B00ICVKWMK EBOK

by Unknown

  Dickson, Tosh and Prime Minister Fredo materialized in a fairly large space surrounded by equipment consoles. It looked reminiscent of early starship bridges, except this one had large television screens looking to the outside. Captain Hasla was there with four other men and stepped forward to greet them.

  “Welcome aboard our ship, Prime Minister, Captain,” he said as he shook their hands.

  “Allow me to introduce one of my officers, Commander Tosh.

  The men took their turns introducing themselves and trying to make their visitors feel welcome. After the introductions, Hasla invited them to see their community. They made their way down a long passageway, which Dickson had guessed was the long supporting arm. At the end they reached a doorway that was turning in a circular motion. The door opened and the men stepped through as it came vertical before them. After a moment to adjust to a change in gravity, the second door opened and they stepped out into a vast community of high-rise apartments, gardens, parks and shops. The building materials looked remarkably like those they had found on Thera. The sky above them was bright, however if you shaded your eyes just right, you could see a similar landscape on the other side of the sphere. People were hustling and bustling all around them, some of them stopping and staring at the newcomers.

  “This is market day,” Hasla said as they walked. “We are able to produce enough food and other materials so that we can all go shopping once per week. So everyone uses this day to get the things we need. In an emergency we can open a shop, but on the other days we must do other work,” he said. He then pointed toward a large building with many windows. “That is our school,” he said. “We are getting ready to have our third generation aboard this ship.”

  Fredo looked over at his host. How many people have you brought back,” he said. Hasla showed a touch of fear and almost recoiled at the question, but finally said, “Over 22,000.”

  “Very impressive,” Fredo said looking back as some children exited the school and made their way toward what looked like a playground. Tosh gave the Captain a look and he eased closer.

  “They are very aware of what happened before, Captain,” she whispered. “He was embarrassed when asked about the population, because he is afraid we may say it’s too many,” she said. Dickson nodded in understanding. It was becoming plain that these people were indeed survivors from a civil war and were longing to find a place of their own.

  “Captain, your ship seems to operate remarkably well for something this old,” Dickson said to try and get more information on their hosts.

  Captain Hasla smiled at him and seemed to grow with pride. “She was the last one still in orbit,” said Hasla. “I was able to gather information on her operation from our computers and with the help of our mentor, was able to get all of our section onboard before the others awakened. She actually repairs herself, although there have been some close calls recently. The hull is very old and sometimes debris penetrates her,” he said with a tinge of sadness thinking of his ship.

  “I can imagine. Perhaps later today you will honor me by visiting my ship,” he said.

  Captain Hasla beamed at the prospect. We noticed how quickly you were able to reach us. I would love to see such a craft. Unfortunately, our old engines don’t even reach the speed of light, so it has taken us a long time to get here. And from my calculations, we still have over three years to go before we may hopefully reach our destination.”

  “Where are you taking us on this tour,” Fredo asked, changing the subject.

  “Our mentor asked to see you before our meetings began. He has been with us for so long and it is because of him that we were able to escape with our lives.”

  “This mentor you speak of, is he your leader?” Tosh asked.

  Hasla smiled. He is one of the originals. He broke from the others and has led us home,” Hasla said as they approached a single dwelling and entered through the front door.

  The inside of the home was spotless, as if no one had ever used it. They passed through the entrance room and through some double doors. There lying on a comfortable bed was an emaciated form of a body. Its skin looked like old leather and what few strands of hair were left speckled its head. Its head seemed three times normal size and appeared to pulsate under the skin. The bed was in front of a large machine filled with monitors and a small control panel. Tubes ran from the machine and into the body and fluid could be seen running through them going both to and from the body. It did not move when they entered, but the activity levels on the monitors increased.

  “You have finally arrived,” came a voice from the machine. Tosh immediately recognized it as the one that had spoken to her on the Lexington.

  “We brought them as you requested, sir,” said the Captain.

  “Thank you. Now would you mind if I spoke to our brothers alone please, Captain?” it asked politely.

  “Most certainly,” the Captain said as he left the room.

  After a moment, the voice returned. “Please excuse my appearance, but at my age, one cannot expect much,” it said. “First let me acknowledge that only one of you is one of our descendants. I take it that is you Prime Minister?” it asked.

  “That is correct sir,” Fredo said, wondering how this man knew about him. “These others are our friends from an organization known as the United Alliance…” he got no further.

  “I know. Your ships have been near us before, but we were able to mask ourselves from you. One is Captain Dickson and the other Commander Tosh, if I’m not mistaken.”

  “Correct sir, I am Fred Dickson and this is Tosh.”

  “Commander, I thank you for helping me contact your people earlier. We have been anxious to make contact.”

  “My pleasure, sir,” Tosh said.

  “I know all of you have a million questions for me, number one on the list is who exactly am I,” the man said through the machine. “I am Degar, son of Beran, First Consul for the Antheran people. We, along with over 100,000 people were the ones who left your ancestors 5,000 years ago to find a new world.”

  Dickson stiffened. “One of the computer messages we read mentioned a Beran. Was he one of the leaders of the government?

  “My father was the leader of the planetary government. And unfortunately, he chose to side with those who had higher ambitions than morals,” Degar said. “They built the ships necessary to transport the leaders and a select group of workers from the planet and evacuated before the asteroid struck our home world. I remember watching from one of the view ports as the giant rock struck our home. The light was blinding and we were nearly sure everyone was killed as a result,” he said sounding very sad. As I grew up, I watched as these same leaders began their bids for total control of our people. They set themselves up as kings with their own herds of slaves to do their bidding. Over the years, through medical research, they found ways to expand their minds and began to manipulate the people, not through coercion or physical means, but through mental control. Drugs were used to increase our effectiveness. At age 10, my father had me taken from our home and placed in a mental facility, not to cure, but to enhance. Just look at the tubes running in and out of this body,” the voice said. “Note that my blood does not run red, but a tinged blue-green. That is because over half my blood has been replaced by a chemical compound that gives my brain the power to control. It also has prolonged my life so that as long as this machine runs, I will live,” he said.

  “If this is the case, why did you elect to come back to Thera?” Tosh asked.

  They heard a chuckle in reply. “Because I alone realized what a mistake this had been. Our own people were being treated as slaves, no advancement, no achievements. The whole of our society was channeling its efforts toward one purpose – to keep a few like me alive. I asked myself to what purpose? And when I could not find a good answer, I knew things had to change. Already some of the slaves were in revolt. So I joined them in their quest – gathering information and spreading false leads to further their cause. I expressed my v
iews to my father and he sent my people and me to a far remote area so that I would not contaminate the thinking of the others. Little did he know that this was exactly what I desired. I freed my people and helped them establish a growing colony. More deserted slaves filled our ranks and our little place on the planet grew. Soon, the others saw us as a threat. The slave revolts were growing throughout the planet and I was blamed for it. But I had taken the time to do my research. There was this one ship still in orbit and capable of getting us off the planet. So, in a coordinated effort, we and the other slaves placed drugs in all the food provided to the leaders that allowed them to sleep. It took a week to get all our people to the ship. The rest of the slaves began fighting each other for both the power of leadership and control of the herds. Open rebellion had begun before we left and as a last gesture, we gave the last of the sleeping compounds and escaped. Since that day, my mind has concentrated on keeping our departure a secret from the leaders. Otherwise, their mind control would have forced us back long ago. But now it is of no use. As we left our planet, the revolt had begun. The people rose up and I no longer sense the presence of the other leaders.”

  “But again, why did you join them to return here?” Dickson asked this time.

  There was a sigh and they saw the body slightly move. “Because I no longer wished to carry the burden of this disgrace, and this stain on our society. I wanted to help these people get new lives and then lay my head on the soil of my birth.”

  The others looked at the almost motionless body before them. Tosh could sense the sadness and pity from the others. How could one bear such a burden? The monitors clearly showed that the man’s lungs barely filled or moved and his heart only beat once or twice on an irregular basis each minute. Yet his mind was still strong and active. It held nearly 5,000 years of Theran history, but only desired to die.

  The man could feel her emotions. “Commander Tosh, could you come beside me please?” he asked. She walked beside the bed and looked down at his face. Suddenly, and with a great effort, the eyelids fluttered open, and a pair of bright blue eyes moved to look at her. A hint of a smile appeared around his leathered lips. “I had always wanted to look at someone from another world,” he said through the machine. “I am so glad that I can still see enough to look at your face.”

  Tosh smiled at him and took his frail hand in hers for a moment. The smile on his lips deepened. Then Prime Minister Fredo stepped beside her and placed his hand over both of theirs.

  “Do not worry, my friend. No matter what happens, I will make sure you and your people get to Thera safely. They can inhabit one of the cities we have discovered under the earth and become a part of our history again,” he said. “And you, may rest in peace knowing that you are finally home.”

  There was silence for a moment as they watched the old eyes become moist and a single tear run from one eye down his aged cheek.

  Chapter 14

  Face to Face

  The morning broke early in the jungle. The men briefly discussed the plans one last time and then, shaking hands as if they may never see each other again, they departed in their groups for the day’s task. Chief Mogar and his people did the same and followed them into the dense growth.

  Little Mary had slept almost the night through. The light from the window settled on Jo’s face and she woke refreshed. Tonight was the night. She got up and pulled on a robe before quietly padding down to the kitchen. She needn’t have bothered. Shala was already there, drinking a cup of fresh coffee. Jo had introduced it to them once they had settled, and Shala couldn’t get enough of it. She, Sharon Ramey and Mary Wilkes were enjoying the quiet and friendly conversation. Shala offered a cup to Jo.

  “Well, is the big, bad, orchestra leader ready to wow the masses tonight?” Mary asked warmly.

  “As soon as I get my eyes open,” Jo said. The coffee was hot and had some vanilla flavoring in it. “Perfect,” she said after the first sip.

  “Someone in the embassy staff called and said it was as sell out. And the television feed will be transmitted all over the world,” Mary said. “Like you really need to know that information.”

  Jo laughed. “I’m getting used to it. They are usually all sell outs.”

  “I really like the themes you picked. I can’t think of anyone that won’t really enjoy it,” Sharon said. “I know I’m going to have fun. I haven’t heard some of these things since I was a child!”

  “Well, that’s the point of it. These people have really taken to some of our Twentieth Century television programs and motion pictures. And they think that Earth is the greatest thing since sliced bread,” Jo said sitting down at the table opposite the others. “I really do want this to work.”

  Shala laughed. “You always say that. And every time they talk about it for weeks.”

  Jo turned a little more serious. “Yes, but this time there’s more at stake,” she said.

  “I know. And I know you’re worried about them. But you know we can’t let Brana do this,” said Shala, reaching over and taking her hand.

  Jo nodded. It had been a week since the men had left, and no word had come in except from the ship saying they had arrived and were safe. Two days after they left, the news had picked up the story and the word had gotten out that Mike had left to try and get his son back. Since that time, everyone had taken the time to offer kind words and encouragement. But the nagging fear and worry persisted. She had found herself staring at a photograph of Mike and Timothy until she fell asleep at night, and she silently wondered if she would ever see them again.

  “People like Brana are everywhere. We all have to deal with them. And the best way to deal with them is not give them what they want. People like that will never force us to surrender to their will,” Sharon said. Then she cheered up and brushed back a small tear. “Now what’s for breakfast? I’m going to need all the energy I can muster to get through this day,” she said.

  The three women jumped up and began dishing out the food waiting for them on the stove. The rest of the meal was a happy one.

  Chris Pike studied the engineering diagrams and the plans for the giant ship. It had been built solid as a rock. But all those years in the vacuum of space had taken its toll. In some places, the hull was less than the thickness of a piece of paper. The main members were still solid, but the expansion joints and places where the hull was supposed to give, were worn smooth and loose from centuries of wear. The engines had been rebuilt and the maintenance performed, but even they had begun to leak fuel like a sieve. Unfortunately, the current Antheran engineer had about the same degree of knowledge as a Space Fleet cadet. He had followed the instruction books, but didn’t really understand the engineering. They had been lucky that the ship was designed to perform its own maintenance, so few challenges had presented themselves. The one good thing built into the ship had been a series of electronic shields and structural enhancement features that kept the hull from moving so much. They would have to use that feature if this plan was to work. The captain had asked if the Lexington could tow the big ship at stage speed, and he was beginning to think it might be possible. This ship had all the structural integrity to handle transpace travel. As a matter of fact, the ship seemed to have some very advanced systems built in.

  As Pike poured over the schematics and diagrams, the Antheran engineers were asking him more questions than they could answer themselves. So he had decided it was all up to him. He went over to a main control panel and pressed some buttons. A display of generated figures appeared and he translated them as best he could.

  “It appears your structural integrity fields are maintaining at 100 percent, and your dampers are operating efficiently,” Pike said. “How fast has this ship ever gone?” he asked.

  “The engineer shrugged his shoulders. “We set the speed as soon as we left our planet,” he said. “It goes one speed and that is as fast as we dare take it.”

  Pike looked at the systems. There was a core chamber where neutrons fluxed to form ener
gy plasma, which was channeled to the exhaust nozzles. Matter was taken in just in front of the engine pod and then transferred to make the energy. It appeared as a variation of their older propulsion systems, except this was a cruder version. The fusion reaction systems were archaic. Then he saw something else – high energy plasma conduits. Not the kind for an this kind of drive.

  Puzzled, Pike started checking other subsystems. It did not take long before he saw a more familiar system. It was listed as a subsystem of the main propulsion, but integrated into the systems so that it aided in moving the ship through space. He pointed at the sub set in the plans. “What is this system?” he asked.

  “We have no idea. From what I was able to gather from the engineer’s log of the initial flight, they experimented with some additional systems during their time in space but hadn’t perfected them,” the man said.

  Pike turned the pages rapidly, then began opening cabinets and looking at the equipment. With each new find, he got more excited. The Antherans could not understand the excited movements of the Alliance officer, but tried to keep up with him. As a final check, he crawled down two decks to a space where the door was slow to open. It had not been opened since the Antherans had arrived at their new world 5,000 years before. Inside, surrounded by computer equipment was a heavily shielded piece of equipment with a catwalk surrounding it. Two large conduits left from the sides of the unit and extended through the bulkheads. Computer equipment filled the room and was tied into the unit. After only a few minutes of inspection Pike knew exactly what it was - a small transpace core. Pike gently examined the casing, and it was pristine. Obviously this equipment hadn’t been used. Yet, when he opened the inspection hatch, the cracking crystals sat in their holders only coated in a small layer of dust. He activated the computers and waited as they initialized. Once operational, they told the story. The system had been built on theory, but without one of the prime ingredients. He entered some commands in the computer and the systems activated. A magnetic bottle formed inside the core and a processor began to re-form matter for injection into the core. More importantly, a magnetic bottle formed in a well below the core. He stood back and smiled.