Space Station Acheron

by F Stephan

  “Who wouldn’t be?” She laughed ironically. “I made my choice to leave. And now I’m back! And it seems the situation I’m facing isn’t good. Anaru has asked me to run the station.”

  “Not good. That’s an understatement.” Nikolai grinned, the same little rueful grin he had had since he was a baby. He had been a mischievous brother to a too-serious sister. Their relationship had been strained when Tasha had left six years before, her barely twenty, him still fifteen.

  “You’re in trouble?” he said. “Your station is not working, and it won’t be operational for a while. Your crew is hard-working, but it cannot handle deliver the trade we need. Your base support down on Earth is scarce.”

  Her shoulder slumped at his precise and direct words, much in the manner of their father.

  “Pour yourself a tea and have a seat. We’ve work to do.”

  Tasha walked to the samovar on the side tray and smelled the hot beverage, a reminiscence of old times. She filled her cup and walked back to the chair.

  “Will I put you in danger?” Her voice was small. Protecting the family had been a deep value ingrained in her since childhood. “Mother said I would.”

  “Yes, you’re going to. You face organized opposition. Who they are? We don’t know. But a consortium has risen over recent years to oppose the Federation. And they’re gaining strength.”

  “Do you have anything on them?”

  “No, except we were not invited. They are working against the United Organization and father wouldn’t have joined. He was an old friend of Anaru. So, we are in the dark. They have been extremely discreet.” He laughed. “Funny, don’t you find? When I was a kid, every day you wondered what sort of trouble you’d fish me out of! Remember when I left to discover the old mining complex?”

  At ten, he had tricked his bodyguard into accompanying him to an old mining town to explore its depths. That day, Tasha had had ten minutes to cover for him, find a reason for his trip, forge pieces of evidence in the datanet and avoid their father’s wrath. Yes, she remembered it well.

  “Did you know that dad knew all about it?” Nikolai said. “He thought it was a good exercise for you!”

  “What!” she blurted. “You’re not serious?”

  “Yes, I am.” He laughed, delighted at having surprised her. “He told me once. Before…”

  “How are you managing?”

  “It’s been hard. You were away, out of reach. Those were dreadful days and I didn’t sleep for nights afterward. There was the business to run and I had everyone around me. Roman here. Vladimir in Voronezh, others everywhere. They all stood behind the family. And naturally, Mother ruled for a long time. She still does, in some matters.”

  “I’m sorry.” Tasha felt tears at the corner of her eyes and tried to wipe them away discreetly.

  “Why? Did you have any choice about what happened to you? I’m not sorry you were away.” His voice had taken on new strength. He was now looking straight at her. “If you had been here, you’d have joined him on that barricade and you’d be dead, Tasha. I’d have lost as well on that day. I know. Mother knows it, even if she’ll never tell you. Hell, pretty much everyone knows it. We’ve still got you. And you’re going to be in space. You’re going to live grandfather’s dream.”

  “He nearly killed the clan with his foolish dreams.”

  “Yes, but he also purchased most of the remaining Russian space industry when it was ruined. And Father turned it into profit. All our family history is targeted at going to space. And you’re there. No, sister. Don’t be sorry. We’re proud to help you out there in space!”

  The strength of his words surprised her, but she bowed her head, accepting his support. “Did you talk to Vladimir?” He managed one of the plants carrying out all space activities.

  “Father sent me there for a year for an apprenticeship at his side. I know the plant as well as he does now.”

  Tasha could picture her younger brother under the care of the old friend of her grandfather. Vladimir was quiet and self-effacing. The days with Nikolai dashing all around the plant must have been hard on him.

  She remembered her own upbringing. “Father sent instead to the farms and hydroponics plants.” It had been a bitter summer tour. I’d have given so much to go the space plants. Then she added soberly, probably the reason Father didn’t send me there.

  “A very important business for all of us. I toured it later. Now to the matter at hand. We’ve got business to review.”

  Suddenly, Tasha thought of her friend upstairs. “What about Wilfried?”

  “Roman is taking me on a trip through your countryside. Very secure, very quiet. Don’t worry. He’s tougher than you think he is. Maybe tough enough for you, even.”

  She blushed. “He’s just a friend.”

  “Good, good. You’ll need friend around you. One thing only. Yasmina Iakoubi has tried to reach him several times in the last few days,” her brother answered seriously.

  “What does she want?”

  “I have no clue. But he is an Observer, isn’t he? Chief against nanite drugs? Well, from what I’ve heard, it’s becoming a real issue everywhere.”

  “Yes, that’s his job. Can you tell me more?”

  “He will tell you when he is ready. Until then, let him discover your home, and focus on our work together.”

  He raised his hands and 3Ds appeared all around them. He has prepared this for a while now, Tasha thought as she looked at the detailed charts.

  For the next few days, they reviewed all the trade partners in the space industry working for the space station, all the alternative suppliers, all the different leaders. Tasha knew most of them, but her knowledge was outdated. The committee that oversaw the construction of the space station mixed old companies with new players. She had to learn all she could about each of them.

  The United Organization had spread its suppliers all over the world, sending materials through long trade routes to the launch sites in Kazakhstan, the Brazilian Protectorate north of the Amazonia and NorAm spaceport. Tasha felt this setup was too exposed, as the attack of the NorAm convoy had proven. The worst news had been the death of Iain Mitchell, the only administrator she truly knew. He had shared her grandfather’s dream of bringing humanity back to space, and she would miss him greatly. He would have made a sure ally.

  During breaks, her mother briefed her on security matters, reviewing all incidents that had occurred in the past twelve months. Federation personnel, space industry convoys – too many occurrences! Their enemy was very prudent, running a tight-knit, covert operation.

  New allies, hidden enemies, worldwide logistics and a space station. Tasha felt overwhelmed by all she had to learn.

  Leopold

  Middle China, Sydney, July 30, 2140

  A week after leaving the Cape, Leopold reached the deep harbor of Wollongong, south of the sea. With Kitem Zoulvir, his bodyguard, and four Marines who had been waiting for them, they moved rapidly to the central station and caught a train for Sydney. Like all countries, Australia was marked by the global degradation of the ecology and the scars of different plagues. The endemic species of the island hadn’t resisted them well, and koalas were nearly extinct now, living only in controlled habitats in zoos.

  Kitem was silent for once, intently focused on the surrounding landscape. The two of them had talked a lot over the past week on the boat. Kitem came from a modest background and had enlisted to see the stars, and both had found similarities in their stories. Leopold tried to talk to the newcomers, but they remained tight-lipped. Trouble is brewing. Finally, Leopold tried the latest jokes from Adheek and even got a few smiles.

  Four long hours later, they reached Sydney and got out among the crowd, unannounced backpackers among the few business travelers. The corridors had been built more than a century before for large commuting crowds. Now, the elevators stood still and the station felt empty. Security seemed to be everywhere but, like in many places annexed to Middle China over the last cent
ury, it remained unobtrusive. The Chinese had had dark hours, spread over the Pacific, but under the blazing sun they now seemed gone.

  The travelers quickly crossed the old town center where construction crews were still downsizing the skyscrapers, removing abandoned floors and recycling precious materials. At one point, Kitem pointed to a crew of three perched at the top of a scaffold, a hundred yards high.

  “Federation science team. They are on a roadshow with a new technique to define what to recycle, and how, before the destruction begins. Plenty of interesting materials in there. They think they can improve by thirty percent the reusable materials taken from those monsters,” commented the burly Peloran.

  “It’s a good sign. They represent real help, visible to all. And we can’t afford those skyscrapers, nowadays,” answered Leopold.

  They continued talking about the redeployment effort and soon reached the hills which housed the Federation Main Academy. It was a green landscaped area, one of the first which had implemented Adheeken water recycling technology. The compound was walled in its entirety, an oddity, and guarded by two Federation Marines, their red faces denoting that they came from Baol at the other side of Federation space.

  “Access is restricted.” The tallest Marine had a gruff voice and a hesitant Chinese accent.

  According to Federation Standard, Leopold responded by showing his Pilot bracelet. “For Federation Personal?”

  The two Marines saluted. “Sorry, sir. We have stepped up the security again.”

  “New terrorist attacks?”

  “Yes, sir. We are happy to see you here. The two of you, traveling on an isolated boat... it isn’t safe on this planet.”

  “That bad?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  They looked sternly at the other Marine but Kitem was unperturbed. “Agreed with Commander Poiz. Want to check with her?”

  They grunted in sullen agreement. Leopold, always amused, felt for once that they were not dismayed by their trip by itself but by the dangers involved. That bad? We can’t travel without a full complement of Marines?

  Leaving their escort at the gates, the two entered the compound. Leopold hadn’t seen the buildings since his departure for Adheek. At that time, he had found it the most beautiful place in the world. Now, it seemed old and antiquated compared to the academy on Adheek.

  By the time they had reached the main hall, Kris, the director, rushed to greet them. He was now terribly overweight, trying to hide his belly under an immense beard. A step behind him, Leopold sighted Li Bao and his heart leapt for a brief instant. In the background, Mathias winked.

  “Greetings, Director.”

  “Greeting, Pilot. We’re honored by your presence. If you had told us sooner, we’d have prepared a proper welcome community. Still, the province minister will be delighted to meet you tonight.”

  Leopold winced at the prospect of a new formal meal, even if Aussies were the least formal of the countries belonging to the Chinese Empire.

  “No formalities required, Director. We wanted to see more of the country itself.”

  “I can understand your wish, young Pilot, but it is insecure for Federation members. Still, we were able to escort you properly since your arrival.”

  “How do you want the people of Earth to like us if they only see us hiding the middle of a group of bodyguards?”

  “Let’s move to my office please.”

  Leopold could tell the director was annoyed at the interruption. He was having his own way down here, far from Geneva, New York, and the other Federation organizations. They all went quickly to the upper floor of the academy, Mathias taking charge of Kitem to show him the grounds.

  A huge office, cold and empty, overlooked the gardens. Leopold hated it at first sight. In the middle of the room, Kris sat at an immense round table, inviting them to join him. On the side, Leopold noted a smaller desk, neatly ordered. Li Bao’s, he knew immediately.

  “What can I do for you, Pilot?”

  Without looking, he knew she had remained by the door, discreet and ready to help her boss if needed.

  Leopold laughed at the honorific. “Leopold, sir, please. Like when you were the Director, and I your student. Maybe a bit unruly, if I recall.”

  “Unruly, was it?” Kris raised his eyebrows. The tension in the room abated.

  “I wanted to know more about our future crew. Could we review their profiles? I’d like to see also how the training has changed since I followed it. This will help adjust our protocols.”

  “You know that you could have done this in virtual. You needn’t trouble yourself.” No coming on his turf. Behind the tight smile, the message was clear. “My agenda is fully booked with the coming exams and new selection runs. I’ve now also to organize a welcoming ceremony.” He called Li Bao gently. “My dear, would you be kind enough to share all the information required by our guest? Can I leave you to check on the exams? Leopold, my assistant is very busy – please bear this in mind.”

  Li Bao was running the academy, that much was clear to Leopold, but the older man seemed to bring her the peace and protection she needed.

  “Yes, sir, with pleasure.” Li Bao had already brought out a small console and began calling up 3Ds showing different men and women. The older director left, grumbling.

  Leopold felt Li Bao was uneasy.

  “Do you want me to call Tasha and Wilfried?” she said formally, not looking him in the eyes.

  No talking alone today. “I’m going to. Thank you.”

  In a minute, the connection was established and Wilfried and Tasha appeared in the office.

  “Which position you need to fill?”

  Leopold had prepared his list on the cruise and shared it through his bracelet. “At least one engineer to train with Hawkeyes Noul. Two cargo masters, maybe three. Two in environmental control, one on-board doctor. In a year, I would like to double that capacity.”

  “You know we have many demands for our students, on Earth, in orbit, and even on Kalgoorlie, the asteroid mining station. Students are left free to choose their assignments after the academy.”

  Except the apprentice pilots, who don’t have a choice.

  Tasha broke in. “How can we make it interesting for them to join us?”

  “I don’t know, Pilot,” answered Li Bao. Still cold. They were friends once. “Maybe this will be a positive effect of Leopold being here. He can talk and introduce the job to them directly. This has become an elite school for administrations and businesses all over the world. This is no longer a school to prepare future space crews.

  They spent the rest of the day looking at the files of their future crew members. Then, Leopold went for a full tour of the facility and of the program, evaluating how they could use their newly-trained crews most effectively.

  Leopold laughed at the reactions of the students, who stared at him. “They are scared of me. Strange how it all turned.”

  “This is no laughing matter. They’ve seen dreadful 3D shows on the pilot’s training. Nanites are scary enough by themselves. And the first student who came back from Adheek was a failure.” The hurt in her voice, the hunger still. “They’ve got to learn to know you.”

  “We aren’t really welcome,” he said sadly.

  “No. Worse than that. No one wants you here.”

  “And you?”

  She looked at him sharply. There was more in his question than what he had said aloud, and she knew it.

  “I’m not sure. You can use your nanites. This is forbidden for me. Your presence is painful.” Her voice trailed off, and she left him, avoiding his eyes.

  With the tumult of activities that followed, he was never left alone with Li Bao during the following days, seeing her only for short meetings. Whatever had existed between them was now gone and lost forever.

  Susanna

  Earth, European Confederacy, July 30, 2140

  Susanna Loewre met her guests in an old Roman amphitheater, southwest of Geneva in the Rhone Valley. This
was mid-July and the evening was perfect for her purposes. Warm, with a clear sky. She was clad in a gown of traditional Han design but with African patterns set in glass sewn into the fabric. She literally glowed as she walked between the light from the various projectors. She was more than beautiful, an ancient Greek goddess returned to guide men in these troubled times.

  Cacti had been planted around the central stage, which amused Susanna to no end. She was the biggest thorn of all here. Her voice was perfectly sugary as she intoned her welcome. “My dear Earth compatriots, I thank you for watching us. I’m humbled by your massive presence tonight for our special show. Welcome and let’s celebrate.” She paused while fireworks exploded behind her. “This is Gaia day, the day by which we have used all renewable resources for one year. And this year, we have pushed it back to July 28th.”

  A round of fake applause around her welcomed the news. Yet, she knew this was the way her audience would react. This was the best Earth had done in the last century and Susanna was always careful to have true stories in all her shows. Truth can be useful, at least sometimes.

  She turned to face her guest. On her left, like in an ancient arena, stood Nashiz, the Federation Envoy to Earth, chin high, looking golden and lofty. Susanna knew he didn’t dislike her, but could she bid for more? He had never given a personal interview to anyone before. She smiled inwardly. On the far right, Isabel Mascherano, the spokeswoman for EarthFirst, offered a stark contrast. The green scars on her face and the heavy wheelchair containing life support equipment showed the traces of the 2120 epidemics in South America. She was a survivor, one of the few doctors who had lived through it. More than anything, she embodied the dying ecosphere EarthFirst stood for. Between them sat the other guests. Natalya Podorovski, the heiress of a great family, someone who had succeeded where Susanna had failed. She was right now Susanna’s greatest competitor for public attention. I will crush you, little girl. Sun Heugmin, the leader of the Climate Monitoring Organization sat next to her. The little Korean grandma had ruled over climatologists with an iron fist for the last fifty years at least. Not that it helps us when everyone knows what she will announce every year. Too many people, too many resources. Last of all, Susanna’s drones lingered on Rui Patricio, the famous Ecowarrior, a former Legionnaire with an eye patch which gave him a pirate look the crowd loved. The patch was a fake, disguising an electronically enhanced eye, nothing to do with becoming a fighter for Gaia.