by Sharon Rose
To Laura:
Your joy and encouragement sweeten my life.
Contents
Part I
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Part II
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
The Next Adventure
Share the Adventure
Cast of Characters
Books By Sharon Rose
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Copyright and Credits
Part One
Chapter One
Kena extended her awareness as she stepped into the astro observation room. As always, she identified the races first, not by sight, but by the feel of their emfrel—that faint mental energy all exuded but only Humans noticed. Prednian, Tenelli, and Dantokrellie. No Meklehon. Good. That meant Gordahl, chief of science fleet, wasn’t here yet.
She could use a few minutes to study the astro display and find some hint of what lay behind this sudden meeting.
Gordahl’s invitation—no, summons—puzzled her. True to Meklehon custom, he’d worded it as a courteous request, but she wasn’t misled. Not with ten minutes’ notice and no mention of purpose.
She walked toward the enormous three-dimensional viewing area, which dominated the center of the room. A Prednian member of the space station’s staff operated the control console mounted in the wide railing that encircled the display. Locks of hair escaped his headband and divided around his circular ear. A dozen or so strangers stood around in small groups; gesturing, frowning, or questioning, depending on their race. All as puzzled as she, it seemed. Their multi-pitched voices reminded her of an orchestra tuning instruments before a concert. She strolled between them, her attention fixed on the 3-D display.
Two rocky planets, each with a moon, spun before her. No unique traits gave a clue to their identities. She glanced at the star designation: SMG76428. SMG—a single yellow star, not unlike her own. Numbered rather than named, so the system was probably uninhabited. Kena checked its location—the far side of PitKreelaundun space and the nebula bordering it. Her brows shot up. That would allow no simple route for an Interstellar Collaborative ship.
A raspy voice to her right exclaimed, “Look! That must be a Human female.”
Kena kept her gaze on the planets and her expression neutral. A Prednian, no doubt. Sharing knowledge trumped manners every time.
Someone gasped, and another muttered, “Brilliant observation.”
The Tenelli standing nearest to Kena jerked his hand back as though he had touched something disgusting. “He’s Prednian. With all their experience, you’d think he would know better than to blurt out something like that.”
Kena smiled. Tenelli used such picturesque gestures. She whispered, “But you said it yourself. He’s Prednian.”
The man laughed, revealing the Tenelli smile that looked so Human. “I take it you’re not bothered.”
“I’m well aware that my figure is unusual to non-Humans,” Kena said. “And this far from Earth, there aren’t many of us.” She waved a hand toward the display. “Do you know why we care about this?”
“Not yet.” He turned fully to her. “I am Thrayl.”
Before she could respond to his introduction, the door opened, and Gordahl entered. He bowed as he strode toward the display. Only a Meklehon could make that combination look graceful. Easy to believe that their spines contained more vertebrae than any other race.
“I thank you all for joining me with so little notice or explanation,” Gordahl said. “The urgency cannot be overstated. You’ll understand as soon as you see this progression.” He nodded to his aide at the console.
The 3-D display zoomed out. The two planets took up positions in relation to their star, a small, glowing ball near the floor. Yellow and green lines marked half of their orbital paths, which arced above the star. Prednian symbols floated by the now tiny objects, revealing additional information. The outer planet just might be within the habitable zone. A little bigger than Earth, with a moon a bit smaller than Luna. The inner planet, about the size of Mars, with a tiny moon, was probably too near the star to support any form of life.
The planets neared alignment. Even the two moons joined the show, drawing between their host planets. They appeared too far apart to be tidally locked. This was a one-in-a-million alignment.
Gordahl’s low, resonant voice filled the room. “The outer planet has an elliptical orbit. It’s now at perihelion. We have some interesting tidal forces to consider. Anomalies have been noticed recently, but even still, these objects are too widely separated for gravitational disruption.” He turned to his aide. “Zoom back in on the planets, please.”
The display split in order to show planetary details. Although orbital motion was still revealed, the four objects appeared close together. The spheres aligned in elegant symmetry much like the hands of a huge clock approaching the top of the hour. Unique and serene beauty—it begged for musical accompaniment. But why were they watching this?
Then, the outer planet shattered. Kena jumped, sucking her breath in. Seconds later, the inner one broke apart. She staggered back a step.
Amidst the loud exclamations of those surrounding her, Kena breathed the words, “Oh…my…God.” How could this happen?
A half-minute more, and the large moon fragmented. Such devastation—so rapid. She held her breath, as though the distant shockwaves battered her and another was on the way. An awareness rose from deep within her. There was more to this—something of much greater significance than visible destruction.
Questions and speculations escalated throughout the room. Kena studied the display, listening with half an ear, filing away what little was known. No, there was no sign of collisions…The system had been under study because of gravitational anomalies…A bizarre energy reading preceded the events. Let them speculate. She needed to understand subsequent motion.
Gordahl’s voice rose over the din. “Quiet, please. Analysis can wait. We are here to plan the science mission.” He turned to the Prednian at the controls. “Speed up the progression to current position and then extrapolate.”
The aide fulfilled his order.
“The mission is assigned to the Ontrevay,” Gordahl said, “which is en route to this space station. It will be re-supplied and set out by 13:00 tomorrow. It will make use of a spatial rift to approach the nebula, and then travel along the PitKreelaundun border.” He inclined his head as though acknowledging an objection. “Not a very desirable course, but it is the fastest. The debris cloud you see now is
our projection for the Ontrevay’s arrival time. If we opt for a slower route, the debris from the two planets will be mixed, which would present problems with both navigation and origin identification.”
He went on to talk through decision timeframes and provisions that had been made for the hurried departure, all standard information. Kena studied the display until Gordahl came to her side.
“Kena Talgarth, it pleases me to meet you,” he said.
She returned his bow and greeting with the polish of a Meklehon. Some believed members of each race should use only their own native courtesies. She was not among them. These simple observances had often tipped the scale in her favor when she encountered the critical stares of alien races. It worked again, lightening his formal expression.
Gordahl glanced around the room. “You may have already noticed that all of these are scientists. Their specialties were chosen for the mission, of course. Shall we step aside and let them immerse themselves in their passion?”
Those nearby took the hint, and Kena found herself in private conversation with one of the highest-ranking officers in the Collaborative. Not normal procedure for crew assignments!
“The Ontrevay is adequately staffed with navigators,” Gordahl said, “but you have experience with the PitKreelaundun and a piloting record that no one can fault. To reach the level of senior navigator in only six years is no small accomplishment.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Does the mission interest you?”
“Interest me? Indeed!”
“Forgive me if I misconstrue your tone,” he said. “Does that mean you’ve already decided to join it?”
Why was he asking, when he’d given everyone three hours to respond? “I do rather like to see an offer before I accept it,” she said. “There’s more to consider than just the mission.”
“The offer has been prepared. Feel free to download it—and the preparation files, as well.”
He paused while she unclipped her private computer from her belt and pressed the re-form control. It extended and changed shape to accommodate finger input, which she used to access the waiting information. A voice, familiar and loving, spoke within her spirit. Go with them. His peace embraced her.
“Please do not feel that I’m pressuring you,” Gordahl said. “You’ll have the full time allowed, but there is one aspect of the decision, perhaps two, that I would like to discuss with you. What do you know of the Ontrevay?”
“It’s one of the investigation ships commissioned by the Collaborative itself, rather than a member race,” she said. “That means it has the latest technology and a multi-racial crew. Openings are rare and sought after, which speaks well of its leadership.” Kena shrugged. “That’s about it.”
“All true. Eleven races at the moment. The largest percentage is Prednian, closely followed by Tenelli. They use the Prednian language exclusively, as we do here.”
“Are any Humans among them?” she asked.
“No, you would be the first.” He inclined his head again. “This was one of my concerns. I realize you may prefer to travel with other Humans, but at least I can assure you that Frethan, the chief navigation officer, is Tenelli. He has the reputation of being fair and well liked.”
Stated with diplomacy, but he didn’t pretend there were no issues. Her respect for him rose a notch. Traveling in the company of Humans wasn’t as necessary to her as to some. Cultural issues were the real thorn.
Gordahl was likely old enough to remember when the Tenelli had first made contact with Humans and sponsored their entrance to the Collaborative. Whether it was a leftover from sponsorship, or simply their kind natures, the Tenelli still carried a protective attitude toward Humans. If a cultural issue turned nasty, she would have support.
Kena nodded. “It’s always a pleasure to work with the Tenelli.”
“I checked your emfrel acclimation records,” he said. “Your broad travels have prepared you well. You’ve already been acclimated to ten of the races that make up the Ontrevay’s crew. The other race is even less common than Humans on Collaborative ships. I must inform you that the captain, Ghent, is Plynteth.”
“Oh…” She drew the word out. No point in hiding the obvious.
He nodded, compressing his lips. “It’s commonly understood that Humans have difficulty with acclimation to Plynteth. Being Meklehon, I’m sure I don’t comprehend just how bad it is. I checked with the station’s chief medical officer.” He hesitated. “She informs me that Human acclimation to Plynteth emfrel has the distinction of being the most traumatic anyone could experience. There is risk of short-term memory loss. She does not recommend it.”
Gordahl paused a moment as if he felt that needed special emphasis. “So, even though we do want you to join this mission, I fully understand if you choose not to. There would be no negative reflection on you. If you do accept, Ghent asked me to convey his gratitude and to assure you that he will grant you all the time you need for full recovery. We’re told to expect at least three days.”
“Thank you for your concern,” Kena said. “I heard similar warnings when I was acclimated to both Meklehon and Grfdn, but I lost no memory. Sooner or later, I’m bound to travel with Plynteth, so I’ll need acclimation anyway.” Her hair tickled her chin as she shook her head. “I’m not about to let it stand in the way of joining such an intriguing mission. The only problem is timing. I assume that’s why you’d like an early decision. If I’m to be awake and functional by tomorrow morning, I should get on to medical immediately.”
“No,” he said. “That’s what I expected you to do, but it’s what I want to prevent.” His brows pinched together. “We prefer that you allow the Ontrevay’s doctor to perform the acclimation. Your recovery will not be interrupted, and you’ll be cared for by the same doctor throughout. This also removes the need to rush your decision.”
“I see.”
“Good,” he said. “You’re off duty until morning, so take time to review the mission info. I’ve already authorized live communication for you—to Earth or wherever you like. It wouldn’t hurt to record your conversations.” He rested an arm on the display area’s railing. “The Ontrevay will assign one of its small craft to you and have it waiting at the station by morning. You may depart as early as you choose. Any questions?”
She tilted her head. “No, not really, but you’ve gone to some trouble for me. I thank you, sir.”
This drew a smile from him. “You are welcome, ma’am. May I ask you a personal question?”
“You may.”
“I wondered when I saw your name,” he said, “and even more when I saw your eyes and heard you speak…Are you related to Andrew Talgarth?”
Kena smiled. It was a good thing she loved her dad, because their relationship couldn’t be hidden. Not with the unusual mixture of green and blue in their eyes—or the tilted corners of the lower lids.
“Ah, these eyes,” she said. “They’re always announcing that I’m his daughter. Do you know him?”
“I heard him lecture a few times,” he said, “but I only met him briefly. It must have been thirty years ago. I doubt he’ll remember me, but please give him my regards when you talk with him next.”
“I will.” Kena inclined her upper body. “Thank you for offering me this opportunity.”
Instead of returning the formality, he shifted his gaze to the display. The breakup and extrapolation sequence was repeating. Debris filled the gap between the two planets, and some fragments collided. His brow tightened. “I’m never sure how to respond to thanks for sending someone into danger.” He bowed. “I wish you safe travels.”
Chapter Two
A tidal wave of alien emfrel crashed into Kena. It snuffed out physical awareness, suffocating her in a dark, silent void where time could not be measured. Only a presence existed: So unnatural, so foreign, she could not lay hold to push it away. The full power of an alien mind forced itself upon her.
As fast as the wave had struck, it was gone.
Her floundering mind tried to grasp for identity. Who had attacked her so? But there was no one. Oh—artificial emfrel. It would return. She shuddered, and her heart pounded with painful intensity.
Kena arched her back and tried to kick free of whatever held her. A vain attempt. She lay in a full body restraint. Adrenaline pulsed through her. She took full advantage of it and threw all the strength of overcharged muscles into a desperate attempt to break away. Useless.
All at once, her shoulders and head broke free. She had no idea why, but tried to squirm her arms loose. Hands gripped her, and an unintelligible voice reached her ears. Why couldn’t she see?
Someone was rubbing her shoulders. The hand brushed her hair out of her face. A low voice said her name and made a garbled demand. The darkness opened on a room she didn’t recognize.
“Kena, look at me!”
Ah, the words weren’t garbled; they were Prednian. Locating his face and focusing took way more effort than it should, but it didn’t help. She had no idea who he was.
His frown eased when she made eye contact. “You’ll be all right. Relax, now.”
Oh, sure! Her entire body was vibrating.
“Start your relaxation technique,” he said.
She tried to draw the first deep breath. It trembled and escaped as a sob.