Starship Genesis

by Linda M. Miller

  “Right.” I acknowledge.

  “Come on. I’ll go back with you.” Talon says.

  We make our way back to the ship through the blue ray and head down to the lower portion of the hull where the medical galley lays. Talon grabs a medical bag and throws everything he can find in it. He then grabs bottles from his private stash.

  “We’ll definitely need some of this.” he adds. We grab pillows and blankets

  and then return to the cave.

  “Korban, it took you both two hours.” Cassie states.

  “You must be right about the time portal, Talon.”

  “Here, Noah, let me check your nose.”

  “Don’t touch it. I can’t stand it.” Noah yells.

  “Here, drink up.” Talon hands him one of the bottles of his private wine. Noah takes a long drink, and then asks about the others.

  “All dead.” I answer.

  “There’s no way we could have saved them.” He comments.

  Talon proceeds to wipe Noah’s face and bandage his nose. “Now you need to lay down and just rest, Noah.” He orders. Noah is incoherent. “That should help him sleep for at least a couple of hours.”

  “We’re going to have to build a fire to keep warm tonight, although I don’t know with what. We must be at least 13,000 feet up and that means it gets colder at night.” I stand at the mouth of the cave and it is late in the day. I look out and notice a beautiful emerald lake that the stream flows into. It is also glacier fed. Further down about 4,000 feet I can see a tree line.

  “Trees,” I say. “We can gather firewood if we hurry. We’ll need it before night hits. Talon, I’ll need your help again.”

  “Uggghhhhhhhhh.” Deonna awakens. “Where am I?”

  “Deonna, easy. It looks like your right leg is broken. Don’t try to move yet.” Cassie advises.

  “I remember being sucked outside of the ship and falling into very deep snow.” Deonna adds.

  “We’re in a cave now.” Cassie answers.

  “Air...” Deonna adds. “We’re breathing real air.”

  “Talon is going to have to reset your leg, Deonna.” She acknowledges and lays down.

  Talon and I reach the trees. He’s gathering kindling and I pull several long branches that can be divided.

  “Hopefully, this will get us through the night.” I say. We return to the cave. It’s an uphill climb. Cassie waits at the cave opening.

  “Talon, Deonna’s awake.” she says.

  “Good. Let me look at that leg, Deonna.” He feels her leg and she shudders. He then quickly pulls her leg to set it as she screams.

  “Talon! Are you trying to kill me?”

  “Sorry.” Talon says. “I had to reset your leg.”

  Deonna tries to relax as the tears flow. Talon pulls out some wipes and cleanses her face.

  “You’re leg is going to be fine, Deonna. As soon as I find my kit, I’ll scan it and fuse the bones back together.”

  “Thanks.” She coughs. “I think. Who saved me?” she asks.

  “Korban.” Cassie answers. “He saved us all.”

  “The others?”

  “All dead on impact.” Talon adds.

  “It’s all my fault. I caused all of this.” Deonna exclaims.

  “No,” I answer carrying a load of firewood in. “It’s no one’s fault. In fact, I’ve been giving this a lot of thought, Deonna. First, we have a new home. On our way to the tree line, we could see the valley. It’s lush. The time portal must have shifted us to thousands of years into the future.” I pause. “This fits the visions I’ve been having.”

  “True,” Cassie echoes.

  “By now, our people would have settled the entire Seth solar system.” Talon notes.

  “We don’t have a way to return. We’re stranded here indefinitely,” he adds. “And we don’t know if the portal shifts on both sides or not.”

  “We can rely on the ship still for some resources, but our immediate needs are to survive on this planet.” I tell them.

  “Korban, we need to bury our crew members before we do anything.”

  “Yes, Korban.” Cassie adds. “We can bury them on this side of the portal.”

  “What about the life seeds we’ve planted?” Deonna asks.

  “Too late.” Talon remarks. “Right now, I’m asking myself how much work the eggs have done here as opposed to natural evolution.”

  “Don’t forget, we have a few escape pods in the ship.” Noah adds. “That part of the ship is in the past time frame. So we could use the escape pods to recover the life seeds we’ve planted.”

  “It might be too dangerous, Noah.” Talon states. “But we could set up a rescue beacon to other ships from our home quadrant.”

  I cut wood into various sizes with a laser and stack into a large pile. Then ignite the fire with the laser.

  “Let’s go back to the ship and grab my scanner. I need it to scan Deonna’s leg.”

  “We’ll be back soon with rations as well. Are you girls okay by yourselves?”

  “We really don’t have a choice with Deonna’s leg, do we?” Cassie replies. “We could use a comb for Deonna’s hair if you find one.”

  “Will do.” Talon replies. Talon, Noah, and I return to the ship for the scanner and rations. We put our helmets on this time to protect ourselves from the wind.

  “I’ll set the rescue beacon, first.” I tell Noah. “You check on the escape pods.”

  Noah shakes his head in reply. I make my way up to the navigation again. The storm has settled down a little. I pull out the console and set the beacon.

  Noah returns.

  “Korban, only one of the pods is flyable.

  “The storm has stopped. And it’s still daytime on this side, while it’s getting dark on the other.” Talon searches for the scanner and extra rations.

  We grab everything and head back to the cave. The moon lights our way in the dark.

  “Korban,” Cassie notes. “You were gone for three and a-half hours.”

  “The fire went out while you were gone.” Deonna says.

  “I’m sorry you’re cold.”

  Talon hands Cassie a comb and scans the logs. The logs immediately ignite, but Talon almost burns himself in the process.

  “Talon,” Deonna reacts. “Are you alright?”

  “I think I burned some of my hair.” He laughs.

  “Nice fire Talon,” Noah pats him on the shoulder.

  Cassie helps me pass out food rations and drinks, while Talon scans Deonna’s right leg. He scans her leg up and down and takes it around her leg in the same fashion.

  “Okay, Deonna. That should stop the pain as well. But you should keep the splint for a couple of days until the bones strengthen.”

  “Thank you, Talon.” she responds.

  “Get some sleep, everyone. Talon, Noah, and I can take shifts to keep the fire going and keep a watch for animals in the area.”

  “I’ll take the first shift,” Noah offers.

  “And I’ll go second shift.” Talon follows.

  “Very good. Good night.” I stare at the fire and its warmth surprises me. I finally drift off. No dreaming this night. My mind is at peace, finally. Talon wakes me for the third shift. The fire is still burning bright. I arise and stand by the cave opening and watch the stars disappear as dawn hastens. I hear Cassie whimpering and check on her.

  “Not much for accommodations in these parts.” I tell her. I know Cass is not fond of the outdoors like I am.

  “Yeah. Really lousy service.” she adds. “What can I get you?” I ask.

  “I just want to know that we are going to make it. Are we ever going to see civilization again?” I smile and contemplate on TerraNorre’s demise. The horrifying experience makes me shudder.

  “Korban, if that blue haze is really a time portal, couldn’t we control it and go back in time and change everything?” she asks.

  “I keep thinking about that; if we could save the crew members’ lives; but I don�
�t know how we could control the portal; especially when it has thrusted us forward tens of thousands of years. It seems to go forward, not backwards, Cass.”

  “Korban, what are you not telling me?” she starts to cry. “I’m sorry. I just can’t get the other crew members that died out of my head.”

  “I’m concerned about us getting split up between time zones and losing track of each other.” I add. “But Cass...we have a new world, and it’s better than Seth 5.” I caress her forehead, and she falls asleep. I continue to look out the cave and look up. This mountain has two peaks just like I saw in my dream.

  INQUIRIES

  CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY

  “Morning, Dr. Moberly,” my assistant greets me. “I just put your mail on your console. Would you care for some tea?”

  “Yes, thank you, Ms. Moore.” I grab my mail and open the blinds. Then I situate myself at my desk. Ms. Moore returns with tea.

  “Sir, you received this package from Dr. Vaughan. I believe he’s a student of yours.”

  “Yes, I trained Matt. His forensics skills are promising. His team is carrying out a dig down in Peru. I sponsored Matt to get on that project at the University of Albemarle.” I look at the package and open it. “What are you trying to sell me now, Matt?”

  I spread the rubbings carefully on my desk to study them. My assistant remains to view Matt’s rubbing as well.

  “You know, Ms. Moore, I’ve spent many sabbaticals in Egypt, parts of Iraq, and Iran in the early 60-70’s. But I’m getting on in my years. I believe it is time for the next generation to take over.”

  Ms. Moore laughs. “Sir, I think you still have some of it left in you.”

  “You’re too kind. But some day you’ll understand.”

  I study the glyphs closely. “What is this?” I’m startled at what I see.

  “Those characters look Egyptian, Dr. Moberly.”

  “Ms. Moore, these characters go beyond Egyptian. They’re Chaldaic characters. They probably date back to the Abrahamic period in Ancient Ur! That’s 300-500 years after the flood!

  “Look at this...The name Imhotep clearly stands out!” I remove my glasses for a moment and wipe my forehead.

  “Imhotep? He goes back to the pyramid building eras, doesn’t he?” Ms. Moore asks.

  “Imhotep is associated with ancient Egypt when Egypt had great influence over the world, both religious and governmental. But how could an ancient Egyptian’s name inscription...in the Chaldaic no less...end up in South America? Imhotep! This has to be a coincidence.”

  “Sir, if I remember correctly, legends of Imhotep tell us that he was a healer, master builder, and a leader.”

  “Imhotep was a man of mystery and Egyptian legend. There are no clues as to what happened to him. But the Egyptians later named their god of medicine after him. And he wasn’t really a ruler. He was more of an advisor to King Zoser.”

  “Wasn’t King Zoser around 2100 B.C.” she asked.

  “That’s right. Could it be that the tomb of Imhotep lies in Central or South America? Think of what a discovery that would be! Get Vaughan on the phone for me, will you please?” I stare at the glyphs in amazement.

  “Go ahead, Sir.” Ms. Moore says.

  I pick up my phone and find Ray, Matt’s partner, on the other end.

  “Ray, so good to talk to you. How’s the family?”

  “Dr. Moberly? We’ve been waiting to hear from you, Sir. The kids are well. They’re getting close to school age. Did you get our package?

  “I did, Ray. I’m simply speechless. Is that Matt around anywhere?”

  “Matt’s on TDY doing a dive down in Southern Chesapeake this morning.”

  “Well, Ray, I have to say your findings are remarkable. These characters date back to the Chaldaic period and to Imhotep, nonetheless. This is as rare a find as you can get!”

  “Thanks, Dr. Moberly. We came to the same conclusion. But ‘Imhotep’? Who would have thought? Matt is going to love this!”

  “Well, be a good bean and have him call me when he’s back in town, please.” I ask him.

  “I certainly will, Sir. Thanks for calling!” We both hang up.

  ABERMARLE

  Ray hangs up the phone and contemplates what he has just been told.

  “Did you say Imhotep?” Leesa asks. “Who was Imhotep?”

  “Well,” Ray answers. “Legends give him another name and describes how he had been given authority from Pharaoh, King Zoser, to do anything he could, when Egypt was in danger. In the end, he saved Egypt.”

  “The mummy that held the box is even stranger,” Leesa continues. “Red hair? It’s become darkened over the years with age, but that hair is definitely red.”

  “Does Moberly know about the jewel and the mummy yet?” Leesa asks.

  “Not yet.” Ray replies.

  “I was kidding Matt about Leprechauns and their gold. This project keeps getting more mysterious.”

  “How does she fit in with Imhotep?” Ray asks. “It’s obvious she had been respected by the people. Of all the tombs and mummified remains found, she was the one the natives had given the stone box with the so-called egg and gold plate inside it.”

  “She must have been like a goddess to those people” Leesa added.

  “What about these other glyphs inside the box?”

  “Well, they’re not as skillfully carved as the characters on the outside, and these characters resemble writings that are recognizable as being native to the Americas.” Ray comments.

  “And the gold plate the egg jewel stands on?” She asks.

  “The translation, rough as it is, probably references a map with details about its location.” Ray answers. “But look closer. It’s like the map references a high mountain pass with twin peaks. It also references a strange blue gate.”

  “Which mountain? “Leesa asks. “There are a lot of mountains in that area. But what do they mean by a blue gate?”

  “Gates to cities and buildings are often important features of security. And why a blue gate? Maybe it refers to a place where royalty lived, or a storage place for their riches. Or, maybe a place where there are more egg-shaped stones like this one?”

  “I’m going to leave a short message for Matt,” He advises. Ray phones Matt and gets voicemail.

  “Matt, this is Ray. Dr. Moberly called and we need to discuss his findings as early as possible. It’s best to not discuss over the phone. Let’s get together with the crew first thing Monday morning.

  A NEW PARTNERSHIP

  It’s a long drive from up to Bethesda, from Chesapeake, Va. I’m running late and I didn’t have time to change out of my diving apparel. Thankfully, the temp is only 70 degrees and it’s early May. My car phone rings.

  “Matt, where are you?” asks Kim, my Fiancé. “Matt, the caterer is going to reschedule with us because she has another appointment. Are you okay?” she asks.

  “Yeah, I just got stuck in traffic, that’s all.” That’s what I get for the extra hard work I just put in. “Honey, I’m sorry. I’ll make it up to you. We can have dinner, alright?”

  “That sounds good. But I’m working tonight, remember?”

  “Oh yeah. I’ll drop by to see you and bring some take-out.”

  “Can’t, we’re holding a night class on heart surgery with the school.”

  “Okay, well let me know when you’re available, alright?”

  “Will do, Matt. Love you, bye!” I’m driving my favorite road. It’s the George Washington Memorial Parkway that parallels the Potomac River; a very scenic drive past the Pentagon and Washington, D.C. I pass under the bridge to McLean and come upon a large SUV at a standstill in front of me. It’s too late for me to stop and I clip the SUV’s fender trying to dodge it. Thankfully, it’s minor. But to my realization it has happened in front of the gate of a high security agency facility in northern Virginia.

  Even worse, I’m unprepared in my attire for such an event. I step out of the van dressed in a plain black wet suit. The drive
r of the other vehicle activates his overhead lights.

  “Oh Great!” I notice. He’s a cop, and I’m looking like a frogman. The driver steps out of his black SUV and is wearing a dark business suit and dark sun glasses. He’s obviously sizing me up. He approaches my van while a police car at the gate joins him. Two officers get out with hands on guns.