Resurrection: Book II: Settlement Chronicals

by W. J. Rydrych

  RESURRECTION

  Book II: Settlement Chronicals

  By: W. J. Rydrych

  All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction in any form or by any mechanical or electrical means including photocopying or recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, in whole or in part in any form, and in any case without the written permission of the author and publisher.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Parts of this work were previously published, in whole or in part, under the title Settlement 2127, © 2015 by W. J. Rydrych

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  BOOK II: RESERRECTION

  Book 1I: Prologue

  Chapter 1: Arrival

  Chapter 2: New Beginning

  Chapter 3: The Kraa Threat

  Chapter 4: The 4th of July

  Chapter 5: Reunited

  Chapter 6: Kraa Evolution

  Chapter 7: Contact

  Chapter 8: The Rescue

  Chapter 9: After the Storm

  Chapter 10: Kraa-Torgai

  Chapter 11: Peace and Progress

  Chapter 12: The Treaty

  Chapter 13: The Ruins

  Chapter 14: The House of Torga

  Chapter 15: Source of All Knowledge

  Chapter 16: The Aberi

  Chapter 17: Watched

  Chapter 18: Incident on the Moon

  Chapter 19: The Gath

  Chapter 20: Invasion

  Chapter 21: Aftermath

  Epilogue

  BOOK II: RESURRECTION

  Earth Dates: 2140 to 2174

  PROLOGUE -BOOK II

  Earth of the late 21st and early 22nd century was a grim place. Overpopulated and pushed to the edge by rising sea levels and an eroding environment, the governments of Earth united to provide their population an outlet, a diversion. Since the solar system, other than Earth, lacked promise as a home for mankind, they would attempt colonization of a habitable planet located in the Alpha Centauri system. With launch in 2118, and their arrival in 2127, an adventure began that riveted the world.

  Although the voyage itself was marred by loss of one of the three starships and most of its passengers, the first year after arrival proceeded unimpeded, and the colony seemed well on the way to success. But then unexpected discoveries altered the future. They were not alone, and their reaction to that discovery led to their destruction. It wasn't until 2134 that the hopes which had reached so high were placed on hold when communication from the colony ceased, and were finally dashed in 2135 when confirmation by the resupply mission of the destruction of the colony was received. While the colonization attempt had failed, it had galvanized an Earth caught in the frustrations of a society which seemed unwilling or unable to provide answers to an increasingly bleak future.

  As the middle of the 22nd century approached, Earth, on the surface at least, was at peace. The waves of refugees from lands flooded by the rising sea level had largely abated, and tight population growth controls imposed. The well ordered robot controlled factories in the advanced countries provided the goods necessary, and distribution, which, while uneven, provided for essential needs. All in all, viewed from the outside, the world was on the way to a bright future, with mankind poised to move to another plateau of progress.

  But all was not as it seemed. The cost of progress and stability had been high; under the velvet glove was an iron fist. Freedoms had been traded for security.

  By the time destruction of the Alpha 2 colony was confirmed in 2135 the limits of our own solar system had been reached and found wanting. Attempts at terraforming the canyons of Mars would take decades, if not hundreds of years, and even then relief for Earth would be minimal; and the balance of the solar system was a bleak, unwelcome place. It was increasingly evident that if there was a future beyond Earth itself it lay elsewhere. In Alpha 2 humankind had found a rich new planet available for the taking, a race of savage aliens had slaughtered the colonists, and there must be justice. Support for a new expedition was nearly universal, and the governments seized the opportunity.

  By 2138 a colonization team of over 4,000 individuals had been selected and were in training, assembly of the first of fifteen starships was nearing completion in orbit, and by mid 2139 all starships had completed final assembly and were undergoing extensive testing. Even during this phase Earth had its circus, as 24 hour coverage of the space station and the cluster of ships were a constant reminder of the new adventure. With departure day activities on Earth ground to a halt, humanity engrossed in the sight of the fifteen starships grouped near the orbiting space station.

  On August 1, 2140, all unnecessary shuttle traffic between the starships and the space station ended. Early on the morning of August 2, 2140, as the rising sun began to brighten the Atlantic coastline of the United States, the rapid acceleration engines of the first of the starships ignited, within minutes driving it beyond the view of the cameras. At intervals each of the other fourteen starships' engines ignited, thrusting them along the path of the first. By the time the sun dropped below the horizon on that same Atlantic coastline the last starship was gone, leaving the space station in its solitary orbit.

  For the next thirteen years the voyage would be followed by daily reports transmitted back to Earth. Interest would flag over that long interval, not to return with its original intensity until late 2153 when the first pictures of the June 2149 arrival in orbit would arrive on Earth. Then, as with the first expedition, mankind would again be linked with the stars.

  CHAPTER 1: Arrival

  (June 1, Alpha Year 20 - Earth Year 2149): The room was largely quiet with only the sound of breathing and the occasional low hum of whispered conversation, with everyone's attention on the projection screen where images of the planet below appeared. Governor Takai Maesaka sat in the front row, and next to him sat his assistant, Mark Johnson. Also in the front row were the Governor's staff; Colonel Sophie Gardner, in charge of the security units, Dr. Tanya Moore, chief scientist, Sean Kelly, director of agriculture, Charley Tanaka, colony administration and construction, and Vladimir Solokov, colony manufacturing and mining activities. Behind were two more rows of eight seats each, each individual intently watching the ever changing view. In the back row sat Captain Kevin Murphy, mesmerized by the scene.

  Far below the surface of the planet varied from snow topped mountains and broad featureless plains to darker heavily forested areas, and to the west the broad expanse of the ocean that covered most of the planet. The sparse cloud cover drifted below like wisps of cotton woven into intricate patterns. As the magnification increased the scanner concentrated on an area at the edge of the western ocean, moving gradually northward along the snaking shoreline. Shortly the shore curved to the east, disclosing a broad, protected bay. As the scanner moved further Takai motioned the projectionist to increase the magnification, bringing into focus new details near the shore not visible in the early views; streams, patches of green emerging as stands of individual trees, ravines and rocky outcroppings.

  Shortly, as the scanner moved inland from the midpoint of the bay, a large, circular pattern came into view a short distance from the shoreline, and there Takai motioned the projectionist to stop. The room became totally silent for several seconds before the low hum resumed. Even from this altitude the shape of the settlement of New Athens, well known to all in the audience, was clear. As the view changed to close-ups, details of New Athens became clearer, and eventually details of each individual building was defined. T
he incomplete circle formed by the six windowless spaceship pods sat unaffected by time, as did the scattered buildings within the circle. But the neglect was apparent by the rusting vehicles and sparse vegetation, accentuated by the windrows of windblown dust and scattered debris. The lack of activity accentuated the feeling of abandonment and desolation.

  The effect of the scene on Kevin was profound; more so than on anyone else in the room. In one of those buildings below, or perhaps on the open ground between the buildings, his father Colin Murphy had lost his life when the first colony was overrun. While the others might be viewing only an abandoned settlement, Kevin's mind was filled with scenes of the final destruction that had been constructed by his imagination over the years.

  As the scene changed from the colony site itself to the nearby ocean shore the remains of the Argonaut came into view, half buried in the sand near the deteriorating wharf, waves washing against its side. Nothing else could be seen but occasional shorebirds.

  This was the first public viewing of New Athens since they had achieved orbit two days before; and even now, as they circled the planet, their viewing time was limited. Kevin felt lucky to have been included in the 'invitation only' list for this first viewing, most had to be satisfied with the smaller viewing screens in the cafeteria or lounge area. Swinging back toward the site of the buildings the scanner moved from area to area as directed by Governor Maesaka.

  Attracted by what appeared to be movement at the edge of the screen, Governor Maesaka whispered to the technician and pointed, and the sensors moved in on the area indicated. The whispers in the room heightened as a dog, or dog-like creature, standing in the doorway of one of the buildings was disclosed. The creature stood for several moments, its head on an abnormally long neck moving slowly from side to side as if surveying the surrounding grounds. Leaving the doorway it moved slowly between buildings, followed by several companions, from time-to-time lowering its head to the ground as if following a scent, at other times stopping with its head raised on its long neck as it looked around in all directions.

  Kevin nudged Geno Gallucci, who was seated beside him. Geno was captain of the expedition police and internal security forces and reported to Colonel Sophie Gardner as did Kevin. "Almost looks like a dog, doesn't it?" Kevin whispered, "except for the missing tail."

  Geno shook his head, " more like a hyena; and look at that neck. It's almost as long as its legs. It's not the kind of dog I'd like to meet on a dark night."

  Kevin looked in silence, before nodding, "you're right, but don't be so literal. It's certainly native, not a dog left by the colonists. Odd, nothing in the records shows anything that looked like that. Lots of types of felines are recorded, but no canines; and that looks much more canine than feline; but then the Torgai have canine traits. Perhaps there's some common ancestry." For about a minute the scanner followed as the animals wandered between buildings, then picked up another group of the animals as they left another building and trotted rapidly away from the area.

  Governor Maesaka turned and motioned to Dr. Tanya Moore to get her attention, "I'd like some enlarged blowups of that animal, and please have your staff take a good look. Get me a report by tomorrow on what they find, and see that Captain Murphy gets a copy. Probable size and weight, an estimate of characteristics that might pose a danger, and anything else of interest. I don't want our landing team to run into any surprises."

  Then, turning has head, and finally finding where Kevin was sitting, "it might be wise if the landing team tries to take some specimens for examination if they're around when you land; either dead or alive. They may not be a danger to adults, but they look large enough to carry off children."

  After another 15 minutes of viewing the angle of the scanner had increased to the point where the view was increasingly poor, and Governor Maesaka got up from his chair and motioned that the lights be turned back on, then walked slowly to the lectern in the corner of the room and leaned against it. "Nothing too surprising; it appears totally abandoned. Except by those dogs, wolfs, or whatever they are."

  Nodding to Sophie Gardner, "Colonel, I'd like to talk to you later about landing plans. From what we've seen it appears we don't face any type of rescue operation but merely a landing and initial exploration of the site. I'd suggest, however, that even though we've seen no sign of Torgai in the vicinity we still proceed with caution." Looking around the room, "any comments before we break up?"

  Mark Johnson raised his hand and asked, "do you want to comment on the findings on the Torgai villages, Governor?" he asked.

  Governor Maesaka thought for a moment, and then said, "good point. Since most of the key people are in the room that could be pertinent. First, both of the Torgai villages identified by the original colonists have been located but both appear abandoned. With the pattern recognition system primed with the two known villages the scanners have located several other villages, all of which also appear abandoned. It's hard to say how long ago abandonment took place, but it appears to have been for a long time. The fields near the villages are overgrown and some tree and bush growth has taken over. In the villages there is little sign of the fire pits reported earlier, and only the den mouths show their existence at all. That, and trails that haven't as yet been totally overgrown.”

  “Why were they abandoned? Perhaps a fear of retribution, perhaps for another reason. We can only speculate. A few more 'possible' village sites have been located, but they too look abandoned. Almost as if all the Torgai had disappeared along with the colonists. If anyone wants to review the footage or take another look at New Athens feel free."

  Looking at Colonel Gardner, and then at Kevin, "it might be well for Captain Murphy to take a good look since his will be the first landing party."

  Dr. Sara Manata raised her hand and, when recognized, asked, "any thoughts on the lack of Torgai sightings? We know they were here, but has anything at all been seen that could hint at where they went? We can't rule out disease as a possible answer. In fact, that could be quite likely. The colonists may have brought something to which the Torgai had no immunity; even the common cold could be enough, and no special precautions were taken initially since first contact was unexpected. It wouldn't be the first time, and if that's the case they may well be all dead."

  Governor Maesaka looked at Sara for a few seconds before quietly responding, "no, we can't rule that out. It may, in fact, be quite possible. Poetic justice' or not, I hope that isn't the case.”

  Then again addressing the audience, “there's one other thing that shows up so far on the photos that some of you will find interesting; and that's the old ruins on the lakeshore beyond the village of Suth. They're just as large and impressive as Eric Moffa reported. Once things settle down it'll be interesting to see what we find there, but for now I'm afraid an investigation is a luxury we can't afford."

  Noting the questioning look of several of those present, Takai elaborated, "the ruins are something Eric Moffa reported seeing, but no photos were even taken. While the information wasn’t ‘generally’ disseminated, for fear of arousing too much pre-mature speculation, he reported a very large, ruined city on the shores of a lake in the mountains east of the village headed by Suth. Aside from the metal artifact on the island it's the only indication they found of past presence of a higher civilization; at least higher than that exhibited by the Torgai. But, that's a side issue for now; we have other higher priority tasks."

  Looking around the room for further comments, and seeing no raised hands, Governor Maesaka made a motion of dismissal and left the lectern, ending the formal part of the session.

  Later the same day . . . .

  Kevin walked slowly back toward the recreation center, accompanied by Captain Gallucci. The two had spent the last two hours viewing of the scans of the two Torgai villages and some of the close-up scenes of New Athens. Additionally, Kevin had brought in his team leaders and landing crew for a detailed viewing of the New Athens layout. Kevin was silent, looking blankly at the f
loor as they walked.

  Geno glanced over at Kevin, and commented, "you seem particularly subdued. Being haunted by your ghosts today?" he asked.

  Kevin nodded, "yes, I guess so. New Athens has been part of me most of my life and it's rather unsettling to actually see it. Small and desolate, not at all like how I had it pictured. In my mind it's always been filled with the colonists. In a couple more days I'll be walking around down there," Kevin added, laughing quietly, "I suppose that'll really bring the ghosts back again."

  Arriving at the recreation lounge Kevin looked around the room, spotting his wife Annette and Geno's wife Marie sharing a table. Making their way through the crowd, stopping once or twice to greet an acquaintance, Kevin and Geno pulled back a pair of chairs and sat down. Annette Scarpelli and Kevin had paired up prior to the flight and had been married during the years of free-flight. In her early thirties, she was of slight build with dark hair and lively features. An archaeologist, she was on the staff of Dr Sara Manata, who was responsible for the cultural and archeological evaluations on the planet.

  Once seated, Kevin looked over at Annette and slid an envelope across the table; "a gift," he said, "some photo's I picked up today. I don't know if Sara has copies yet. The ruins you mentioned were rumored to exist based on the Moffa sighting. They're everything they were reported to be."

  Elsewhere . . . .

  Takai Maesaka sat quietly in his spartan quarters deep in meditation. At age 59 and a widower, Takai was one of the oldest people on the expedition and its Governor. The term Governor was an understatement. The expedition and the new colony were organized along quasi-military lines, with Takai in charge.

  Years earlier, when the messages from the Alpha 2 resupply mission had arrived on Earth, the result had been dramatic. The entire Earth population had been following colony progress; all Earth had been mesmerized. The discovery of the alien Torgai had increased interest to a fever pitch, filling the entertainment media with 'quickie' adventure programs; like the old-time westerns. Nothing like it had ever occurred before. When, a little over half a year after their discovery the Torgai had turned on the humans and destroyed them the effect had been profound. Shock and consternation was coupled with rage. With the feeling on Earth, there was no question and little debate on whether a new expedition would be sent. Once the government of the United States showed support for the expedition, the die was cast.