Kodon

by Chris Mills

  Majuri hurried off with a smile. Stephen sighed. “What the heck is going on?” Kim questioned. “You paid for a transport ship and now this?”

  “That sounded weird,” Andy said. “I wish I knew what she was saying. Did I hear Earth?” It must be like listening to someone speak to into their phone. Stephen was fortunate it wasn’t that way around here anymore with those he met.

  “Some circumstances have come up,” Herald said calmly. “Let’s get to the shuttle bay and wait for her. I’ll explain.”

  “Let me guess, more trouble?” Gabe said. Herald closed his eyes. He threw his hands up in the air and shook. “When will this end, Herald?”

  “I’m getting us out of here. If you have a better way, speak up or shut your mouth, Gabe.”

  Gabe only groaned. Their credit cards would be useless if they had them. No one could wave down a taxi. Stephen kept up with Herald. 13B wasn’t far at all. Sure enough, a red pointed nose starship waited for them. It had weird sections off the sides, which may have been the wings that housed engines. It did look like some sort of bird the more he stared.

  “This is more like it,” Stephen said.

  “It better get us out of here,” Gabe muttered.

  “Where are we going?” Kim asked.

  “She is willing to get us out of here,” Herald said. “We’ll be far away and I can make real contact. There may be an embassy.”

  “But where?”

  “Earth. It will be fine.”

  “And there will be shelter?” Gabe questioned. Herald nodded. There needed to be someplace they could get some help. Something in Stephen’s gut told him that this would be far from resolved.

  Footsteps rose at the door. Majuri ran close with a small pack over her shoulder. “That helped greatly,” she said. “Let’s go. My launch is soon. I’m glad those geks hadn’t gone to waste.”

  A slight hiss came from the back of the ship. The entry doors slid apart and a black ramp lowered to the floor. Stephen headed up, trying to push back his eagerness.

  Majuri’s personal starship may really only let two live peacefully, three if it included a child. The living area contained a crescent shaped couch, a circular table, and odd fixtures that hung from the ceiling. A narrow door revealed a bathroom inside with a tiny shower. Where did she sleep? One wall might hold the answers.

  “Rest,” Majuri said. She stepped through an opening into her small bridge. The window curved around it, giving a great a view. Stephen took a seat at the end of the couch where he could peer into the bridge.

  Stephen closed his eyes and let his breathing slow. A gun fired in his hands. So much had happened in so little time. How could something feel so right and suddenly all was thrown into chaos? He tried to clear his mind of the attack. Herald sat down by him in silence. His stare was into nothingness. What was in Stephen’s pocket should be lost to the stars in his opinion.

  The ship sped out of the shuttle bay and passed by a line leading to the Cradle Launcher. They slowed, fourth in line to be launched. The bridge really was something. Majuri was in control, and he did not want to bug her in the current circumstance. Her hands came behind her head. Crack, crack.

  “Please verify your launch number,” a voice came through. Majuri moved her fingers along the dash. Her screens were true screens, not holograms. “Thank you. Proceed. Cut your ships engine when notified.”

  The massive creation known as the Cradle Launcher opened before them. Stephen felt a slight chill as they moved inside. A soft beep came from the dash. The ship shook. Majuri rose from her seat and scanned over her dash with her eyes before retreating back.

  “We have an estimated eight hours to Earth,” Majuri said. “You’ll be able to get a taxi and find a transport. Hopefully with better luck. Where are you heading again?”

  “Galat II,” Herald said.

  “That’s a venture.”

  “I know,” Herald said. “It’s better than dealing with their blasted customer support. Don’t worry about us. It will be a good experience for them.”

  The window lit with a vibrant flux of white and light blue. Stephen rose, his breath quickening. This same light ran all over the inside of the mass of the Cradle Launcher. This power started to build around the ship as a bubble. From what he got about warp, the ship was contained inside a bubble of its own and the engines worked to shoot a ship through space, or so that’s the concept he understood from television.

  The very tip of the Cradle Launcher pulled back leaving plenty of space for them. Violet light swarmed the window. Stephen felt himself sway lightly. Tiny balls of light soon started to swarm by the window. His mind suddenly shot to something horrid. Had it happened? One little bit off of the calculated angles, and where would they be?

  **

  Earth; Herald hadn’t expected to hear that back on the station. He had little choice. He sat in the morning researching what he could on where they needed to go. A Talon Federation cruiser had attacked and murdered all those on the Explorer C. Darren was dead and he found it hard to believe it had been done by the Talon Federation directly. There had always been corruption, he knew after the Porters acted and Kodon and their son vanished. Now, they were going to the heart of the federation.

  It would be hard to track them here. Earth was a greatly populated place, and he had found the embassy he needed to go to. There, he hoped to get some quick help to Galat II. Councilman Wallace would do something about this. He’d need proof. Damnit. Herald had transferred what he could from the shuttle about his scans. It wasn’t much. It only put the cruiser there, but even that could be considered falsified.

  Herald sighed. He rubbed his red eyes. He never liked to cry and had done so quietly in the small bathroom an hour ago. It seemed like when he closed his eyes and let his focus go, he saw Darren on the ground with a bullet in his head. There had been worse images than that. How had Hanash executed his friend? Darren must have refused - perhaps even fought the bastard.

  Beep, beep. The tone continued a bit. Majuri stretched. She had spent most the morning on the bed that extended from the wall. “We’re almost there,” she stated. Off she went to her small bridge with a smile.

  The others were up, besides Andy, who had been up late like Herald. Of any of them, he had to be informed of all this. His day had been running and confusion. Herald sighed. What was he to do with Andy in this case - let him struggle?

  “One minute,” Majuri called back. “Where am I to land?”

  Herald pulled up the spot he had saved on his handheld. He came to the bridge and talked a bit. Docking fees here were high, but drop-offs free. Majuri would be on the way to see her sister soon. She hadn’t been too talkative about where exactly she was going with her.

  Someone was behind Herald. Stephen yawned once more. It was early still, a little past six from the time the station had been on. The time would only change again on Earth by two hours. Space travel could get hectic. Herald was used to it. Luckily, time didn’t change for ships in the Galatian Empire, Talon Federation, and those who went by universal space time.

  The stars slowed. Many things rushed in, pulling to a stop before them. Specific areas were set for Cradle Launcher entries. A turret floated off in the distance; a few small ships like theirs waited, and a large cruiser was in the distance. It never was wise to linger in the path the ship had launched into. Sure, warp signatures could be detected, but that should not be relied on solely. Majuri already had them speeding out of the entry zone.

  “Fifteen minutes,” Majuri said. “Unless we are stopped.”

  More traffic soon came before them. No one could break a set speed without flashing lights and a transmission. Warp was nearly impossible. Specific particles were around that interfered with it, and navigation computers would trigger a failsafe to the engine if it tried. As great as those speeds were, danger rose everywhere.

  “Wow,” Stephen said. “This is unreal.”

  “Traffic sucks,” Majuri spat.

  The
blue ball ahead was not what they left. Many ships moved from and to Earth, cruisers and structures protected the area, and many stations were about. The moon they passed had many living on it now. Nothing was the same, and Herald found it hard to believe he had experienced the days before space travel took off.

  “Good,” Majuri said. “We’ve been cleared.” She let the notification fade from the screen. “That will speed things up.”

  “How do they monitor every ship?” Stephen whispered. Herald took him back a bit from Majuri. “Sorry.”

  “Be careful,” Herald warned. “Naivety is not a good thing right now.” Stephen once more apologized. “Remember. Don’t worry. We’ve already been scanned. The ship is registered in a database. We have our own signatures. If we clear that, we are fine.”

  “Is it in depth? Could they track you?”

  Herald chuckled. “No,” he said - not entirely truthful. “Those scans are looking for things to flag. We aren’t being checked in. They don’t have exact names for everyone here.” They did have a count. It was nothing compared to Galat II.

  The blue ball got closer, like Gabe and Kim. “This isn’t right,” he said softly.

  “This is not your home,” Stephen reminded. This may be only a memory to come. Those three situations sucked and were entirely avoidable in Herald’s opinion. Councilman Wallace would help nonetheless.

  Earth grew great before them. Herald took a breath as fire burned against the ship. Like that, the view of the upper city came to be. Earth had two levels; ground and the city above, which in some places was split. Many crafts moved about below. Majuri took them fast towards and soon up above, joining others looking to land.

  The upper city stretched endlessly. The morning sun was up and warming the place. If not for fields in place, it would be icy cold. Tops of buildings glistened. Down they went in little time. A large hexagon complex had many open hanger doors. Green lights glowed, white lights flashing in some. The ship slowly lowered down into one of the hangers. A couple of droids waited with a human, who held a tablet in hand. Each droid had three very tall, spider-like legs and two arms extended from their tiny body. Their red eyes set upon the ship as it rocked down. This hadn’t been his home for such a long time.

  **

  Odd, it looked like something out of a movie, yet here they were. Stephen stood on a platform outside a large building up in the skies. This upper city, as Herald called it, was comprised of platforms that stretched good distances, each with buildings upon them. Walkways connecting them, and how this all came to be would be a mouthful. It didn’t feel like they were floating. Where was the rocking? Where was the true wind? This breeze he felt was nice - yet false.

  Armed officers patrolled this specific spot. A robotic canine followed a set who passed. Its body was black with red upon its back indicating security. The rifles the officers carried were much like the gun Stephen had fired. Eyes met Stephen’s briefly. The woman’s hair was short, letting the scales show below her ears and that wrapped around her neck.

  “Come on, Stephen,” Herald called. He had stopped to motion him on once more.

  A nice gust of air greeted them within the tall archways. More officers waited. Glass lined the ceiling above, letting in good light that shined upon a mural on a wall. Hmm. Planets of all things were upon its stone. A long desk awaited them at the end. Five stands were there, only one with a man waving them close.

  “Good morning to you, Mr. Zumerkrin,” the man said. “Please, take a seat. I’ve already been informed about the report. I am saddened to hear of the details. I will move this along as quick as I can. Let me call in Pero.”

  “Thank you,” Herald said.

  “Pero?” Gabe whispered. “What did he say?”

  “We need to wait for someone,” Stephen said.

  “Oh.”

  “I can get you an earpiece,” Herald said.

  “And be like my grandpa? No way.”

  Stephen rolled his eyes. He suddenly found himself looking down at the fellow approaching. A man in a red and black full bodysuit shook Herald’s hand. A weird breather wrapped from his mouth around his neck to a small unit on his upper back. A pair of dark orange eyes could be made out behind thin glass.

  “Saddened to hear about the Explorer C,” Pero said. “I have lined up a counselor if you need one. This is a tragedy.” When he spoke, a small piece near his mouth glowed slightly. “Please, follow me to my office.”

  A set of doors blocked their way for a bit. Pero shook his head as they finally opened. The hall had a bit more light to it. A woman strolled by with her handheld wearing a visor. She nodded lightly to them. Pero took them to a lift and up to a very quiet floor.

  Pero’s office rested a bit down the hall. It was large with plenty of room for them to sit. A long window revealed a courtyard outside. A white tree rose with much beauty. Sadly, two men stood close to it with rifles. Stephen wondered if this place had been attacked before or if this was just standard today. He remembered New York and armed police near the 9/11 Memorial. He had felt it overkill too - yet it was a place of peace to mourn and remember.

  “I have read your report,” Pero said. “We are taking this matter seriously and someone is on.”

  “We both know not much will be done,” Herald said. “We want to get off this planet and on to Galat II. I must meet with Councilman Wallace.”

  “I understand your urgency,” Pero said. “You must try and stay calm. This is a pressing matter, and what you have experienced is dreadful.”

  “They are all dead! You do not understand.”

  “Apologies. I meant not to offend.”

  “I, I’m sorry. I should have not snapped.”

  “It is understandable.”

  Pero pulled a tablet from the corner of his desk. He tapped at it a bit. A screen projected up from it, a keyboard out. He typed for a bit. With the suit, it was hard to read the man. Finally, his fingers rose from the keyboard. He coughed lightly, bringing forth a static hiss.

  “Pardons,” Pero said. “It has been arranged that your funds are covered that you submitted. I will also supply more to help you get a room if you chose not to stay here.”

  “Wait, we need to get to Galat II,” Herald said. “Put us on a transport.”

  “We do not have a ship on hand to take you,” Pero said. “In three days, a cruiser will pass, and they will take you to Galat II. There, Councilman Wallace has agreed to meet with you. He has ordered this personally.”

  “We need to leave now. Give me funds for my own transport.”

  “No. It is highly advised you travel with the empire to Galat II. No compensation will be given for any journey, and we advise you not to access your accounts to do so. You must understand, we wish to help. You can stay here for the time being or have a hotel.”

  Herald rubbed his face. “Fine,” he said. “Give me some damn geks. We need to get some rest.”

  Stephen nodded at that. He and the others spoke nothing as Herald started to work out the final details of what had been planned. A slight redness had come to Kim’s eyes. Gabe’s fists released their clench. Stephen tried to keep positive. At least they would have rooms and be able to rest for now. He’d much rather venture with protection off Earth. An explosion erupted in his head. A breath escaped him; slow and calming.

  “I will have the packet for you soon,” Pero said. “Please remember, you can stay here. We have nice rooms and there are amenities that you will find warming.”

  “I’d rather not be under watch,” Herald said. “Sorry. I will remember to come back if something happens.”

  “You will have a direct line to me. Feel free to contact me with questions. I hope you journey to Galat II is less stressful. I do have counsel -”

  “I don’t need counseling!” Herald snapped. Stephen hung his head. His father came to mind.

  Some things never changed. If one thing could be a relief for anyone, it was staying in a good hotel. Stephen had been on some tiresome
trips before and found relief when he got to the hotel room at night. It never was home - but a step closer. He hadn’t a clue now what he would come to call home

  The window revealed what the traffic of Earth would one day have in the sky. The crafts resembled vehicles of his time with their shapes. A lot of changes had been made. Some nice cars he spotted at times, stylish and standing. He wondered how to pilot them or if a course had to be laid in. The taxi here didn’t give sight to its driver. Why wouldn’t someone want to see their driver or have that chance to talk?

  Horns may have suddenly come. A large craft, possibly a van, about slammed into the back of a blue cab. They seemed to bounce off each other - a luxury that may have helped Stephen before. He sighed and leaned back in the black desk chair.

  This window kept privacy within. Outside it looked as if there weren’t any. The building had a nice shine to its silver. A panel by the window here let them choose how well they wanted to see, or if they preferred the wall. The most he had seen was smart glass back in his time, and it had a pricey tag to it.

  “Stephen?” Andy asked.

  “Yeah?” Stephen questioned.

  “Are you really not coming back?”

  “Yeah,” Stephen said. “Things have happened, but I know I need to be here. I can walk and be me again.”

  “Won’t you miss anything?”

  “You guys,” Stephen said. There were other friends he would never see again. This had too much to offer him. He rubbed over his healed arms with a slight smile.

  “I hate not seeing this,” Andy said. “I wish I could see what things would be.”

  “You never saw what things were.”

  “That doesn’t matter,” Andy said. “I can dream. Life had gotten dull. I wanted to move out, but I kept having these thoughts.”

  “I’m sure it wouldn’t be that bad.”

  “They heal people like me here.”

  “I know. You heard what Herald said.”

  “I know, but it’s not fair. I know I can see. I know I can be better. Everything could be different if I got the surgery.”

  Stephen had looked up a surgery that would help Andy. It sounded like Andy may or may not keep his eyes depending on things. Surgeries there were quick, and he could be done in an hour at minimum. Transition was hard. Andy wouldn’t know what things were. He wouldn’t understand written language other than braille. There were ways to, but it all cost money.