. “So we were a little slow getting together, it’s not a big deal.”

  “Oh really?” Asked Nettie, pretending to be offended. “Maybe I’ve made it too easy for you.”

  I made a gesture of mock surrender, she accepted and we all had a good laugh in spite of the circumstances.

  “You’re not going to get much rest here tonight.” I told her. “Maybe you should come home with me for the night?” I suggested.

  “I’m sure I’d get a lot of sleep there.” She mocked. “I’d best take my chances here; I can ignore this kind of disturbance.”

  Her Dad, Art, spotted us at that moment, and I lost my opportunity to slip away unnoticed as he rushed over to us. I still felt intimidated by his presence, though I’d been around him all my life. He hugged his daughter and clapped me on the shoulders. “Good to see you both back; wish the circumstances were better, but that’s life,” he said, looking genuinely relieved at having his daughter home. Then to me. “You and my son will be off to Sne-az in the morning, I guess, so I probably should send everyone home so Ollie can get some rest.”

  “I’m going too.” Nettie stated in her beautifully matter-of-fact way. “Can’t be separated from my two favorite young men that easily.” Art look nervously around.

  “This is no time for jokes,” he said, recovering his composure and using his official Mayor voice. “One person from our household should be enough.”

  “I’m not joking,” said Nettie firmly. “I belong on this mission; I’ve been there before and I know what to expect. That’s why the Captain is sending us.”

  “There’s no way I’m going to talk you out of this, is there?” Asked the Mayor resignedly, looking into her face, and knowing her to be as stubborn as he was himself.

  “No,” she answered. “And where Eric goes; I go,” she said, as a way of announcing our new relationship to him.

  He raised an eyebrow in my direction. “Gets her way.” He warned. “Still, I’m glad to see you’ve both made your choice, and I won’t interfere with your decision, even if I thought I could.” He laughed in spite of the current situation. I think he really was glad that I would be there to try and keep her out of trouble.

  With that out of the way I bid my farewells for the night, kissed Nettie goodnight and headed home. The night was getting on and I still hadn’t seen my family yet! I didn’t think there would be much sleep that night, so I wasn’t disappointed.

  When I arrived home, I found almost as many people there as at Nettie’s home. Half of the Militia volunteers were among them, including Josh and of course Ira, who had slipped off to a corner with Angie where they appeared to be debating something profound. He was one of the youngest of our crew, and although he wasn’t nearly as smart as Angie, he was a good sort and I liked him well enough. I didn’t mind the thought of him and my sister being a pair.

  Mom was talking with Josh and Stan in the kitchen and little clusters of people were in deep discussions relevant to our current circumstances both inside and outside of our apartment. Like I said, a replay of Nettie’s place. Paul Steinman, a mining engineer with whom I was acquainted through the militia spotted me and headed in my direction.

  “So this is where you live, you daredevil!” He greeted as he approached. “These are some of the original apartments; they’re a lot different than in my neighborhood.” He looked around appraisingly at the walls, then back at me, giving me a hard eye. “I heard that you guys found a good place for the colony to settle elsewhere in the system, but info’s been real tight, almost mysteriously so.”

  “Hey Paul,” I said in greeting. “Yeah, it’s true—a beautiful place, think we’ll do well there.” I answered, not too sure how much to say or what not to. I switched back to his original topic of conversation. “You guys have larger apartments, so I’ve heard; though I’ve never seen one of them, never get over to the mining area unless you’ve got me climbing something dangerous.” I grinned at him.

  “We have a different way of glazing the walls now,” he said. “Not quite as smooth so it holds paint better. It’s still basically a laser glazing but textured by pulsing instead of a steady beam; it does a nice job and lowers maintenance.” He informed.

  I knew what he was talking about, since we had to scrape and paint our walls every few years. “Can you redo the wall finish in these old apartments?” I asked, wondering why that had never been done.

  �
�Could,” he answered. “Though kind of pointless now, I suppose.”

  “Yeah; I guess you’re right.” I realized. “So are you ready for your first time off ship?” I asked

  “You bet; can’t wait to feel and smell a real natural environment. I was disappointed as hell at not getting on either of the first couple of missions, but there were so few sent.” He shrugged.

  Doc Hebron came over to join our conversation. “Have you heard the results from the research they’ve done on the creatures from Sne-az?” she asked us; and continued before we could really respond, obviously already knowing that we couldn’t have. “These creatures metabolize most sugar in their bodies into alcohol. We haven’t figured out why yet, but examining the tissue samples we have, they’re not mammals or reptiles. So far we’ve seen no signs of differences suggesting any need for mating as we know it; they’ve no obvious genitalia or any other identifiable reproductive organs. The only living creature is the Sizuz, you know, the cat thing; they appear to have only one sex, and they’re born with a half dozen eggs which they lay when they reach maturity. I don’t know if it’s a one shot deal or if at some point, something triggers more reproduction. Anyway, they’re a lot more alien that they appear.”

  “Oh, and those spiders actually live, as far as we can tell, exclusively on the alcohol substance in the red veins that run down the side of some of the trees.” She added with obvious excitement. It’s absolutely mind boggling!”

  It was hard to respond to this sort of information and, I think she was a little disappointed in our lack of enthusiasm over her revelations. “Wow.” We responded almost as one. Fortunately we were rescued by my mother’s arrival into our sphere.

  “You’re back for a few hours, are you?” She asked in a harassing fashion. “I guess thing will never really be the same now that we’ve found a home; and I hear you’re likely to be moving out on your own now, anyway.”

  I glanced over at Josh, who at least had the courtesy of looking slightly embarrassed at having blabbed my new situation before I had the chance myself. Damned glad I hadn’t planned on keeping it a secret.

  “I’ve got to get a couple of my uniforms and throw them in the cleaner,” I said in an attempt to extricate myself from the current scene.

  “I took care of it when Anton told me he was going to be sending you back down to Sne-az,” she said, killing my excuse. “Lee’s been filling you in on all the newest info on our little friends I see.” She added with a knowing smile. “They are beyond anything I can understand; a life form as near as I can gather, pretty much based on alcohol.”

  “Yes,” said Lee. “It’s what their bodies use in place of adrenalin as near as we’ve been able to assess; quite amazing.”

  “I’m going to go sleep for a bit; there’s only about seven hours till we’re due to report for the mission,” I said, in another attempt to escape. This time Mom supported the idea, knowing it to be the truth.

  “Yes, I think you’d better,” she said, not altogether happy about the situation, but understanding.

  People were starting to leave anyway, largely because most of them were also on the mission. A few brief words to the departing folks and I crashed out for the night, which was entirely too short.

  My alarm woke me and I got up. As I came out of my room I found my mother already in the kitchen, making breakfast, the old fashion manual way with real eggs. “You can’t go off without a real breakfast,” she said; I could tell she hadn’t slept well. “It’ll be ready by the time you’ve showered.”

  I knew there was no use objecting to the little ritual; it was Mom’s way of dealing with the stress of the situation. I shaved and showered as quickly as I could and joined Mom at the table; breakfast looked good.

  “This is a big deal.” She started. “Those people have shown a total disregard for anybody else’s rights or welfare. The Captain doesn’t worry like this unnecessarily, and you know it.” She looked about ready to cry, and that really disturbed me.

  “Don’t be too worried.” I assured her. “I fully intent to shoot first if things aren’t going well. Besides, I’ve got a lot of company going to be with me; you know I’m not going alone.

  “Nettie’s a nice girl.” Mom said, changing the subject. “Don’t get yourself killed trying to protect her,” she said with a nervous half laugh as if she were kidding. I knew better, but let it slide.

  “I love her, Mom,” I said. “And she loves me. I’m more worried that she’ll try to protect me.” I thought that might be more of a comfort to her; I guess I just don’t understand women very well.

  “It’s no joking matter!” She snapped. “Those SOB’s mean to stay there, they mean business. I saw Liz’s mom earlier—did you know that Turley’s men shot Liz? Her mom said she knew Liz probably wouldn’t make it; said she just couldn’t believe they were willing to kill to get what they want.” I’d rarely seen mom so angry. But then she took a deep breath, and put a plate of food in front of me. “Just don’t give them the chance to hurt you, or anyone else, okay?”

  “Try not to worry,” I said. “We’re going to talk, but we’ll be armed to the teeth. It’s the Fenninz I’m worried about; I don’t want to see them caught in a crossfire. They’re gentle and curious and seem really intelligent in their own way; and we don’t belong there.”

  Mom nodded for a minute, thoughtfully, then asked, “So, is this thing with Nettie serious, I mean not like that Debbie girl a couple of months ago?” She grimaced.

  I laughed. “No Mom, it’s a whole lot different. I’ve known Nettie all my life and it’s been growing for a long time. Thanks for the breakfast, and for getting up to see me off, but I’d better get a move on, don’t want to be late like I was for the first trip down.” I gave her a smile, hoping to make her feel better about the trip; it probably didn’t make any real difference, though. I gave her a hug and headed out the door. “Say good bye to Angie for me; love you both.” With that I hustled out.

  It was only 06:30 hours, so I had plenty of time. On the way I ran into Roger Turley heading in the same direction. Although we’d never gotten along very well, I couldn’t help feeling sorry for his position because of his Dad’s actions. I was determined to say nothing about it.

  “Morning Eric.” He greeted. “Big day ahead.”

  “Morning Roger.” I answered, unsure of what else to say. “Sure is, but I’m sure things will turn out alright,” I said tactfully.

  “I wouldn’t count on it,” he said bitterly. “Dad’s a very stubborn man; got a real problem with authority, too. I’m sorry for the harm that’s been done, and I hope I can get him to listen to reason,” he said, to my surprise.

  “Well Roger, we’ll just have to go one step at a time; best we can do,” I said, feeling more for him than I’d ever have thought I could. It must be really hard to be stuck in such a compromising situation.

  “If it comes to a shoot out, I’ll kill him myself, for what he’s done to me and Mom,” he growled through gritted teeth.

  “Well,” I said hesitantly, “ I mean it’s not just him, right?” Roger’s mood was disturbingly dark. It occurred to me that he and Liz used to date, a few years back, and I still saw them together quite a bit. I thought that probably didn’t help matters.

  Roger shook his head gruffly. “I know it’s not just him, but he’s got a lot of influence on the others and he’s going to be held responsible for whatever happens there.” He stopped for a moment, and I stopped, too, somewhat mystified. “Look, Eric, I know we’ve never been close friends, but I want you to know I stand with the real colonists and I’m bitterly sorry about all this.” His face darkened. “ What’s more, Liz Morgan’s death has to be paid for.”

  I wished I could have said something profound to make things better, but I was drawing a blank. I nodded curtly. Roger waited, clearly expecting something from me. “What will be, will be.” Was the best I could come up with. Roger nodded assent, and we turned and walked briskly to the docks. As we were a
rriving, he stunned me again by addressing me as if we weren’t arch enemies.

  “Thanks for listening Eric; I had to get that off my chest.” He gave me a half smile, and I knew things were forever changed between us. Hard times make you grow up and out of silly prejudices, I guess.

  Others were already there and conversation varied from what people had for dinner to what it would be like to walk on a real planet; those of course being the ones on their first mission. By the time the Captain arrived we were pretty much anxious to get going. Nettie was the last one I saw arrive.

  Captain Pierce informed us that only about a day behind us, the second of our new ships would be launched on a mission to the moons of Sne-az. These moons we now called Romulus and Remus for the mythological character who founded an ancient city on earth; Romulus being the larger and farthest from the planet. They had also named our little ship Homer and the new one Virgil for two writers of Earth’s Greek mythology. He informed us that we would have to scan the planet for the colonists, because they had taken their beacons offline to hinder us. We were also informed that the ship Virgil was going to scan Sne-az’s moons for artifacts in hopes of finding more clues about the possible terraforming of #5’s green and welcoming moon, now called Olympus. I liked the name, since we were indeed in Earth’s heavens. #5 itself was now called Zeus. Of course. What else could ride above Olympus?

  We all knew that once within the atmosphere of Sne-az, or Sneeze as some jokingly named it; we wouldn’t really have any problem locating the two shuttles by their metal mass, that being way beyond any natural formation, so it was just a matter of time.

  The reason only the new ships were being sent on these excursions was that they were the only ones that could catch up with the Astro II in a reasonable time frame, being considerably faster than the older shuttles. Astro II was continuing on to Olympus rather than trying to maneuver the giant back and forth between worlds. That’s the main reason these new ships were built, and there were four more well under construction; it would be quite useful in settling a new world, or two.