Weight of Gravity

by Sheron Wood McCartha

  “Except the one that got away. Be careful. He’s a womanizer, and you’re Elise’s clone. He might see hurting you as a way to get even for your mother’s rejection.”

  Elise rolled her eyes. “He’s much too old for me.”

  “He does keep the old hens around here in a flutter. They rather like the attention.” He gazed about the room. “Although there are moments when I feel like I’m back in the teen center with all the drama.”

  Elise watched as Tempest traveled from lap to lap, mostly among the teenage girls. The child was in her glory, soaking up all the attention. After she noticed their careful handling of her daughter, tension in Elise’s shoulders eased, and her focus returned to the table talk.

  “A great number of our residents are young adults,” Elija pointed out. “The work here is exhausting and not glamorous. Mining, farming, and construction all require hard physical labor, leaving the older women to cook and clean.”

  Elise sniffed. “And the older men to flirt with them.”

  “Always,” he admitted, choking with laughter.

  Elise changed the topic. “I noticed that you have built a lot since I last visited.”

  Elija grinned. “We’ve added the kitchen, dining room, and a large living room.”

  “I saw construction in progress out the back too.”

  “We've also added science and manufacturing facilities by coring out the mountain behind the cabin to ensure privacy and security. Carter built farm implements for us, but we need more. I asked him to return, however he’s busy on the station.”

  “Where’s his clone? Does he know about the child?”

  Elija shrugged. “Of course. That’s one of the reasons he stays away. He sees himself too clearly in the kid.” Elija pointed to a dark-haired child earnestly playing with blocks in the next room. Beside him, a curly-haired toddler threw a block at him to get his attention.

  Elise chuckled. “I should have figured that out. And who is the young female throwing blocks at him?”

  Leaning in, Elija said conspiratorially, “His sister’s clone.”

  Eyes widening, Elise asked, “Does Abbie know?”

  “No. And, don’t tell her. Carter obtained the samples of DNA and doesn’t want anyone to say anything.”

  “You should tell her husband. Jacob should know.”

  “Yes, eventually. But the time is not yet right.”

  Her host rose and gave a small bow. “I need to make an appearance at my office before I turn in. Merek says Angel will be here tomorrow or late tonight. He went to fetch him. I’m really looking forward to meeting an Enjelise. Afterwards, I’ll give you a tour around the Homestead.”

  “I’d like that.” So that’s where Merek has gotten to.

  He left, and she watched the children for a while as they played. Eventually, Tempest joined them on the rug, but her daughter seemed more interested in the young caretakers than any of the toys or other children.

  Dinner ended. A server whisked away her plate and glass. A laughing woman carted Tempest away to the nursery, and a party started up in the living room.

  Alexa sidled up to her. “Are you joining the party?”

  Elise shook her head. “I’m too tired. It’s been a long day… but you go ahead.”

  “You don’t mind?”

  “Not at all.”

  With that, Alexa wandered off with a fellow on each arm and a huge grin on her face. Merek was still missing in action. But with Tempest in good hands, Elise decided to tuck it in.

  So now, she stared up at the ceiling, listened to the background hum of the Homestead, and sighed loudly.

  “Maybe a bit of conversation is in order.”

  “Ack!” Elise shot straight up in bed and groped for her stun gun. She pointed it toward the voice, shaking.

  “That’s not necessary.” A dark shadow, growing brighter, emerged from the corner, revealing a familiar face.

  “Angel! How did you get in here?”

  “Through the door. How else?” Angel dangled a key in front of her. “Merek gave me the key. I must say, you have a rather rude way of greeting a friend, one who has saved your life more than once, I might add.”

  “You startled me.”

  “I wanted a quiet talk about what we plan to do here. Merek was uncomfortable with being alone with you, but I have no problem. Unlike him, it seems, I find you an adequate conversationalist.”

  Flustered, she patted the chair next to her bed and Angel sat down. “I don’t think that’s the reason.”

  The door opened and Merek timidly joined them. “I have a special gift that Angel brought from your husband,” he said.

  “Richard?” She still wasn’t used to the idea of having a husband.

  Merek placed a cylinder at the center of the floor. She moved over to a nearby chair and stared at it. He pushed a button and a hologram blossomed. There stood Richard… a wide grin on his face and a dark curl falling over one eyebrow.

  “Hello, Sweetheart. Surprise. I talked to Jacob on the station who contacted a fellow named T’Sang. Remember the captains’ conference I attended with you? I wondered if that technology could be down-sized to a personal communications device. T’Sang reconfigured parts from your office communicator and sent it to me via shuttle courier. And, here I am.” He threw out both arms.

  She laughed at his drama.

  He continued, “Now Merek has to record your voice and transmit it back. Needless to say, I miss you, and hope you’re well.” She got a wave before he blinked out.

  Merek leaned over and picked up the transmitter. He fumbled in a pocket and attached a device to it. Glancing over at her, he said, “Okay, say some words back.”

  She totally blanked for a moment; then she waved. “Hello, I miss you too. Tomorrow Elija plans to take us on a tour. He’s expanded. You wouldn’t recognize the place. I’ll message you after I get back. Tempest is the center of attention and basking in the limelight. Merek watches out for me, and Angel just arrived. Everything is going well.”

  The image wavered.

  Merek thumped the equipment. “Uh oh. Energy output is diminishing. We need to wrap this up.”

  “I miss you; I love you.” She sat back.

  Merek nodded and bundled up the holograph machine. “I’ll leave you to rest now,” he said as he backed out, almost running into a chair. Angel looked over his shoulder and shook his head as he followed Merek out.

  Once again, she was the only one in the room, but she no longer felt alone.

  Chapter 11

  A Tour

  The morning dawned bright and clear, the sun’s rays shining through her window, making patterns on the floor. A lively young brunette knocked on her door and delivered coffee with pastries. “Elija, Merek, and the Enjelise are all at breakfast.”

  Bright eyes sparkling, the girl sat the tray on a table. “I’ve never seen an Enjelise before. I didn’t know they existed. He’s so beautiful.”

  Elise chuckled as she slipped on a robe and took a sip of coffee. “They are impressive, but you get used to them… eventually.”

  Have I really gotten used to Angel? The thought gave her pause.

  The girl raised her eyebrows, not convinced. “Elija asks that you join them soon. Can I help you with anything?”

  Elise shook her head. “I think I can manage. How’s Tempest doing? Is she a problem?”

  The girl laughed. “Oh no, rather the opposite. We all love her. She’s already had breakfast and is playing with the other kids. Don’t worry about her. She’s well taken care of. Elija is anxious to leave fairly soon for your tour.”

  With her message delivered, the girl bowed out, leaving Elise to dress. At the last minute, Elise pinned on the miniature camera, wearing it as a piece of jewelry. She brushed her hair back and straightened a collar.

  ***

  After breakfast, Merek, and Elise headed out. Merek assured the remaining Enjelise that he would watch out for her. Therefore, Angel stayed behind since he had
promised one of the scientists a chance to study him and answer questions about his people. Excited that they would learn about a new alien species, Elija left to settle Angel in one of his labs.

  Soon, he joined Elise and Merek in the garage.

  Approaching them, Elija said, “The most impressive way to see the Homestead and the surrounding area is by flitter.”

  “Flitter?” Elise wrinkled her nose.

  Elija pointed to an open cockpit vehicle that resembled a large, stubbed-winged dragonfly with retractable landing gear. “Carter designed the flitter using a minature nuclear-powered energy source. It never runs out of energy.” Elija patted the contraption.

  “Is it safe?” Elise eyed it with a frown.

  “Alysia is dangerous anywhere you go. In a crowded city or out in the isolated wilds, every place can be dangerous. But this contraption is as safe as you can be if the pilot’s careful.”

  Eyeing Elija as he climbed into the pilot’s seat, she smirked. “So, no guarantees on safe, then?”

  He shrugged. “No guarantees, but we should be all right. Nonetheless, we need to be equipped.” He handed out a helmet and safety goggles to each. Turning around, he reached into a compartment at the flitter’s rear, ran his hand around, and pulled out two stun guns. With a satisfied grunt, he closed the top. “Looks like Sara packed us properly.”

  He handed the weapons, one to each. “These are stun guns. Use yours carefully. They hold six discharges before running out. Dangerous wildlife roams the woods nearby, so keep a look out, think twice before you shoot.”

  “Krells, slives…” Merek muttered, reciting an obviously learned list of dangerous indigenous animals.

  “Marmots.” Elija cocked his head. “Ever seen one?”

  Merek’s brow crinkled in puzzlement. “Never heard of them.”

  Contemplating Elise, Elija said, “Bearlike, but much larger, with vicious claws and teeth. They’re carnivores and dangerous. Luckily, they stay away from the Homestead unless they get hungry or something attracts them.”

  "They sound dangerous," she said with a shudder.

  "We'll stay away." Elija opened the door to the craft and ushered the two in. “Have you ever seen a waterfall up close?”

  “Not a real one,” Elise replied.

  “Then you’re in for a treat. Buckle up.” Their pilot closed the door, and the small craft lifted, rotated, and shot out of the building while she hurriedly secured her straps.

  Elise’s stomach jumped into her throat as the flitter swooped out over grass and gardens. She suddenly remembered that as a ship’s pilot, Elija had been an unrestrained hotshot. He liked to show off. She stood and gripped the front bar tightly, setting herself for a wild ride.

  Wind beat against her body, making her clothes flap violently. She shivered in the brisk temperature of the high altitude.

  Colorful red, white, and yellow flowers danced below her feet as they soared across a meadow of wildflowers in bloom. Soon, off to the right, fields undulated in the vivid green of freshly planted crops. Farther out, tiny workers on toy machines sowed new seeds into the rich soil. Several arms waved as they circled back, headed up over the rooftop of the Homestead, and brushing tree tips, climbed the Mountain’s steep side.

  Up and up they rode with Elise clutching the bar tightly. Adrenaline pumped through her body. Below, the scenery grew dense with dark firs and chiseled rock that jutted out from the steep mountainside. An occasional brightly flowered patch of ground peeked out to reveal a nearby meandering stream, soon hidden within its surrounding forest.

  A thunderous roar sounded in the distance. The air misted about her. It felt like the very earth shook as they dipped into a gorge and a majestic waterfall opened up before them. The art on the wall, as beautiful as it had been, didn’t do the reality justice. The experience overwhelmed all senses.

  Elise heard Elija’s voice in her helmet. “It defines the word gravity,” he said.

  Water poured off the edge, cascading with awesome grandeur to the land below. She stared in amazement as water and gravity combined to generate immense power. Nearby, sunlight filtered through a fine mist, displaying a delicate rainbow.

  “It’s breathtaking,” she shouted back.

  Awed, Merek could only stare.

  In an unexpected move, Elija swooped closer, laughing above the tumultuous roar.

  Frowning behind his safety glasses, Merek gripped the hold bar so hard that it almost bent. He tossed a worried glance her way.

  Chilled rivulets of water splattered her face and clothes. Exhilaration swept over her. She threw back her head and laughed.

  Far below, the water eventually collected in a deep pool to continue on as smaller rivers and streams. At its edge, a large moose-like animal lifted an antlered head to bray at them.

  “A yelk?” Merek questioned.

  Elise gazed down at the enormous creature who, having announced his presence, went back to his drink.

  “Got it in one,” Elija answered as the flitter made a wide sweep along the mountain’s ridge. They canted right and rose again, to leave the scene dwindling in the distance.

  “Grab our stuff out of the back and put it on. Get the rebreathers too.” Elija gestured at Merek.

  They continued to rise. After she donned a heavy jacket, Elise felt the air grow chill on her face Trees became sparse and disappeared. The ground turned white. Below them, a large herd of nimble, four-footed animals, resembling miniature goats, went from a standstill to a run as Elija swooped overhead, scattering them over the ground below.

  “Look! A krell.” Above and to the left, crouching on a ledge, a shaggy white cat-like animal watched the stampeding herd with avid interest. When Elija buzzed by, the krell roared, revealing large incisors and a bad temper.

  “Be careful,” Merek admonished the daredevil pilot.

  Elise felt the blood pumping through her veins. The world around her thrummed with life. This was primitive Alysia before the first humans arrived to push them into their current mountain wilderness.

  “Okay. One last place to show you before we stop for lunch.”

  Elija angled the craft higher until they reached the very top. Elise sucked on her rebreather when the atmosphere grew too thin. Carefully, the flitter landed on a ridge as mountain range after mountain range spread out before them toward an endless purple-hazed horizon.

  “Over there,” Elija pointed northeast, “lies Islia. And there,” he pointed northwest, “lies the heart of the Diechwrathe.”

  Elise closed her eyes, terrified by the endless whiteness of the land and the vast blue depth of the sky. Nothing sheltered her. No walls held her safe. Her whole body and mind screamed in terror.

  “A bit different from a ship’s monitor screen, eh?”

  “We need to head down,” Merek said firmly as he put his hand over hers. He saw how the open sky frightened her.

  “It’s overwhelming at first, I’ll admit.” Elija restarted the flitter and they plunged downward. “But after a few times, I found it quite addictive.”

  The air grew more breathable as they descended.

  Elise opened her eyes and tried to get a grip on her terror of the wide-open sky. Soon, the side of the mountain shielded her from the endless horizon, and the ground opened to a pretty meadow. Her muscles unclenched.

  “How about a picnic?” Elija asked them as he landed the craft among nodding flowers and waving grass.

  Elise shrugged out of the winter jacket and attempted to catch her breath. “A picnic?” She scanned the area. “It’s been ages since I’ve been on a picnic. Mom used to take me to the ship’s arbor…”

  “I mean a real picnic, not a pretend ship one.” Elija handed Merek a blanket and pulled out a woven wooden basket filled with food and drink.

  Merek spread the blanket on the ground not far from a bubbling brook. The water chuckled and merrily splashed next to them.

  “This is better,” the big guard grunted as he took a seat on the ground.
He rubbed his forehead.

  “It’s a favorite spot.” Elija lifted out a glass and poured wine into it. He rotated the sparkling drink with his fingers. “Our first harvest of grapes made into a wine. It’s a bit young, and a little tannic, but very drinkable.”

  He poured a drink for the other two, and they all lifted their glasses in salute. “To the Homestead,” he shouted. “To Alysia.”

  “To Alysia,” they chorused.

  Elija handed out sandwiches while Merek filled a fruit plate, and the three settled in.

  “Keep an eye out,” said Elija munching a cheese sandwich. “The wildlife can smell food a mile away.”

  Elise’s relaxed mood vanished as she nervously surveyed the area. Nearby dark woods suggested hidden, dangerous inhabitants. She peered into the thick undergrowth.

  “Do you understand why I showed you all this?” Elija tilted his head at her.

  She paused to answer, “I’ve been cooped up in that big house rattling around …”

  “You were having a baby. It was important work,” Merek interrupted.

  “I never got to experience the planet up close.”

  “Exactly. And now?” Elija spread his hands out.

  “It’s beautiful and terrifying. Breathtaking.”

  “I wanted you to see what we Terrans are fighting for. What’s worth dying for. This is rare in the universe. I don’t think the other ships will find another planet this vibrant or alive, even if they search for hundreds of years. There's still plenty of room for us to live here.”

  “There doesn’t need to be a war over Alysia.”

  Learning forward, Elija delicately picked out a fruit slice and popped it into his mouth. Wiping his hands on a napkin, he said, “The Alysians will try to get rid of us, one way or another. Bet on it. We frighten them too much.”

  She noted Merek’s grim face as he said, “Already in Tygel, there’s a campaign to demonize us. A heavily financed faction is already waging a psychological war against Terrans. And it’s working.”

  With an urgent voice, Elija joined in, “We must get prepared to protect ourselves.”

  She protested, “But we needn’t engage in war.”