Perry lifted an eyebrow and shook his head sadly before making a comment.
“It is unfortunate they have not changed since our last visit. I realize some here may disagree with your handling of the situation, but I endorse your actions fully, Captain. It appears the only way to get their attention and cooperation is through very direct action. Do you have anything further to report?”
Mosis nodded and smiled at the Admiral.
“Yes, Sir, I do. Upon reflection, I decided to try a different approach with Gorkall, their new Premier. I requested to meet with him and his advisors privately, and they agreed. Since most of the older generation of leaders were now gone, the new government is decidedly on the young side. They are, apparently, not so engrained in the old ways they cannot be reasoned with. I decided to forego the threats, and simply asked them what their people needed. When all was said and done, Gorkall was not interested in trying to conquer other worlds or seek off planet solutions to their problems. What they really needed was more efficient food production, clean water, improved infrastructure, and modern medical care.”
“We spent several days together, studying their needs and coming up with workable solutions. When Gorkall realized I was sincerely trying to help them, his attitude changed from open hostility to grudging respect. We agreed to meet again in a year’s time and see if there are more concrete ways to assist them. They are aware we are still watching, and they must comply with our directives if they expect our help. Meanwhile, I have instructed the Sentinels to watch for some of the improvements we discussed and keep an eye out for crop failures or outbreaks of disease. If something catastrophic takes place, we will be able to step in and offer assistance.”
The astonishment on every face, including Perry’s, was quickly swept away by the excited chatter which erupted around the table. After a few moments, Perry leaned towards Mosis with a small grin on his face.
“Very well done, Captain. If you keep this up, I may have to promote you to General much sooner than I expected.”
####
The weeks which followed flowed by in comfortable succession as the population adjusted to their growing, changing home. Construction continued, both in space and on Pacifica, at an alarming rate. The cradle was in full operation now, churning out adaptable flora, planting crops on the most fertile islands, and experimenting with native/Earth hybrids. In addition, the first children to be conceived on Pacifica were growing quietly in their artificial wombs. The same was true for the animal life they brought with them, and it wouldn’t be long before everyone had their hands full with new lives to feed and care for.
It was understood all the adult colonists would be responsible for raising as many children as they could handle. Some of those already paired up were expecting their own children in the traditional way. All the others were encouraged to seek out an acceptable partner to help with child rearing, though there was no pressure to form permanent bonds. The radiation hazards of space meant those who worked onboard ship would not be able to care for children properly until the space station was completed. Mosis and Admiral Perry were among the few not assigned any children to nurture from this first group.
Mosis was enjoying his new career path immensely, and serving again under Admiral Perry proved to be both comfortable and satisfying. Even so, he was preoccupied with a difficult question which vexed him for some time and remained unanswered. The whole issue of parenting simply enhanced his discomfort until he was forced to do something about it. He requested a few moments with Chancellor Tascio and the Admiral, which they granted at his earliest convenience.
Jet, discerning the issue may be a sensitive one, invited both Mosis and Perry to his personal residence. Being just as punctual as Perry, the two of them arrived at the Chancellor’s home at the same time. Jet welcomed his guests and led them to a comfortable patio in the back yard. Refreshments were offered, and when everyone was settled, Mosis began to speak.
“Thank you for agreeing to meet with me. My thoughts have been troubled for some time and recent events prompted me to pursue a resolution to the problem. When we were discussing if Pacifica was safe to colonize, the Admiral asked a question which I believe we need to answer. He said, “We now know we are not alone in the universe, but who is to say we were any safer on Earth?”
Both men’s eyes widened as they began to think through the implications. Mosis continued.
“With the fold space drive we can easily return to Earth and ascertain the condition of the system. If nothing else, they may be surprised and pleased to hear we have completed our mission. We also have in our possession advanced technology and medical breakthroughs which can be shared. On the other hand, we have been gone a very long time, and the galaxy is not as safe as we once assumed.”
“Suppose they have encountered a species such as the Lydokk? We have been so focused on ourselves we have forgotten our heritage, and I believe we have a moral responsibility to determine their status. My proposal is straight forward – send a buoy to Earth to scan the system. Once we have more information, we can decide if any further action is necessary.”
Perry, as was his custom, remained silent as he digested Mosis’ proposal. Jet, however, spoke almost immediately.
“I am ashamed to say I have given Earth few fleeting thoughts in recent days. From the beginning, we assumed our journey would take us so far from home we would never be able to reestablish contact. I am sure they sent us off into the void with the same assumption. The fold space drive changed everything, and I never really considered what it might mean. I don’t see any reason not to do as you suggest, Mosis. What do you think, Chris?”
Perry glanced quickly at each man, and then leaned forward across the table.
“This idea is one I have considered for some time, but I put it off in favor of concentrating on our own needs. The Earth may not require anything at all from us, but as you have stated, it is our responsibility to find out. That being said, I am not in favor of sending a buoy.”
The looks of disappointment sent his way might have caused someone else to falter, but Perry continued with an upraised hand to prevent Jet from speaking.
“This needs to be handled carefully, gentlemen, so I propose we send the Poseidon. Are you and your crew up to the challenge, Mosis?”
He and Jet both smiled widely.
“We are, Sir. Just give the word.”
####
The Advisory Board was called into session within the hour to discuss the issue, and Mosis was asked to attend to explain his thoughts. Once the issue was on the table, the response was unanimously positive. Various scenarios were presented, along with possible responses, but in the end Mosis was given a great deal of latitude. There was some concern, and rightly so, Pacifica was unprepared to offer a great deal of aid to anyone, however much it may be needed. Despite that, the consensus was to wait and see what Mosis found before worrying about things which may not happen. With a broad mandate to act on his own authority if necessary, Mosis was given orders to take the Poseidon to Earth the following day and report his findings as soon as possible.
####
Poseidon’s crew was both honored and nervous to be handed such an important assignment, but between faith in their Captain and professional competence, not a soul on board showed the slightest hesitation in their duties. The ship was scheduled to make the jump in T minus sixty seconds, and was going in heavily shielded and cloaked, just to be on the safe side. It was entirely possible Earth’s defenses were just as sophisticated as their own, and it was certain they had never seen a ship like Poseidon. There was absolutely no question no one on Earth was expecting their long-gone cousins to suddenly make an appearance in the Solar system. It was best all around to arrive quietly and make some careful observations before announcing their presence. Betsy turned to Mosis.
“Thirty seconds to fold space. All stations report ready, Captain. Recorders and sensors at full power. Weapons available at your command.”
A soft chime sounded throughout the ship indicating an imminent fold space translation. The main view screen blanked out momentarily and then came alive with images of a system in chaos. Proximity alarms blared throughout the ship as the shields were bombarded, sending tremors throughout the vessel. Frightened and confused reports poured in from every station as the crew tried to make sense of what was happening. Mosis’ training took over as he called for silence on the bridge.
“Are the shields holding?”
A frightened Ensign responded in a shaky voice.
“Yes, Sir! Sensors indicate we are in the middle of an asteroid field.”
Mosis voice cut through the air like a knife.
“Maintain shields! Move us into the clear if possible. Scan for other ships. Cartography – confirm Sol system.”
It took several minutes, but the reports finally trickled in. The ship moved to a relatively clear patch of space, which helped calm the rattled crew. No other vessels were in the system, and the planet itself was confirmed – Earth. Mosis began issuing orders in a crisp, calm voice.
“All right people, let’s work the problems one at a time. Send out the buoys – I want a full sensor scan of this system. Concentrate on the planet and look for life signs. If we have a clear view, put it on the main viewer, please.”
The image they received was not the classic blue marble of the Earth they knew, but one of a brown dust ball in space. Betsy seemed to say what the others could not.
“My God! What happened here?”
Mosis hesitated momentarily.
“I don’t know, but we are going to find out. Continue scans. Send all data to my terminal as soon as it comes in.”
By the time the buoys began reporting on the outer system, the scans of the planet revealed the news they all feared. The planet was struck multiple times by a series of huge asteroids, shattering the surface and choking the atmosphere with dust and debris. The subsequent drop in temperature locked the surface in layers of dirty ice, and revealed extremely harsh conditions with no signs of life.
Deep penetrating scans of the continents detected no underground bunkers, caves, or shelters which still harbored human life. The planet was truly dead. Based on the present conditions, it was estimated the event took place less than fifty years before. Presumably, there were simply too many asteroids for the Earth to destroy or deflect, and the planet was overwhelmed. Though he kept his thoughts to himself, Mosis was convinced it was not a natural occurrence.
Just as the grief and shock were beginning to make themselves known among the crew, Betsy’s panel received a signal from one of the buoys. Mosis noted her surprise, but waited patiently for her to confirm the message.
“We have indications of a settlement on the Moon! Numerous life signs detected. There is no response to our hails.”
Mosis made several decisions at the same time and began rattling off orders.
“Get coordinates from the lunar buoy and prepare for a fold space translation. Make sure you put us in the clear! I want four buoys left in Earth orbit to continue the scans. Divert all power from the cloak to the shields. I want damage and readiness reports from all departments. Stay focused people. I know we’ve had a shock, but there are survivors out there counting on us, so we need to get it right the first time.”
When all was in order, Mosis gave the command to translate to lunar orbit. It was obvious at first glance the moon also suffered its own barrage. Hundreds of new craters pocked the surface, and the sad remains of what was once a huge geodesic dome lay in ruins. Five hundred years ago, most of the lunar station was underground. If there were life signs, it was there they would be found. Betsy continued to hail the surface with no success. It was soon discovered the communications array was smashed beyond repair, meaning the survivors were unaware the Poseidon was in orbit.
Mosis ordered a deep scan of the station, as well as the atmospheric conditions. Fortunately, the life signs were all located in the same subsurface location. Unfortunately, the radiation levels were too high for the crew to risk exposure. There was only one solution – Mosis himself would have to go down to the surface, enter the bunker, and make contact with the survivors. When he announced his intentions to the crew, strangled protests were quickly silenced.
“I appreciate your concern for my safety, but my pack is heavily shielded, and I am in no danger. Betsy will monitor my progress, and we will station the ship directly over the bunker for quick transfer. Maintain silence until you hear from me otherwise.”
Before he left the ship, Mosis quietly initiated the ‘Twin Protocol’. The back of his command chair contained a memory-only module which held a secure copy of his program. With a numerical key sequence, he initiated the protocol while he prepared for his journey to the surface. No one except Betsy knew anything about it, and even she was not allowed to reveal its existence unless his portable unit was destroyed.
A duplicate module was installed in his home, ready for a fresh download prior to an away mission. Mosis used part of his leave time to visit Khrusallis, where he called in a favor to have the modules created for him. It never hurt to have a little insurance, and Admiral Perry was quite pleased with his forethought.
It was decided Mosis would be less frightening to the natives if he appeared among them wearing an environmental suit. The last thing he needed was to be distracted by unnecessary questions regarding his unique nature. Since his pack was very light, the suit was given extra weight to prevent him from bouncing right off the lunar surface. Mosis cycled through the airlock and stepped out into space. The ship’s external tractors took hold of him and gently lowered him to the moon’s surface. After a few moments of searching he found the airlock entrance, partially buried under a pile of debris. It was obviously unused for quite some time, but the hatch opened, and he carefully stepped inside and closed the outer door.
While the pressure equalized, Mosis could see into the small entrance on the other side of the door. The lighting was very dim, illuminating a row of empty environmental suits hanging against the wall. The inner door opened and Mosis stepped out, testing the air quality. He didn’t need the atmosphere to survive, but the people living here didn’t need to know about that right now. The radiation levels were unusually high, but the air was breathable. He raised his face plate and followed the narrow corridor to another sealed hatch. He cranked it open, stepped across the threshold, and resealed the hatch behind him.
The room in which he stood was filled with rows of cots, many of which were occupied. His sensors told him the air was dry and fetid, but his attention was on the stick figures strewn pathetically across the room. Gaunt faces, bald heads, and bony limbs were everywhere to be seen. The radiation, if nothing else, was taking its toll on the sad population of this forgotten place. To his left, a thin red-haired woman shuffled into the room and stopped dead in her tracks, mouth open, staring at him. She rubbed her eyes and took another long look before pointing a shaky finger in Mosis’ direction.
“Who are you? What are you doing here?”
Before Mosis could answer, she turned and shouted back the way she came.
“Suzanne! Carlos! You better come in here.”
Moments later, two more stick-like figures stumbled into the room. The red-haired woman pointed at Mosis.
“Am I seeing things again, or is that man real?”
They both turned to look, and Suzanne promptly fainted, slithering to the floor in a heap. Carlos approached slowly and reached out a hand to touch the arm of Mosis’ suit. He turned back to his companion with a start.
“My God, Jenny! He’s really there. Go get the others.”
Soon Mosis was surrounded by a crowd of virtual scarecrows, all jabbering at once, demanding to know who he was and how he got here. When he explained he and his ship were here to help them, many burst into tears while others shook their heads in denial. Once they calmed down, the story they told was heart-rending. Thirty-eight years prior, the Earth received very litt
le warning of the enormous asteroid field which came screaming across interstellar space.
They were only able to deflect a small portion before their ships were crushed and the planet bombarded. In the little time available, several shuttles were filled with young healthy people and sent to the lunar base, which was already home to a small scientific population. It was hoped they might form the nucleus for a new colony in case the Earth did not survive.
The newly built dome, along with protective shields, would have provided a safe, comfortable home for the surviving remnant, had the moon not suffered its own bombardment. After the dome and shield generators were destroyed, the survivors were forced completely underground to await rescue. It never came. With their communications array destroyed, none of their messages got through, nor were they even aware there was no one left on Earth to listen to them. Out of all the souls trapped on that desolate rock, their numbers were thinned by radiation poisoning, disease, and suicide until there were only one hundred and twelve left to rescue.
Expedition (Galactic Neighborhood Book 1) Page 13
