"Sam, Sam! I know where we need to go and what we need to do!"
"Oh damn, I was just getting to the good parts."
"Get your manhood in check and follow me, we have a mission and we have to act fast."
"Go, I'm right behind you, hobbling like a three legged man." Tayana paid him no mind and led the way to the lab bay on the Terra Aurai. Grant and Sam had done a cursory examination of the ship when they boarded to install the power cell. Tayana made her way through the ship as if she was there before. Once in the lab bay she pointed to the large white plastic tanks lined up near the back of the lab. Sam had not noticed them when he was looking for drums of water to launch on the Anotokian ships. These tanks were much larger, about the size of a small recreational vehicle.
They were too big for Sam to maneuver alone so he discounted them, earlier. "What are these?"
"Sam, these are the seeds of life. These are the capsules my father launched into the atmosphere, releasing their contents as they circled the planet. They fall to the surface when they are empty."
"Seeds of life? What do you mean?"
"These capsules contain the seeds, DNA, and whatever else is needed to populate a planet. I must tell you, I have not been honest with you. I know more than I have led on. These were developed by my father and his team to bring life to new worlds, my world. I am a product of the Genesis Project."
Sam looked puzzled, then fully realized what Tayana said.
"You were created by one of these?"
"Not directly. My father and his team seeded this planet and some others. When they completed seeding they returned here and were astonished to see how rapidly everything was growing. As a joke, they added some human DNA into the mix as fertilized human eggs, wondering if it would create humans in a new environment. It worked. When they returned five years later they were greeted by young adults. My father and his co-captain were mesmerized by the beauty of the planet and the creatures they created. They mated with them. I was born here, along with others."
Sam's mind was a whirl, so many thoughts, so many questions. "So if they left Earth three hundred years ago at approximately the same age I am, seeded the planet, and returned five years later, then conceived children, it would make you approximately 163 years old. It can't be."
"Sam, it is true. I lost count of my years, but on this planet years do not mean what they mean on your Earth. I am physically the same age as you, but my mental abilities are more advanced, I've had longer to practice. My father was a great teacher and a great man, I mourn his loss daily."
"I'm sorry you lost your father. From what I gather he was an intelligent man. He knew you'd out live him and he planned accordingly." "How did you survive the fire on the planet?"
"My father invented a device, it created an impenetrable barrier. It encompassed the entire village. I had the villagers leave because I was unsure I could retrieve the device and make it function. It is a complex device, thankfully, with fairly simple instructions. The village is intact, but there is no life left there to sustain us. No animals, no plants, and no water. It will replenish over time, but we would not survive until then."
"So, why did you bring me here?" Sam knew part of what Tayana told him. He and Grant had discovered much of it in the crashed shuttle.
"Sam, we need to launch one or two of these containers over the planet. If I'm correct, it will take a few years for our planet to return to what it once was. Will you help me do this, for me, for my people?"
Sam could not deny it, her idea was good, but where would they go in the interim? "We need to discuss this with Grant. He is my captain and I cannot make the decision without him, but I'm sure he will be on board with your plan."
"Thank you Sam!" She gave him a huge hug as tears of joy rolled down her cheeks. "I feel I have let my people down, I have to make things right for them."
"I understand, Tayana, I'm on your side!"
He tapped his communicator, "Grant, please come to the lab on the Terra Aurai." His tone was direct and his intentions were true.
Grant felt the urgency and made haste. "So, what's been going on in here?" He was trying to be light hearted, but his voice was tense.
"Grant, Tayana has a great idea and I agree with her, Tayana."
"I called Sam into a private meeting to read his memories. He was aboard this ship longer than you and I needed complete silence to find what I was looking for. My father described these containers to me when I was younger." She pointed to the large containers. "They contain what is needed to create life on the planet below. We need to launch a couple of them into the upper atmosphere. They will empty while they orbit the planet. The seeds, DNA, and everything else will begin rebuilding the planet. Sam thought it best to include you in the decision. The planet will be livable within two to three years, and then we can return. What do you think?"
Grant pondered for a moment and said, "Where will you stay for the next two to three years? The seeds are over 200 years old, we do not know if the release mechanisms will work, and we do not know the procedure or sequence to make them work properly." With a shrug and a sigh, "We fly by the seat of our pants on a regular basis, I'm all for launching them with no instructions."
Tayana was delighted; she mashed her body against his in a tight embrace. "Thank you!" With a quick look at Sam, "both of you!"
"With the Terra Aurai cloaked we can launch the containers. The other ships might detect the containers since they are large, but they'll see liquid in them and leave them alone. Let's get moving. I pray this works. We need to determine where you and your people will live for the next two to three years."
Sam gave it some thought and offered, "Grant, Tayana told me her father seeded several other planets in the region, they could relocate on one of them."
"Great idea Sam. We can continue our research."
"We can also continue the research Captain's Coke and Morgan began so many years ago. In many ways they were more advanced than we are, so long ago. We have a lot to learn my friend."
"Sounds like a plan, what are your thought's Tayana?"
"It's a good idea. We can live there then return to our planet when it is time."
"Sam, ready the containers. How many are we launching?"
"For now, two. We could be seeding our own planets. There are a dozen of those things back there. I'm not sure how many they started with, but two seems like a good start." As they prepared to launch he thought about what Tayana said earlier. Her father put fertilized human eggs in the mix. What did it mean for the other planets? They were not guided by their creators? He kept the thought to himself.
He remembered the egg shaped vessel he found in the Gemo2 and the warning with it."I'll be right back, gotta use the head."
Grant gave him a quizzical look as he left the lab bay. He let it go and readied the containers for launch.
Sam raced to his quarters to retrieve the vessel. "Grant would be pissed if he knew what I was up to." He opened the vessel and retrieved a vial of the accelerator Captain Morgan had described. The instructions were clear. 'Do not break or open the vial. Insert one into the container via the valve. The vial will dissolve into the solution.' Again, there was a warning. 'This has not been tested. We do not know the full outcome of introducing it to the solution. Good luck!' He closed the vessel and returned to the lab.
"Whew, couldn't hold it any longer. Is everything ready? I'll check the valves to make sure they're functioning properly." He climbed a ladder to the valve on top, opened it, and gently inserted the vial. "I pray I'm doing the right thing," he said to himself. He released the vial. He quickly checked the valve on the other tank and gave them a thumbs up.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
"Container away!" They successfully launched the first of two containers full of the seeds of life. When the planet rotated one hundred and eighty degrees they launched the second one and prayed they were doing the right thing. Grant felt good about what they were doing. He knew losing your home was de
vastating and he did not want to see Tayana and the villagers displaced any longer than they needed to be.
He made his way to the bridge and checked in with the captains of the other ships. It was time to have a meeting and determine their next steps. "Captain Lane, please contact the other captains and have them meet us on the Ebony Belle in three hours."
"Hello, Captain Goodwine, glad to see you're still making things happen, it would be my pleasure to host the meeting aboard the Broadmore. You and your crew have been through much, it is the least I can do for you."
Grant did not hesitate and accepted his offer. "Thank you; we will meet you and the other captains in three hours." He was relieved he didn't have to put on airs to accommodate the other captains aboard the Ebony Belle.
"Sam, we have a meeting in three hours with Captain Lane and the other captains aboard the Broadmore. We need to get to the Belle, shower, change, and get ready to go. Tell Tayana she is welcome to come. I'll meet you in the Varizone."
"Will do, Grant. Headed your way in ten minutes. Gotta finish this game of soccer with the kids, find Tayana, and get the elders together to let them know what's happening. Could be more like twenty, if you know what I mean."
"Get moving Sam, we don't want to be late, I called this meeting."
"Gotcha, I'll get Tayana and meet you at the Varizone."
The trip to the Belle was short and sweet, no incidents, and a smooth docking. We have two hours, Sam; meet me on the bridge in two hours!"
"Alright, I'll meet you on the bridge in two hours. It was two hours, wasn't it?"
"Smartass! See you then."
"Tayana, you can shower in our guest quarters. I'll find some suitable clothing for you."
"Thank you, Grant!" Grant showed her to the guest quarters then proceeded to find her some clothing. He found an assortment of women's clothing in the guest quarters two doors down. Some were formal, leaving nothing to the imagination, and some were motherly. He found the perfect items for her and returned to the guest quarters. "I found something you may like and it is suitable for the meeting."
"Tayana came out in nothing but a towel, oozing sexy from everywhere.
Grant nervously and slowly backed out of the room. "I'll go so you can get ready. Let me know if you need anything." He closed the door and retreated to his quarters, tail between his legs, feeling like a loser. "What were you thinking? She was almost naked, oozing sex, and you left the room! OMG, you deserve to be alone." Grant undressed and continued kicking himself as he got into the shower. It had been nearly a week since he showered, the water felt good on his tired and aching body. He stood with water pounding on his back, and then felt another sensation. He quickly turned around and Tayana was standing in front of him, naked, and wet. She was beautiful. This time Grant did not hesitate. He took her in his arms and kissed her the way he should have kissed her a long time ago. The passion rose as did his manhood. Her body was smooth and strong, yet supple and delicate. He ran his hands over her body as she ran hers over his. Their bodies were slipping and sliding across each other, lubricated by the water. Tayana kissed his neck as he caressed her breasts. The passion grew and Grant reached for her woman parts. He was surprised how they felt; they were different than Earth women's. She moaned with pleasure, grabbed his manhood, and guided him in.
"Grant, two hours! I'm in the Varizone, alone, and waiting. You said two hours!"
"On my way, Sam, got a little sidetracked."
"You dog! Did you?"
"Later, we'll be there shortly." When Grant and Tayana arrived neither one could erase the smile off their face.
"You two! Congratulations! Should have happened months ago. Eliot, take us to the Magnolia please. You know you're going to have to stop smiling when we get to the meeting, right?"
"Sam, I could smile forever."
"Me too!" Tayana held Grant tight, and for the first time Sam saw a much softer side of her. She was truly in love with Grant and he with her. Life was never going to be the same.
They soon docked with the Magnolia and were met by Captain Lane. With a firm handshake he welcomed them aboard the Magnolia.
"Glad you could make it. We haven't had visitors in quite a while, please make yourselves at home. I can give you a quick tour if you'd like. Meeting isn't for another hour or so." So far the ship looked like any other PSAD ship, pretty plain and unadorned, for the most part.
Grant replied, "Sure, sounds like a great idea, lead on." As they passed through the airlock into the receiving vestibule, Grant was impressed with the decor. "Wow, I was not expecting anything this elaborate. I was expecting a plain, drab, typical PSAD vessel with little to no personality, I'm impressed." The walls were a rich taupe and the curtains were cobalt blue patterned with planets, stars, and solar systems. The fixtures were brushed nickel. Low backed couches lined the walls and looked inviting, but were designed to be sat on only for brief periods. The rest of the ship followed form and they were all amazed at the detail. The bridge was large and well appointed. The seating was comfortable and inviting with long term sitting in mind. They were plush and comfortable. Sam was sure they had vibrating, heating, and cooling features installed on them. He wanted to check them out when the occasion arose, and it did.
"Please have a seat; we have ten minutes before the meeting begins. I will be back shortly." Captain Lane exited the bridge to freshen up before the meeting. Sam took advantage of his absence and began checking out the chair. One of the crew noticed him, "Have you misplaced something, sir?"
"Uh, no, I was uh, looking to see if these had any um, comfort features."
The crewman smiled, "They're under the arm on the left side, you lift it up to see the controls." He turned back to his duties, chuckling as he did.
In a weak and almost defeated tone Sam offered his thanks. He leaned towards Grant, who was chuckling as well, "Well that was embarrassing!"
Tayana could no longer contain her laughter and laughed out loud. "Only you Sam, you're like a child, having to push buttons and flip switches. Do you want to sit in the captain's seat as well?" The whole bridge erupted in laughter and Sam's face turned crimson.
He had never been embarrassed by a woman before and hoped to never be again. "Ha, ha, too funny, and yes, I'd like to sit in the captain's seat." Another round of laughter began.
The crewman looked at Sam and with a look of disapproval, slowly shook his head, "No!"
Captain Lane returned in time to save him from more embarrassment and another round of laughter. "Please, follow me." They followed him to a large conference room. It looked like outdoor patio, not a conference room. One wall looked like a meadow with deer and other wildlife milling about. Trees and a forest adorned two walls, and a small stream ran through the remaining wall.
Captain Lane said, "The walls are holographic. We thought you'd be more comfortable in a natural setting, Tayana. I hope you feel more at ease in a here than a closed room."
"Thank you, I am pleased with your choice."
Grant called the meeting, so he addressed Captain Lane first. "Captain Lane, you are somewhat familiar with the situation at hand, but I wanted to reiterate, and ask for your assistance. Tayana and her people have been displaced. Their planet, Antaya is lifeless and they cannot return to their homes for what may be several years. There is now a high threat the Anotokian's will return seeking revenge. The Antayan's have no means to defend themselves against a superior enemy. What I am proposing is this; we relocate the Antayan's to a nearby planet, one populated by the work of Captain's Morgan and Coke. These are habitable and have the necessary flora and fauna to sustain them. I also propose we establish a base on the planet, or on Antaya, to protect them. Per PSAD law we are responsible for the safety of these newly discovered life forms."
"Grant, let me stop you there. When we heard new life was discovered and it was under attack, we immediately formulated a plan to protect them. Two ships in our convoy will stay and establish our presence. We will build a base of opera
tions on the opposite side of the planet. We do not want to interfere with the lives of the people. We will allow them to develop independent of our influence. We will establish a base on Antaya and other inhabitable planets. Does this meet your specifications, Captain Goodwine?"
"And then some, thank you, Captain Lane."
"Don't thank me; thank the cantankerous old man who sent you on this mission."
Grant knew he meant Major Abram T. Aboy, his mentor and boss. "I will thank him the next time I see him. When do we begin the transition to the alternate planet?"
"As we speak, we have crews investigating planets in the area most closely matching the conditions on Antaya before you destroyed it." He gave Grant a wink and continued, "It will be a few days before we can begin the transfer. In the mean time, we will show you to your quarters, so you get some rest and freshen up before dinner."
"Fine with us. Tomorrow we'll take Tayana to the planets you've selected and get her input. She is the resident expert and knows her people's needs. She will have a voice in this decision."
"Agreed, Captain Goodwine, I expect nothing less. Dinner is at seven in the dining hall, see you there."
"Captains, if you will follow me, I will escort you to your quarters." The young man led them to level three and to their quarters. "The dining hall is on this level, down the hall to your right; it will be on your left. Enjoy your stay with us."
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