by Bob Cooper
“Hillary noticed that the symbol was different than the rest,” Acey said.
“I guess my “artistic eye” was finally put to good use,” Hillary said, taking all the credit.
Dirk made some final adjustments. The Tachyon propulsion engines had to be engaged precisely at the right moment and for the exact length of time to create the correct wormhole that would carry them light years in just a few minutes. He trusted the technology on board the ship even though it was not familiar to him.
“Ok! This is it. Strap yourselves in. We’re warping out of here as soon as I give the computer the command,” Dirk said.
Everyone buckled up except for Hillary. Her eyes were glued to the con monitor, and she gripped the arms of the flight chair until her knuckles turned white. Aidan noticed it and shot a glance over to Acey.
“Hillary! Are you okay?” Acey asked.
“Uh, yeah, I think so. I’m glad I brought a change of underwear with me. I think I’m going to need it after this,” she said, strapping herself into her seat.
Acey didn’t say anything but just smiled. Hilary smiled back at her weakly. Dirk gave the final commands to the computer. He waited for the computer to respond with the countdown sequence. Instead, the monitor switched to a rear view of the ship and the collision transponder siren blared—WARNING! VESSEL DETECTED ON INTERCEPT COURSE—TAKING EVASIVE ACTION.
6
All eyes shot to the monitor. A star-class ship approached quickly. The computer detected a burst from the other ship’s laser cannon.
“Who the hell is that?” Aidan asked.
Dirk manually took control from the computer and accelerated to the starboard as the laser burst shot past.
“It’s the Academy’s starship,” Dirk said, forcing the ship back on course.
“O’Malley’s got to be behind this,” Acey said.
Dirk wasn’t listening. He gave control to the navigation computer with the instructions to engage the Tachyon Propulsion engines.
“Here we go,” he said as the lights on the deck dimmed, and streaks replaced the stars on the monitor.
The ship lurched. It felt as if they were falling forward into an endless void. Acey’s stomach went into her throat. This was the first hyperspace jump for all of them except Dirk. The roller coaster ride seemed to last for hours, but the chronograph registered only two minutes twenty seconds. The streaks on the monitor slowly turned back into stars.
“Aidan, check the star map on the monitor and lay in the trajectory coordinates for the landing site. Acey, check on Raina and make sure she’s okay. We have to get this thing on land and out of sight before O’Malley finds us,” Dirk said.
Acey looked at Hillary still grasping the chair for dear life.
“Where are we?” Hillary asked.
“We made it to the Antares System,” Acey said, unbuckling her from the chair. “Let’s go check on Raina.”
Hillary slid off the seat and fell forward. Aidan grabbed her before she fell.
“Let me check. Everything seems to be in place,” Hillary said, feeling her entire body.
Raina, shaken up by the bumpy ride, survived the jump without a scratch. She sat on the floor, handcuffed to a post. Hillary brought Raina an instant nutrition bar and water. As they first entered the cargo hold, nothing was said. They just looked at each other.
“We brought these for you,” Hillary said, handing her the food and water.
Raina took it and drank the water down, gulping. Acey watched with contempt and pity. This woman represented evil, but there was something innately child-like about her sitting there on the floor eating and drinking.
“Where are we?” Raina asked.
“We will soon be landing on Antares Proper,” Acey said.
“How did you track us to the canyon and why did you tell O’Malley?” Acey asked.
Raina stared at the ceiling and refused to answer.
“That was your friend O’Malley who just fired a laser cannon blast at us. He wants Dirk dead, and he doesn’t care who gets in the way. That includes you as well. So don’t try to protect that murderer,” Acey shouted at her.
Raina looked at Acey with a blank stare. This has gotten way out of hand. She had no particular love for O’Malley and his henchmen, but it was a way to make extra money and advance the Earther Movement cause. She was now caught up in the politics of the situation, and it was not what she planned. Raina knew O’Malley was ruthless and she had no doubt that if achieving his goals meant killing her along with everyone else, he would not hesitate.
“Why is O’Malley hell-bent on stopping Dirk from going to Antares Proper?” Raina finally asked, searching for some answers.
“Because he killed my parents and the proof of his murders is still on Antares!” Acey said as she started to walk out.
Hillary followed and slammed the door shut, leaving Raina in the dark again. Raina thought back to how it had gotten to this point. Dirk’s views on alien diversity were directly opposed to those of the Earthers. O’Malley was a means of eliminating that opposition but helping O’Malley get Dirk fired from the Academy was one thing; murder was another. Planting the evidence at Bob Haskall’s house the night of his death seemed like the right thing to do at the time to advance her cause. Now she wasn’t so sure.
***
Dirk estimated it would be another three hours before landing the craft and setting out for the temple. Aidan, with Hillary’s help, gathered the supplies needed for the trip to find the temple.
The instant nutrition bars were compact enough that a week’s worth of food could be stored in one backpack. Hillary took advantage of the extra room by packing some of her art supplies.
“What is all that you’re packing?” Aidan asked.
“Just my image recorder, assorted paints, and brushes. You never know when an opportunity will present itself. An artist is always ready,” Hillary responded.
While packing, Acey saw the box of letters from her father that Dirk found. She held them close, debating what she should do. The memories she had of her parents were based mainly on Dirk’s stories. After listening to the Bob Haskall tapes, she knew these letters might paint a different picture. She slowly untied the ribbon that held them together. There were twenty letters in all, dated during the time her father was on Europa. She gently fingered the first letter as if it would reveal its contents. The seal was broken, and she reached in and pulled the letter out. Unfolding it, she started to read.
My Dearest Laura, I trust this letter finds you well. Your decision not to come with me is understandable for the work is dirty and the nights are long and boring. I miss and love you very much.
Acey read through the rest of the letters. It was clear that their separation was painful. But it wasn’t until the eighteenth letter that Acey found more than she bargained for. It was a letter from her mother to her father. There was no salutation, and the writing looked more like scribbles than her mother’s typical, delicate calligraphy.
“So, apparently what I overheard from the other expedition wives about you and your boss’s daughter is true by your own admission. How could you betray me? I’ve loved you and been faithful to you. Consider this marriage ended,” the letter tersely finished.
Acey gasped as she re-read the words. She knew there might have been an affair from hearing the tapes. She continued reading the last of the letters. The last letter was from her father to her mother.
“Dearest Laura, I know I hurt you deeply. But I love you more than ever. I can’t imagine how you feel, but if you can forgive me for my selfish act of stupidity, I promise that I will always love you with every fiber of my being. I am cutting short my stay on Europa and coming home to you – that is if you will have me. I hope and pray that you will forgive me and give me the opportunity to prove it to you. I will always love you, no matter what happens. Love, Henry.”
Acey couldn’t keep the tears from streaming down her face. The letter reflected a culmination of all that
had happened to her in the past week, and she sobbed uncontrollably. She wondered if Dirk knew of his son’s transgression. He must have had some idea from hearing the tapes just as she did.
“Acey, are you all right?” Aidan asked, watching her wipe more tears from her face.
“Yes, I’m fine,” she lied.
Aidan watched as she stashed the letters back into the box.
“I guess I should help with the packing,” Acey said with a half-hearted smile.
Aidan helped her up and watched her walk away.
All the provisions were loaded in their backpacks. No one knew how long it would take to find the temple and the evidence that Bob Haskall said would be there. Dirk figured they had about two weeks’ worth of food and water for all of them. He, of course, didn’t plan for three other people to share the supplies. Aidan took charge of the survey maps and worked with Acey to plot a course to the temple.
“Dirk, are there any weapons on board?” Aidan asked.
“Knowing Uncle Harry and his crew, there must be some here someplace,” Dirk replied.
Dirk and Aidan searched the main deck and found a large cache of weapons and some incendiary devices. Aidan went to get Raina from the cargo bay. He came back with her still in handcuffs.
“She needs to carry a backpack. Better take those cuffs off of her,” Dirk said to Aidan.
“Do you think that’s wise?” Aidan asked.
Dirk walked up to Raina and looked into her eyes and then faced everyone.
“Whether we like it or not, she is a part of this expedition. Our lives depend on how well we support each other. None of us knows what’s out there, or where we’re going for that matter. Let’s get this done and get out of here.” Dirk said.
“I don’t trust her as far as I could spit,” Acey said.
Raina replied with a cold, blank stare.
“Okay, strap yourselves in. We’re breaking orbit.” Dirk said.
Each prepared for landing. Dirk gave the computer commands to descend to the planet’s surface. The computer acknowledged his instructions by displaying the area on the planet they were going to set down. As the ship approached, the screen image grew larger and more detailed. Once in Antares atmosphere, they encountered some mild turbulence. Acey watched Hillary for any signs of distress, but she seemed to enjoy the ride. At ten thousand feet, Dirk switched to manual control. The terrain was mostly flat but covered with much vegetation. He circled the area several times looking for a prime landing area. He chose one and put the ship down with hardly a bump. Dirk asked the computer for the atmospheric conditions. The computer displayed them on the screen:
Atmospheric breakdown – (Oxygen, 32%, Helium, 22%, Nitrogen – 36%, Other Gasses – 10%), Temperature – 82 degrees F, Atmospheric Pressure – 15.2 lbs., Relative Humidity – 75%, Wind Speed – 22 MPH, Particulate Contaminants – Acceptable, No biologic threat detected.
Acey stared at the alien landscape. She gathered her pack, ensuring all her notes were safely stored. Aidan grabbed all the weapons and navigation aids he could find, while Dirk and Hillary filled their backpacks with energy meals. Raina just sat there seething.
“Shall we?” Dirk asked as he opened the landing bay.
Everyone filed out into the alien world. The flora was more colorful than on Earth. The vines and branches were an eerie translucent. They could see the fluids coursing through them into their leafy structures. As the light hit them, they turned different iridescent colors. The ground was soft and spongy with years of rotting vegetation beneath. They heard a large waterfall in the distance. A pungent sweet odor filled their nostrils. Aidan pulled out the topographical map.
“Let’s take our bearings and decide where…”
He stopped talking suddenly, and laughter ensued—even from Raina.
“I think the helium is affecting our voices,” Dirk said, breaking into laughter with everyone else again.
The high concentration of helium sent their voices an octave higher. They all talked to hear how silly they sounded and laughed until it hurt. The helium effects finally wore off, and the mood turned more serious.
***
O’Malley and the starship crew were coming out of the warp into orbit around Antares Proper. He tried to get a fix on Dirk by scanning for any ion trails left by a starship with Tachyon Propulsion engines. He found none. O’Malley had never been to the exact location of the temple on the planet. He had always left his dirty work to the others in his group. However, one of his crew was on the mission with Acey’s father and had a vague recollection of where the temple was located.
Deciphering the Antares Codex was his obsession now. He had come so close, and yet it still eluded him. The pain of being passed up for promotion because of the lack of significant research credentials was fresh in his mind. He masterminded the funding for the original expedition to Antares. He used all his political skills and strong-arm tactics to organize the mission. This time he would succeed. This would get him the presidency of the Academy. Above all, this would earn him the respect of the scientific community with all the accolades and wealth that would come with it. He deserved it, and he would eliminate any obstacle that stood in his way. O’Malley ordered his crew to initiate surface scans.
***
As Aidan and Dirk charted a course towards the temple, Acey, Hillary, and Raina walked towards the sound of water. Over the hill and down a ravine, they found a small river running through the soft rock and spilling down a narrow gorge. Acey took a sample for analysis to determine if it was consumable by humans. As they headed back, Hillary noticed symbols carved into a rock.
“Acey, take a look at this,” she said. Acey and Hillary studied the symbols. “These resemble the symbols in the notebook,” Acey said comparing them to the pages she tore out earlier.
Raina saw something too. She moved closer to the shiny object half-buried in the dirt without being noticed. While Acey and Hillary looked for more symbols, she kicked the dirt away and picked it up. It looked like a metal spearhead broken off from a shaft. She theorized this was an ancient relic, but then she saw fresh footprints not too far away. A cold chill hit her as she scanned the area. She chose not to mention her findings to anyone.
They walked back, and Acey and Hillary told Aidan and Dirk of the symbols. They all picked up their gear and headed towards the location they had seen the symbols. They seem to follow the river, and Aidan noted that on his maps.
The trail cut through vegetation as it followed the river. They found more symbols, which encouraged them but still no temple in sight. The group hiked for miles taking advantage of the daylight hours, which lasted longer on Antares Proper than on Earth.
‘Let’s stop here for the night,” Dirk said.
They were exhausted and hungry. They popped up their instant shelters and ate their instant nutrition bars washing it all down with water. Aidan lit a campfire and Dirk came back from his shelter with a bottle in hand.
“Anyone care for some single malt scotch? I found it on board the ship when we were looking for weapons,” he said, pouring three fingers into his cup.
“I’ll try some,” said Aidan.
“Me too,” said Hillary.
Raina and Acey passed. Aidan grimaced as he drank his first sip and politely refused any more when Dirk offered. Hillary, on the other hand, held her cup out before Dirk could get the words out of his mouth. Aidan had the map out and marked their progress on it. They discussed the next day’s plans before retiring to their shelters, except for Acey.
She stared into the fire. The letters weighed heavy on her. Other than some photos from Dirk, they were the only tangible things she had from her parents. As painful as they were, she took comfort in the fact that they did indeed love each other. Acey heard footsteps from behind her.
“I can’t sleep either. Do you mind if I sit here by the fire?” Hillary asked.
“Please do,” Acey replied.
Acey watched as the fire burnt down to embers with
out saying anything. Hillary knew something was bothering her. She didn’t pry but waited for Acey to talk first.
“How well do you know your parents?” Acey asked.
“I kind of lost track of them after they divorced. Or should I say they lost track of me. My mother remarried, and I get a card from her during the holidays. I see my father occasionally when he’s in town. Why?”
“Well, I guess I only know my parents through the stories that Dirk tells which are all lovely and full of romance but…” Acey hesitated to finish the sentence for a long time. Hillary waited for her to collect her thoughts.
“But nobody’s parents could be that perfect.”
“You have the luxury of romanticizing your parents any way you choose. I would choose to remember them from Dirk’s stories. Reality is not all that great,” Hillary said, smiling at Acey.
Acey smiled back, but Hillary knew there was still something on her mind.
“I think I’ll get some sleep now,” Acey said.
“Sounds like a good idea,” Hillary replied.
As they walked towards their shelters, Acey noticed Raina staring at them from her sleeping bag. She hesitated and stared back for a few moments. Nothing was said, but each could feel their contempt for the other. As Acey walked into her shelter and started to crawl into her sleeping bag, she peeked out the flap towards Raina. All her pain turned into anger, which was now focused on Raina. She stared at her motionless body wanting to do some harm to it, but her eyes slowly shut and she fell asleep totally oblivious to the other pair of eyes watching all of them.
