Tracking the Trailblazer (Colony Ship Trailblazer Book 1)

by John Thornton

  Tracking the Trailblazer

  Colony Ship Trailblazer Book One

  John Thornton

  Copyright © 2017 Automacube Enterprises LLC

  All rights reserved.

  ISBN-13: 978-1546341215

  ISBN-10: 1546341218

  DEDICATION

  This book is dedicated to my wonderful wife. She has been blazing trails with me for a long time. I truly appreciate all she has helped me learn. Happy trails to you! Oh, right, my singing is poor. Sorry.

  Contents

  Session of Frustration

  Everbody Has an Agenda

  Some People Return, Some Do Not

  Up, Out, and Sling Away

  Equiped for Tracking

  More Equipment

  Flight to the Trailblazer

  A Surprising Welcome

  Confiscation

  Isolation Near a Tree City

  The Benefactor’s Representative

  Axis Mundi

  Forest City

  Mysterious Message

  Janae’s Expedition

  Ken’s Journey

  Connection

  Epilogue

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  Cover art by Dedefox

  This is a work of fiction. Well, obviously! This book is set in the Colony Ship Universe. If you are new to my writings, you can start with this book, or the first book in any of the other series. Check out the books in “The Colony Ship Eschaton” series, or “The Colony Ship Vanguard” series, or “The Colony Ship Conestoga” series, or the “Battle on the Marathon” which is a stand-alone novel.

  1

  Session of Frustration

  “What do you mean?” the fiery woman with short red hair exclaimed.

  “I always mean just what I said,” the reply came. “You are a dangerous person. That is my professional opinion, after fair and objective assessment of you. You are a dangerous person. Deaths have followed your actions.”

  “It was not my fault. The records clearly indicate that I completed the mission,” the redheaded woman stated firmly. She crossed her arms and stared at her accuser. “We discovered what had happened.”

  “You are always putting your own personal agendas above other people’s welfare. And at a staggering cost. Your body-language confirms that you know what I am saying is correct, but you obstreperously refuse to admit reality.”

  “Lunacy! You were not there! What do you know of reality?” the redhead shot back as she leapt up from the overstuffed chair. “Did you face the dust, radiation, or everything else? Have you ever, even a single time, left Dome 17? No. You sit on that big chair convinced of your own importance, but I, and others like me, do the dangerous work. Have you personally gone out into that deadly, barren, wasteland? Well, Doctor Larson, were you there?” The redhead pointed a finger at the still seated person. “Have you risked anything for our people? What?”

  “My, my, my, such an outburst. Some might call it a tantrum, but not me. I understand it is all about your subconscious suppression of the guilt you feel. It is not unreasonable guilt, not after what you did. Hostility toward yourself that is turned outward, but it is still your own hostility. You see, your hysterical theatrics have just proven my point,” replied Doctor Larson, her smugness unconcealed. “Your imagination is inflating the situation, confabulation, while diminishing your own role in its outcome. Jamie, you know you have a history of dubious reporting. I will have to make a note of this incident as part of my official report to the Committee.” Doctor Larson was seated with her legs folded under her, and her eyes never actually met Jamie’s. She was looking down at a small recording device. “It is sad, really. Just sad. I am afraid your inappropriate perception is worse than was reported. Our sessions will need to be expanded to address this ongoing delusion you have about your own virtues. Then we must address all the guilt you are carrying. I am not alone in my assessments. Even Michael has expressed concerns about you since you returned.”

  “This session is over, finished,” Jamie said in a soft and controlled voice. “I am leaving.”

  “You may only leave when I permit it,” Doctor Larson answered. “This session is not over. So, be a nice little girl and take your seat. Guilt over bad actions is…”

  “Artificial Intelligence Sequoia, get me out of this place,” Jamie commanded. “Immediately open the door. I am leaving. Override code A27J99.”

  A mechanical voice emanated from some hidden speakers, “Yes, Jamie. The door is opening for you now.”

  “Inappropriately misusing your advantages and standing as an adventurer is just a diversion. Just because the Committee allows all adventurers to have personal AIs does not mean those systems can be used for personal agendas. Running away from your psycho-social problems will not help you. Escapism and abuse of power just is further evidence that you are a danger to yourself and others,” Doctor Larson stated. “It will all be in my incident report. The Committee will be informed of your noncompliance, your abuse of your special status, and your harboring of immense levels of shame and guilt. I will recommend suspension of your AI privileges. Only those who are emotionally stable should have a personal AI.”

  “Only on that single, last, point do we agree,” Jamie retorted as she strolled toward the now open doorway. “Personal artificial intelligence systems should only be for those who are worthy of them. That explains why you do not have one, and never will.”

  The hallway outside the counselor’s office had walls a light tan color, as were most of the corridors and common living spaces inside Dome 17. Jamie stepped out and the door dilated shut behind her. If Doctor Larson said anything else, it was cut off by the door. Jamie’s freckled face was tight with determination, frustration, and no small amount of anger. Yet, she was in steady control of herself. She walked with purpose, her lithe body testifying to her physical fitness. She wore the typical Dome 17 clothing, but moved like the fit athlete she was.

  “Jamie? How can I help?” Janae asked.

  Turning abruptly, Jamie looked at the small waiting room which was off to the side of the hallway. Two people were seated there. She let out a sigh of relief as she recognized two other adventurers, Janae and Ken.

  “Janae, it is just,” Jamie hesitated as she looked at Janae, then over at Ken. She shook her head. The she blew out a long breath. “You should see Doctor Chambers instead, if you can get an appointment. He is a competent professional, not like this, counselor.”

  Janae stood and reached out to Jamie. “I know you endured a terrible thing at Dome 3. I saw the videos. I am so very sorry.”

  Jamie pulled back, but looked at Janae, whose expressive light-colored brown eyes invited trust and acceptance. Janae’s complexion was not as fair as Jamie’s, but much lighter than Ken who also sat in the waiting room. Janae brushed some of her golden-blonde hair back over her shoulder, to hide the blocked attempt she had made to touch Jamie, and just gave Jamie a small smile.

  “See Doctor Chambers instead,” Jamie repeated.

  “Doctor Chambers is booked solid for the foreseeable future,” Janae stated.

  “That is what I was told as well,” Ken said as he rose also. “Hello Jamie, sorry it went poorly with this counselor.” His black hair was short and tightly twisted near to his head. His short beard matched the color of his head’s hair. “And I too feel for you on that mission. No one understands what those missions are like, except for those of us who actually go.”

  “Thanks Ken. You speak from experience, I respect that. Well, I am done with her—for now at least—unless I am mandated to return,” Jamie said. “What can the Cou
nsel do, force me to attend? I must get away from here, sorry.”

  Janae and Ken watched as Jamie strode away. The confidence in Jamie’s walk had not been shaken much, and both of them noted that. After Jamie was out of ear-shot, they returned to their seats.

  “Jamie certainly deserved better than that,” Janae said. “I mean, did you see that horrible situation from Dome 3?”

  “Indeed, that was truly nasty.” Ken rubbed his eyes with his hands, as if trying to wash away what he had seen. Few people talked about Dome 3, not even among the adventurers. “Dreadful business that. I wonder who released it, since it was not officially acknowledged by the Committee.”

  Janae laughed, “If anyone discovers who released it, Cammarry will tell us.”

  “I know that is right.” He looked over at her with his pale blue eyes. They contrasted dramatically with his dark skin, and black hair. He asked, “Well, until we find that out, let me ask you something. Janae, why are you here?”

  “I went on an exploring mission with Ian and Beth. After that, I was informed I should seek counseling.”

  Ken paused for a moment and tipped his head. “But all three of you returned safely. You and that team just found another dead dome, but no casualties to Dome 17 personnel, right?”

  Unconsciously, Janae massaged her thick brown eyebrows, with her fingertips. “Correct. No physical causalities, but I was asked to come for a post-mission counseling reevaluation. All of that dome died about seventy-five years ago from a strange mutated pathogen.” She crossed her legs and sighed. “Our RAM suits kept us perfectly safe, and the data sticks recorded what we found. Radiation levels there were quite hot, even inside their dome. But no worries, we got back safe and sound, with all the records we could uncover. John analyzed the records on that pathogen at great length and said it was some bizarre mutation which created a hybrid cross between what had once been the old-world’s Desmodesmus armatus and Phycodnaviridae. Of course, our biologist, John, would not make it sound so simple—you know how John is—but the bottom line is we are safe. Our water chips, filters, and recyclers—here in Dome 17—have been eliminating all pathogens like that for decades. No risk at all to us. That mutated pathogen is long dead, like everything else biological outside of here.”

  Ken tapped the sidewall. “Glad to have permalloy between us and that toxic wasteland outside, right? Oh, sure, it is undeniably sad that you found Dome 21 was not as well equipped as we are here. I am not trying to belittle the death of all those people, so long ago, but honestly, Dome 21 was nothing to lose a good night’s sleep over. Just like Dome 9—another bad end—which we adventurers uncovered. I went there with Beth and Hobart, and we got back safely. Had a bit of a problem with the fusion truck, but other than that, we all got back.”

  “Beth is a great adventurer, and it would take a lot to slow down Hobart. Ken, why are you here then?” One of Janae’s dark brown eyebrows lifted. Her hair was distinctly different color from her eyebrows, but Ken found it a pleasing combination. He was looking at her and considering.

  She had to repeat herself, “Ken, I asked why you are here?”

  “Sorry, I was just pondering.”

  “I am pretty sure I know what you were pondering,” Janae replied ruefully. “So, seriously, why are you here?”

  Ken gave a grin as he had always found Janae’s physical features appealing. “I guess the same as you, I was instructed to have a post-mission reevaluation. Since Doctor Chambers had no openings, here I am.” Ken gave her a wink.

  “I hoped that was why you were here, and not just stalking me,” Janae smiled again. “There are a multitude of more approachable women for those kinds of pursuits.”

  “Indeed. Rest assured—stalking is not my style—I was told to come here for counseling. As Cammarry has told everyone already, and as was in my team’s official reports, there is no Dome 9. Not now anyway. Has not been for a long time. Oh, sure, we found where it had been, once upon a time. Now, it is just a huge hole in the ground with massive levels of radiation. RAM suits held up nicely enough, but levels of radioactivity around that Dome 9 crater were twelve times higher than the typical places were traversed. All deadly—no need to tell you about that—radiation everywhere, almost goes without saying, right? Curiously, we did recover some relics from before the Great Event. Found those about five kilometers out from that atomic blast crater.”

  “The official report said the atomic blast idea was just a hypothesis,” Janae replied. “However, I heard about that twenty-seven volume library you copied. Jerome was very excited about that, so I heard.”

  “Beth was impressed that those old paper things could survive too. Just a lucky break that was, right? Those paper book’s pages barely survived being gently turned and scanned. Crumbled into nothingness after scanning. Yes, it is all in the archives. We saw some antique mechanical devices there too. Willie has been reviewing those scans and designs. Looked like old and useless junk to me, but you know me, mechanical engineering is not my strong suit. I much prefer interpersonal interactions, and dynamic relationships. Alas, as the Committee suggested, I was told to come for counseling. Doctor Chambers had no openings. But at least I have the pleasure of waiting here with a beautiful woman.”

  “You tried to see Doctor Chambers? I would have thought a session with Doctor Larson was more your style,” Janae replied as she dismissed his flirtation. She did not mind his amorous attentions, she just did not feel the same way toward him, but she knew he was, at heart, a good adventurer. “Yes, I would have thought you would have come here first, since Doctor Chambers is a male, and Doctor Larson is a female.”

  “I am not always after a tryst,” Ken laughed, “well, okay, maybe I am.” He held up his hands in mock surrender. “Guilty as charged. Hum, now considering Doctor Larson, well, perhaps?” He again winked at Janae, “I prefer romance to a tragedy, for sure.” He rubbed his face a bit. “However, after all, every romance, if followed far enough along ends up a tragedy, am I right?”

  Janae rolled her eyes.

  “Yes, I admit it. There are some women naturally immune to my magnificent charms.”

  She grinned back at him. It was an old joke, and his coquettishness was nothing new to Janae, or to anyone else in Dome 17. She said to him, “Well, we are not age-mates, you being five years older than I am. Perhaps, that is the difference, but I am fairly confident you have leapt from age-mate group to group a few different times already. So, look at what life has brought you. Here you are and now you have a big chance with Doctor Larson. It must be fate, right?”

  “Hardly. I make my own fate. However, now that I consider it,” Ken rolled his eyes in teasing contemplation, as he shuddered his shoulders. “I am looking for competence. Besides, I spoke with others about our good doctor here. Paul echoed what we saw happen with Jamie. This session is nothing I want to do, but I will just dance my way through. Besides, there are much more potentially profitable avenues of exploration.”

  “Nearly fifteen hundred of them, right?” Janae teased by stating the rough population of all of Dome 17.

  “Well, I have not kept score,” he winked again, “and one must exclude all those in the elder care unit, and of course those under twenty. No, scratch that, exclude those under twenty-five. Now, factoring all that in, I estimate the number of potential candidates for me is,” he paused. “Let me ask my own AI. Oh, Rubirosa, how many eligible people are in Dome 17 for my romantic endeavors?”

  Janae suppressed a chuckle at his levity, although she also knew he was a very popular man with many of the women she knew. However, she did not share their affections for Ken.

  Another mechanical voice answered, this one somewhat husky and low, “Ken, that is a difficult number to conjecture. Eligibility is a nebulous term. Shall I factor in those who have rejected your advances previously, but might reconsider, or those who have ongoing relationships with you—be they intermittently—or routinely, or only those who have not yet been intimately involved in your li
fe?”

  Janae laughed, but put a hand over her mouth.

  “Oh, Rubirosa, to think of it all. You, my own personal artificial intelligence and compatriot, saying such a thing! I fear you are besmirching my good reputation and character.”

  “Character? The truth proceeds your AI’s conjectures,” Janae bantered back. “Perhaps my own AI, Kovalevsky, should run those estimates?”

  “Janae, you are fortunate to be a person who has found relationship contentment,” Ken replied.

  She smiled at him, and her eyes twinkled.

  “Oh, the looks you give! You have been listening to the wrong people. Not all of Cammarry’s stories are accurate. Sure, among the many things I admire about Cammarry is her ability as a raconteur. However, sometimes those tales are just rumors and innuendoes. Besides, what harm is there for me to search for love?”

  “Is it the search you enjoy, or the love at the end?” Janae asked playfully.

  “Now, that is something to be considered. A brilliant question, from a woman of dazzling beauty. Or, I could say a dazzling question from a woman of brilliant beauty?” Ken replied with a wide grin.