Ep.#5 - Balance (The Frontiers Saga - Part 2: Rogue Castes)

by Ryk Brown

  “If everything is working properly, it is,” Loki said. “But if something goes wrong, it helps if you know how to hand-fly.”

  “How often does something go wrong?” Neli wondered.

  “On this ship, too often,” Josh mumbled.

  Neli looked concerned.

  “Don’t worry,” Loki assured her. “All you guys have to do is one automated takeoff and then an automated landing on the Aurora.”

  “We gotta land this thing on the Aurora?” Marcus asked, seeming more worried than he was willing to admit.

  “Please tell me the Aurora has remote auto-flight capabilities,” Neli said.

  “Thanks for the vote of confidence,” Marcus grumbled.

  “Don’t worry,” Josh said, “it does.”

  The Seiiki’s nose dipped without warning.

  “I didn’t do that,” Marcus said. “Did I?”

  “Rakuen Control has taken over,” Josh said. “Now we just sit back and enjoy the ride.”

  “And keep an eye on all the systems, in case something goes wrong,” Loki added.

  “That too,” Josh agreed.

  Tiny flashes of red, orange, and yellow began to appear around the ship as the Seiiki’s thermal shields made contact with the thin upper atmosphere of Rakuen.

  “Thermal shields, right?” Neli asked.

  “Yup,” Josh replied.

  “Something that you should probably keep an eye on during atmospheric entry,” Loki suggested.

  “What happens if it fails?” Neli asked, unsure if she wanted to hear the answer.

  “We won’t fry, if that’s what you’re worried about,” Josh replied.

  “But we will have a lotta shit to fix on the exterior,” Marcus added.

  “It could be a potential problem, depending on the thickness of the atmosphere,” Loki told her. “Rakuen’s atmosphere is pretty thin, about half that of Earth’s. If we lost the shields during descent into Earth’s atmosphere, we might have a problem.”

  “But we’re not going to have to land this thing on Earth, right?” Neli asked.

  “To be honest, I don’t really know,” Loki admitted. “The captain hasn’t told us what the plan is yet.”

  “That’s because no one’s told me yet,” Nathan said as he topped the ladder and stepped in behind Josh, moving to his left to make room for Vladimir coming up the ladder behind him.

  “Seriously?” Josh exclaimed.

  “We’re still waiting for intel from the Sol sector,” Nathan added.

  The flashes of atmospheric plasma striking the Seiiki’s thermal shields began to fade away as the ship penetrated the upper cloud deck, which typically covered the majority of Rakuen’s skies. As Vladimir peered forward between Josh and Loki, the clouds parted, revealing a vast ocean peppered with thousands of tiny islands.

  “Bozhe moi,” Vladimir gasped in wonder. “So much water.”

  “Ninety percent of Rakuen’s surface is covered with water,” Loki told them.

  “Incredible,” Vladimir added.

  “It’s not that deep, though,” Josh commented.

  Everyone looked at him.

  “What?” Josh wondered. “It’s not.”

  “He’s right, actually,” Loki admitted. “If I remember correctly, the deepest parts are only a few thousand meters.”

  “It is still a lot of water,” Vladimir insisted. “So, the people here live on the islands?”

  “Some,” Loki replied. “But most of the islands are fairly mountainous. The ones that aren’t are used for agriculture. Most of the population lives in floating cities.”

  “Floating?” Vladimir looked skeptical. “How do they keep from floating away?”

  “They’re anchored in place and usually surrounded by a seawall,” Loki explained. “They’re commonly positioned in shallower waters around or between islands.”

  “There,” Josh announced, pointing out the port front window.

  Everyone looked out at the ocean rising up toward them. Ahead of them was a complex assembly of overlapping circles surrounded by a single, much larger perimeter that encompassed the inner groupings. As the Seiiki descended, details began to appear; each circle revealing spokes that made them look like wheels floating on a calm ocean.

  “Amazing,” Vladimir gasped.

  “Yeah, it’s really something,” Nathan agreed.

  “You’ve been here before?”

  “A few times,” Nathan replied, “as Connor Tuplo.”

  “How many of these floating cities are there?” Vladimir wondered.

  “A few hundred, at least,” Nathan guessed.

  “Actually, there are eleven hundred thirty-eight floating cities on Rakuen,” Loki corrected. “Although most of them are not that large and they’re not all circular, either.”

  “Where are we going to land?” Vladimir asked.

  “They don’t have big spaceports like most worlds,” Nathan told him. “Instead, they have landing pads all over the place. Every city has at least one, while the larger cities have several. That’s the city of Yokino.”

  Loki glanced at the auto-flight data display. “Looks like we’re going to pad eighteen on the northwest side of the city.”

  “That should put us close to the financial district,” Nathan said. “And I’m sure the Ranni plant will send a shuttle for Deliza.”

  “We should be setting down in a few minutes,” Josh announced.

  “Do I have to do anything?” Marcus asked, hoping the answer was no.

  “When the auto-flight status annunciators flash ‘accept landing’, press the flashing button to allow them to land us,” Josh instructed as if Marcus should have been able to figure that much out for himself.

  “After checking that our gear is down and locked,” Loki added.

  “Well, yeah,” Josh replied, rolling his eyes.

  “Gentlemen, I’ll leave you to get us safely on the ground,” Nathan announced, turning to head back down the ladder.

  Vladimir moved into the middle of the cockpit after Nathan left, to get a better look at the city below. “This is incredible.”

  “Yeah, and they’ve got great seafood, as well,” Josh said.

  * * *

  Robert Nash stopped packing his small travel duffel just long enough to answer the knock at his cabin door.

  “You wanted to see me, sir?” Commander Boynton said from the open doorway.

  “Come in, Jas,” Robert instructed, returning to his packing. “And close the door.”

  Commander Boynton stepped inside and closed the door. “Going for another excursion?” he asked.

  “Yes, only this time, I may be gone for several days.”

  “Where are you going?”

  Robert paused for a second. “Sorry, that’s classified.”

  “I suppose it has something to do with the message you received today?”

  “How did you know about that?”

  “I’m you’re XO,” the commander replied. “It’s my job to know.”

  “I’m taking a SAR shuttle this time,” Robert said as he closed up his duffel.

  “The one that Hardy disabled the transponder on.”

  Robert looked at the commander, surprised.

  “XO,” the commander reminded him.

  “Right.”

  “Captain…”

  “Don’t ask, Jas,” Robert interrupted. “You know I can’t tell you.”

  “Why the hell would they send you, of all people?”

  “Let’s just say that I have particular experiences and contacts that are required for this assignment.”

  “What do I tell the crew?” the commander wondered.

  “Nothi
ng. They’ll get the hint.”

  Commander Boynton shook his head. “I’m not liking this, Captain.”

  “Yeah, well, neither am I, to be honest,” Robert said. “But that’s life in the service.”

  “What are your orders while you’re gone?” Commander Boynton asked.

  “Just maintain our patrol corridor.” Robert looked at the young man who had been his right hand for the last fifteen months. He was a good man, one of several who had served under him on their way to getting their own ship. He wanted to tell the commander that he was about to become the Tanna’s new commanding officer, but that would raise suspicions; ones the commander would be compelled to report to command, and that could ruin everything. “One more thing. Go comms silent until I get back.”

  “If we miss a check-in…”

  “Command will think we’re on a hot track. They won’t bat an eye for at least three or four days. If I’m not back in five…” He looked at the commander.

  “Then?”

  “Then you take command and report me overdue.”

  “Now you’re really making me nervous, Captain.”

  “Don’t be. You’ve got this, Commander.”

  “Yes, sir,” Commander Boynton replied, coming to attention. He offered his captain a salute, which Robert happily returned, then offered his hand. “Good luck, sir.”

  “To us all, Commander.” Robert picked up his duffel, grabbed his jacket and cap off the hook, and then opened the door. He turned back to the commander. “See you soon.”

  * * *

  Nathan and Jessica descended the Seiiki’s ramp to join the rest of the crew on the landing pad. Nathan took in a deep breath as he stepped off the cargo ramp. A cool hazy mist seemed to rise off the sea before dissipating into the breezy day, providing a stark contrast to the Seiiki’s dryer environment. Since he had left Earth nearly a decade ago, most of his life had been spent in the confines of the Aurora and the Seiiki. He cherished every opportunity to breathe the natural atmosphere of a living world.

  He looked around at the nearby buildings, gleaming cleanly in the muted Rakuen sunlight. Rakuen architecture had a unique blend of traditional Asian styling and high-tech modern sleekness.

  “What’s the plan?” Josh asked on behalf of everyone gathered.

  “Marcus, Neli, and Dalen, stay with the ship. Make sure she’s ready to go on a moment’s notice,” Nathan instructed.

  “You expecting trouble?” Marcus wondered.

  “No, but we weren’t expecting trouble on Palee, either.”

  “Fair enough. Can we get some chow first?”

  “There’s a place just down the street, to the left of the gate,” Loki suggested.

  Everyone looked at him.

  “I’ve been here before, remember?”

  “He’s right,” Deliza agreed, “about four buildings down, on the right. Try the fried scorridai with topa sauce. You won’t be sorry.”

  “Get it to-go,” Nathan insisted. “I don’t like the idea of leaving the Seiiki unattended.”

  “I’ll stay,” Dalen offered. “Just get me some of that scorridai stuff.”

  “Rossi and Anson will escort Deliza,” Jessica announced.

  “I don’t need an escort,” Deliza insisted. “This is Rakuen. It’s about as safe a place as you’ll find.”

  “But, we got all dressed up,” Corporal Rossi said, pulling at his business suit lapels.

  “Humor me,” Jessica insisted. “Besides, you’re carrying a credit chip worth eighty million, remember?”

  “It’s bio-linked,” Deliza reminded her.

  “Better to play it safe,” Nathan agreed, casting a determined expression toward Deliza.

  “Very well,” Deliza agreed. “Gentlemen, let’s go.”

  “What about us?” Josh asked, barely able to contain himself.

  Nathan smiled. “The rest of us are off to the races.”

  “Yes!” Josh exclaimed.

  * * *

  Captain Nash walked across the small shuttle bay and stepped up onto the boarding ladder to the search-and-rescue shuttle.

  “Were you just going to leave without saying goodbye?”

  Robert turned around to see his chief engineer, Lieutenant Commander Hardison, standing in the hatchway behind him.

  “I didn’t think anyone was around,” Robert answered. “Besides, I’ll be back.”

  “The hell you will,” the lieutenant commander disagreed. “A SAR bird, no transponder… You’re either doing something covert or something illegal.”

  “Or both,” Robert corrected, stepping back down.

  “Are you sure about whatever it is you’re about to do, Robert?” the lieutenant commander asked.

  “How long have we known each other, Hardy?” Robert asked.

  “Five years.”

  “Have you ever known me to be sure about anything?”

  “Nope. Not like that’s ever stopped you, though.”

  “Well, this time’s no different, believe me.”

  The lieutenant commander sighed. “Well, I put extra rations, a heavy assault rifle, and a sidearm in the storage locker behind the cockpit. I hope to God you don’t need them.”

  “Me too,” Robert replied, reaching out to shake his friend’s hand. “Don’t let the XO do anything stupid, Mike.”

  “I’ll keep an eye on him, Robert.” The lieutenant commander stepped back through the hatch. “Clear skies and tailwinds, Captain,” he said before he closed the hatch.

  Robert turned and climbed up the access ladder into the SAR shuttle, activating the close cycle on the hatch as he stepped inside. He moved forward, squeezing between the forward engine bulkheads and slipped into the pilot’s seat on the left side of the cramped cockpit. He flipped several switches, activating the shuttle’s startup sequencer, then punched in his authorization code. The shuttle’s control systems flickered to life and her four engines began to spin up. Within a few seconds, his status lights were all green.

  Robert turned to his left, looking out the window to the shuttle bay hatch. He gave the lieutenant commander a thumbs-up. Yellow lights began to flash inside the tiny shuttle bay, warning that the bay was about to depressurize. A few seconds later, the flashing lights changed from yellow to red, and finally to a softer, steady red.

  Robert waited patiently as the deck beneath the shuttle split down the middle and slid out from under him to either side. He leaned as close to the window as he could, looking down to see the star-filled abysm of space.

  After one last scan of his systems, Robert reached up with his right hand and pressed the launch button on the overhead console, grabbing onto the handrail next to the overhead console to steady himself. A moment later, the shuttle dropped like a rock out of the bay, propelled downward along short launch rails. He looked up through the overhead window above his left shoulder, watching the Tanna drift quickly up and away from him.

  Thirty seconds later, his ship, his home of over seven years, vanished from sight.

  * * *

  It had taken Nathan and the others less than an hour to catch one of the regular shuttles on the surface of Rakuen and make the trip to the race platform further out in the Rogen system. Immediately, their senses were assaulted by the Gunyoki races’ volley of color and noise. Even the tunnel from the shuttle to the race platform was lined with screens displaying the vid-feeds of a dozen vantage points along the racecourse, along with cockpit cameras and cameras mounted on the hulls of Gunyoki racers. There were even a fleet of nimble chase drones following the racers as they snaked and fought their way through the race.

  As they made their way through the transfer tunnel nearer to the main concourse, the din of yelling, cheering, and even singing got louder and louder.

&
nbsp; The main concourse itself was impressive, at least a hundred meters wide and a full kilometer in diameter. It was a giant oval tube, completely clear and cylindrical with a flattened walkway, and it completed itself, forming a massive circle. The inside wall, facing the great ring’s center, was lined with windows that revealed various race teams’ hangar bays. For every four bays, there were smaller clear conduits that led toward the center of the race platform.

  Large view screens were everywhere, strategically placed on the countless structural beams that encircled the concourse tube, ensuring that spectators stayed abreast of every moment of race action as they wandered about the platform.

  Outside, ships flew past at speeds so great they appeared as fleeting streaks of multi-colored light on a black backdrop. Slower racers constantly came and went from their hangars back out onto the racecourse, giving the spectators magnificent views of the ships, their thrusters firing as they maneuvered overhead.

  Over the clamor, announcers called the heats in progress, providing dramatic, rapid-fire descriptions of the action. Cheers of excitement and cries of disappointment filled the concourse, occasionally drowning out the public address systems.

  The cacophony of the crowds starkly contrasted the silence of the Gunyoki race ships outside. Nathan marveled at the ships as they passed overhead. “This is not what I expected,” he admitted as they walked.

  “This is fucking awesome!” Josh exclaimed. “Cap’n, I know what I want to do once we get rid of the Dusahn.”

  “Are you kidding?” Loki laughed. “Gunyoki pilots are dedicated, highly disciplined, and highly educated professionals. Not crazy young men who just happen to have a knack for flying. You wouldn’t last a single race.”

  “Dude, I’m deeply hurt,” Josh replied, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “A couple weeks of training and I’d give any of them a run for their money.”

  “No one ever accused you of lacking confidence, that’s for sure,” Jessica commented.

  “You think Deliza’s company would sponsor me?” Josh wondered.

  Loki rolled his eyes. “It would be best if you did not belittle the Gunyoki,” he urged. “The Rakuens take this sport very seriously. It stems from a long tradition dating back to the water wars between Rakuen and Neramese.”