by Kelly Curtis
The Mars One Incident
Kelly Curtis
The Mars One Incident Copyright © 2019 by Kelly Curtis. All Rights Reserved. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review. Cover designed by Richie Cumberlidge at More Visual Ltd. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. Printed in the United States of America First Printing: August 2019 ISBN-9781079228410
Thank you Thomas, Tora, Margareta, Rose and Victoria.
“Man’s curiosity, his relentlessness, his inventiveness, his ingenuity have led him into deep trouble. We can only hope that these same traits will enable him to claw his way out.”
E. B. White
Abbreviations:
Artificial Intelligence: AI
The Galactic Universal: GU
The Gateway Out: GO
Guild Credits: GC
Instant Communicator: IC
Instant Communicator Messages: ICe
To Message Someone: To ICe them
Main Administration Camp: MAC
The Joint Confederacy: JC
Social Credits: SC
Universal Credits: UC
Video Message: VM
Video Message in Real Time: RVM
Chapter 1
April 24th 2635, The Joint Confederacy Military Headquarters, Atlanta, Georgia, North America
Alma Hattie Johnson took a deep breath, closed her eyes, turned the doorknob and hoped this meeting had nothing to do with her risky maneuvers with the starfighters last week. She had been in this office a handful of times since she graduated as the highest scoring cadet ever from the Atlanta Chapter of the Military Guild’s Fleet Academy four years before, but no one could make her jump like the Admiral of the Fleet.
Shana looked up as her protégé walked in. Everything was falling into place perfectly. Thanks to a passing Shimbahn Unification of 5 starship and the mysterious disappearance of a captain and his first officer from the human starship Indianapolis, now she had the opportunity to propel Alma up to a real position of power and influence.
It was no secret that Shana was expanding her personal power in the fleet. She felt that too many in the Military Guilds were beginning to blur the lines on where piracy began and ended. And some were even beginning to question whether or not the Great Leap Backwards, the foundation of the Joint Confederacy, JC, which stripped most of humanity of their technology, especially in daily life, was necessary.
Shana had risen to the top of the fleet quickly, as she had been in her prime when the Trappists, humanity’s nearest galactic neighbors, had attacked more than a decade before. She had almost single-handedly planned and executed their defensive attacks, all while brushing off the rising support for Terra Nova, a small subset of influential humans, who at that time, demanded that humans use their ingenuity to begin making weapons and technology again solely for defensive purposes. Shana lived and breathed only for the JC. She believed if they began to produce weapons, other technologies would soon follow. She knew from her own experiences, the addiction to technology was always there, lurking in her subconscious. She believed in the edicts of the JC, a humanity without personal technology. She needed a strong and young disciple who would reinforce her own beliefs in a sanctioned technology state and that was her Alma.
“Sit,” Shana said and then handed a tablet for Alma to look at.
Alma took the tablet and recognized the Unification hieroglyphs on it, but she couldn’t read it. She didn’t have an embedded translator. She did however, recognize her name written in English amid all the Unification writing, “What is this? Am I being fined for flying too fast in our own space?” She asked sarcastically. The Unification, located in the constellation of Cygnus about 500 light years from Earth, was one of the most powerful civilizations in the galaxy. They were constantly patrolling, even as far out as humanity’s little corner of space and they never hesitated to hand out criticism as they passed lesser civilizations, and they definitely saw humanity as a lesser civilization.
“Far from it,” Shana said with a smile, “That’s a copy of the report the Unification sent back to their headquarters on Sa about not discrediting human resourcefulness just because we have chosen to give up the creation of new human technology.”
“Why is my name in it?” Alma felt uncomfortable having her name in a written report. News was only spoken in the JC, anything else was considered propaganda, unless it was kept in the permanent files at the Library.
“The Unification diplomats and officers were duly impressed with your flying skills when you were practicing last week.” Shana, who had an embedded translator, impatiently indicated with her hand she wanted the tablet returned so that she could read it out loud.
Shim date 8270, Week 3, Day 3, Earth date 2635, Month 2, Day 11, As we left The Joint Confederacy, Earth, The Solar System, Orion Arm, The Milky Way, Local Group, Virgo Cluster, Virgo Super-Cluster, our attention was briefly turned to scheduled maneuvers of pilots in ancient human single pilot starfighters used for defense on their ancient battleships. We were surprised to see one pilot stood out from the rest, Lieutenant Alma Johnson, female, age 20 Shim years, 26 Earth years, who managed to bring herself and another damaged starfighter back into the carrier by pushing the other craft with her physical ship into the carrier’s hangar bay. Before this feat, we were already impressed with her bravery and ingenuity while watching the maneuvers. I mark this to only state that we should not disregard humanity because they have chosen an existence without the creation of new technology. Signed Ambassador Iko House Loa, The Shimbahn Unification of 5.
“I had no idea I had an audience, but I’m glad that someone noticed. It’s not going to be translated is it?” Alma asked.
“No, I wouldn’t do that to you. But I’ve used it as leverage within our guild.”
“For what?”
“Are you familiar with the starship Indianapolis?”
“Yes. Their captain and first officer are missing.”
“They’re either dead or have become pirates,” Shana looked directly into Alma’s brown eyes. “I want you to take command immediately. You can choose your own first officer.”
Alma was thunderstruck. She could hardly keep the excitement from her voice, “I hope you’re serious?”
“I’ve never been more serious, Lieutenant, or should I say, Captain Johnson?”
“But what about…”
Shana raised her hand, scarred palm up and stopped Alma before she could name anyone who might have been next in line for the promotion, “No, don’t begin like that. I’m the Admiral of the Fleet. Do you want this opportunity or not?”
“Of course. I’m honored. Thank you. I’ll ask Christopher Bates to be my first officer.”
“I had no doubt you would. I need you to take the Indy and go to Titan Station. Meet with the Station Master and find the pirate starship Dante. When you find them, no communication but to confirm their identity and then destroy them. I want that ship and crew gone.”
“Destroy them? The ship and the crew?” It was uncommon that JC ships would destroy any other vessels as all technology was precious. Usually they would take the enemy crew on board, arrest them and then salvage the enemy ship for anything that could be integrated into their own ship.
“Destroy. You know what that means right?” Shana was looking at Alma trying to discern if she would blindly fol
low her now. She was purposely putting Alma to this task because she knew none of her other captains would do it without a lot of questioning.
“I understand,” said Alma lying. She didn’t understand, but she wanted command. For that, she decided that she could trade the lives of a few pirates.
“Good. Also collect any information you can about Terra Nova when you are on Titan Station.”
“Terra Nova?”
“Yes, there has been a lot of irregular activity lately. They’ve changed their tactics and it’s rumored they have stronger financial support now.”
“What other tactics could they employ, other than providing people with illegal personal technology, to sway votes there way?” Terra Nova was always promising another referendum to reverse the Great Leap Backwards.
“I’ve heard they have a new leader who has some bold and violent ideas. I don’t know if it’s just all talk, but I want to be ready. I’m afraid of lives being lost just because this new Terra Nova leader wants to drastically shake things up, thinking that he can change people that way.”
“I can’t imagine how Terra Nova would think killing people would win them a referendum?”
“Can’t you? There are no real weapons here on Earth. It wouldn’t even be about getting to a referendum.”
“But, the Red and Trappists have strict bans on trading larger weapons to humanity. How would they ever gain so much power, I just don’t see it happening,” Alma said dismissing the Admiral’s concerns. “And all the starships nearby. I just couldn’t envisage Terra Nova ever having enough support to challenge the JC militarily.”
“Never underestimate the unthinkable, Alma.”
Alma looked into Shana’s dark brown eyes and wondered what was really going on. Earth had been without internal violence for centuries. The war with the Trappists had been fought near Saturn. Every human was content. Not true, most people were content. “I’ll keep it in mind when I’m on Titan. Is there anything else I should know?” Alma asked seriously.
“No. You have your orders. Now, I think it’s time you ask Christopher if he wants the position you are offering. Dismissed.”
“Yes, thank you Admiral,” Alma said rising. Titles in the JC were only used if you didn’t know someone, you didn’t like someone or if you wanted to offer them respect. It was all very contextual as were most interactions within the JC. Humans had lived without personal technology for so long that they had become experts on reading situations without too much reflection. Species that relied heavily on personal technology and embedded translators often complained that one had to be telepathic to trade with humans.
No one in the JC HQ looked up to see Alma grinning as she closed the Admiral’s door behind her. She was dumbstruck for a moment and in her head she just kept thinking, I’m a Captain, Captain! I’ve my own ship. She shooed away all the negative thoughts that kept trying to bring her back to reality and the immediate price she was going to have to pay for the privilege.
Alma walked out into the busy main lobby and took out her instant communicator, IC, and sent a message, an ICe as they referred to it, to her best friend, Christopher.
You will never believe what has happened. Where are you? Meet me at HQ.
Christopher ICed back instantly,
I’ll meet you a Jeanne’s in five.
Alma walked out and began walking towards their favorite coffee shop just next to HQ. As she walked in, she was relieved to see that the place wasn’t crowded. She approached the counter and saw a sign advertising a strawberry smoothie and asked the older woman behind the counter, “Isn’t it too early for strawberries?”
The owner blushed, “My boyfriend brought some crates back for me from Florida when he was there visiting his mother. His whole year’s allowance of fruit. If you want a strawberry smoothie you better order it fast, I expect I’ll be sold out by the afternoon.”
Alma smiled, “I’m sure you will. I’ll order one for my friend and I’ll take a black coffee for myself.”
“Sure, any food today? We’ve a special on the griddled cornbread with devilled eggs and avocado.”
“Thanks, even with the special, avocado is a bit out of my price range. Coffee is the only luxury I allow myself,” Alma admitted. Everything in the JC was grown with respect to the environment and priced accordingly. Every area was almost self-sufficient and there were stringent restrictions on transporting goods from one place to another. Although transportation was free, most long distance trips needed to be applied for in advance.
“Sugar?”
“No, thank you,” sugar was another luxury Alma rarely allowed herself.
Jeanne smiled, “No problem. Coffee and a smoothie. How’d you like to pay? Social, Universal or Guild?”
Alma thought, Definitely not Social Credits, SC, and replied, “Universal.”
Jeanne produced a small machine about the size of a matchbox and Alma put her fingerprint on the screen without being prompted. “Great, that’s all done. I’ll bring the drinks to your table. Sit anywhere you like, Lieutenant.”
Alma wanted to tell the owner, like a giddy child with a new toy, that she was no longer a lieutenant, but she resisted the urge to boast. She just took a seat in the back at a heavy and worn wooden table and waited for Christopher.
He arrived five minutes later, wearing his navy colored uniform, the same as hers, and gave her a big smile. His blue eyes curious, “What’s happened?”
Jeanne appeared then with their drinks and Alma waited for her to leave before answering him.
“Strawberries?” Christopher questioned with a big smile.
“Yes, her boyfriend brought her some from Florida, I know it’s your favorite and it was expensive so yes now you owe me, but that’s not what I wanted to tell you.”
Christopher had rarely seen Alma so excited, “Do you want me to guess or are you going to tell me?” He took a sip of the strawberry smoothie and savored the sweet taste he had not had since last summer.
Alma narrowed her eyes in annoyance, “Well, if you’re not going to take this seriously, never mind.”
“I’m kidding, you know I’m kidding. I’m serious now,” he stopped smiling.
“Admiral Jackson just gave me the Indy.”
“What?”
“You heard me.”
“I did hear you. I’m just shocked.”
“You don’t sound too excited.”
He took another long sip of the smoothie and then defended himself, “I’m just surprised. It’s so soon. You’re so young. You must be the youngest captain in the history of the JC and of course, I’m just a little jealous.”
“No, there were younger captains during the Trappist war.”
“I meant in peace time, not desperate times.”
“Are you implying the JC is desperate to make me a captain?”
“No, of course not.”
“Good, because I want you to be my first officer.”
“On the Indy?”
“Yes, don’t you want it?”
“The Indy really being ours,” he commented dreamily.
“Mine,” Alma corrected him.
“Ours. You must learn to share.”
“You and the rest of the crew are all my responsibility. It’s mine,” Alma knew that this would be the toughest for Christopher, even though she had always been better than him at everything, they had always had a similar rank, but now he needed to take the lower step.
“You’re starting work early today, Captain,” Christopher gave her a look.
She gave him a hard look back.
“Yours. From now until forever, yours Captain Johnson,” Christopher said honestly, running a hand through his short blonde hair.
“Good. I need you Christopher. And now I need you to come to the Library and help me find out everything about the current crew.”
“I heard a rumor that the Indy’s former captain and first officer became pirates.”
“I’m concerned that would have be
en the best thing that happened to them.”
Alma and Christopher entered the Library and immediately had to prove their identities through retinal scans, voice recognition and finger prints. As they were members of the Military Guild, they had special access to the Library as it was required for their work, however, most JC citizens had to apply for appointments to access files. The Library Guild was one of the most difficult guilds to become a member, as all potential members were thoroughly vetted and had to swear lifelong oaths to keep information as unbiased as possible. The JC believed so fervently in keeping accurate printed and visual information safe, only the best candidates were chosen and financially compensated. Contrary to most guilds, if either of your parents had been a member of the Library Guild you could not apply. In this way, it was hoped to keep the Library Guild as neutral as possible.
Alma and Christopher spent hours in the Library. They read all the files of the 236 crew members, including the missing captain and first officer. They also looked over the ship’s latest schematics, which had not been updated in years so all they could assume was that those were out of date. They concluded that the crew of the Indy and the ship itself was more than adequate. After several hours, there was nothing more to learn until they were able to see the crew in action and were physically on the ship.
“We should go to the guild hall so we won’t be late,” Alma said as they returned the crew’s files to a librarian. After they returned the documents, they were both scanned by guards to be sure that they had not copied any information to take out on any devices.
“Are you nervous?” Christopher asked as they collected their ICs and other personal items from the guards at the door to the Library. Tonight was a guild night, meaning that the Atlanta Military Guild would all assemble to listen to the Crier’s recap of relevant news and people would be able to speak about things that concerned them. Assemblies were unpredictable and could last anywhere between five minutes or five hours.