SCIENCE FICTION SHORT STORIES VOLUME IX

by D T Yarbrough

“Everyone hold hands,” said Destiny as she reached for the amulet.

  “Are we going to pray?” asked Anya. “Better make it short and sweet.”

  ....................

  “My prayer came true,” said Anya. “We're home. But where's Destiny and Anthony.”

  “I saw them for a moment after we arrived back here,” said Leo. “Then they just vanished.”

  “Something tells me they will be just fine,” said Anya. “But I'm really going to miss them. I don't think they're coming back.”

  ....................

  “That was a close one, Anthony,” said Destiny. “It took almost all of my energy to save the others.”

  “Is that why we had to leave?” asked Anthony. “I was hoping to stay a little longer.”

  “I know,” said Destiny. “But I didn't have time to look for alternatives.”

  “I think they've learned an important lesson about exploring,” said Anthony. “The grass may be greener, but the ants may be meaner.”

  THE PORTAL of FOREVER V

  “I t's so sad,” said Anthony. “It's still such a beautiful place.”

  “Beautiful and barren. Wasn't it Thomas Wolfe that said it?” asked Destiny. “You can never go home again.”

  “I didn't want to go home,” said Anthony. “I just wanted to know there was still a home to go to.”

  “Well, Earth is still here, but the human race has moved on,” said Destiny. “Scattered amongst the stars. If they've actually reached any by now.”

  “I always thought the sun would force the exodus,” said Anthony. “I never dreamed the moon would be our downfall.”

  “Isn't it magnificent?” said Destiny. “It's like you could reach up and touch it.”

  “What happened?” asked Anthony. “Could it have been prevented. What if we go back ...”

  “We don't get involved,” said Destiny. “Not in their fate. If it wasn't this, something else would have happened and they might not have had eons to prepare.”

  “Now I know how you must have felt when your world came to an end,” said Anthony. “But you were all alone. At least I have you to ease the pain.”

  “Home is where the heart is,” said Destiny, “to paraphrase another great human. And our hearts are forever entwined. As long as we survive, we are forever at home.”

  “I think you're becoming more human every microsecond,” said Anthony. “And quite a philosopher.”

  “I could do worse,” said Destiny. “Of all the races we've encountered, yours was right up there with the best.”

  “I wish I could have been around when that last ship took off for the stars,” said Anthony. “What a bittersweet moment that must have been.”

  “We can do that,” said Destiny. “Just say the word.”

  “The word,” said Anthony as Destiny triggered the portal.

  ....................

  “That's a pretty small ship,” said Anthony. “Hardly what I expected for interstellar travel.”

  “Should we get on board before we create our bodies?” asked Destiny.

  “Let's find out where it's going?” said Anthony. “It may just be a shuttle to the real ship.”

  “Or to the moon,” said Destiny. “A really large ship would be difficult to launch from earth's gravity.”

  “We're gonna stand out on a small ship,” said Anthony. “Let's try to find the main ship before we create our bodies.”

  “We may not have much time,” said Destiny, “if this is truly the last shuttle. Spread out. I'll meet you on the other side of the Earth in ten minutes.”

  ....................

  “They built it in orbit, like a space station,” said Anthony. “Pull yourself together and follow me.”

  “Now that's a big ship,” said Destiny. “Follow that shuttle.”

  ....................

  “We need to find an empty room,” said Anthony. “Let's spread out through the ventilation systems.”

  “Wait a minute. What's going on here?” said Destiny. “That says Prison Shuttle. But it looks like the guards are in shackles.”

  “We'd better check things out before we create our bodies,” said Anthony. “What have we gotten ourselves into?”

  ....................

  “The whole ship's a prison ship,” said Anthony. “With only a handful of guards and ship's personnel. How were they planning to keep them under control?”

  “Look at those shackles around the guards' necks,” said Destiny. “I think they were meant for the prisoners. They're pain inducers. That's how the prisoners are forcing them to cooperate.”

  “We could block the transmitters,” said Anthony.

  “They would still outnumber the guards fifty to one,” said Destiny. “That wouldn't solve anything.”

  “Well, we're not going to convince the prisoners to put the shackles back on,” said Anthony. “What can we do?”

  “Maybe we can convince them,” said Destiny. “I have a plan.”

  “What's the plan?” asked Anthony.

  “Use your molecules to plug the ears of everyone wearing the shackles,” said Destiny. “I'm going to cause a feedback in the communication systems.”

  “Ready,” said Anthony. “They're all plugged.”

  Suddenly the prisoners grabbed their ears in pain. “Shut it off,” yelled one of the prisoners as he pulled a gun.

  “I don't think he can hear you over the noise,” said another prisoner.

  “I don't think he can hear the noise,” said the gunman. “None of them can. Look. They're not holding their ears. It must be the shackles. Put yours back on.”

  “You're right,” said the prisoner. “The noise is gone.”

  “Tell all the others and remove the shackles from the crewmen and guards,” said the gunman. “You can bet they'll fix the problem then.”

  “But if we're wearing shackles,” said the prisoner.

  “We've got all of the transmitters,” said the gunman. “Would you rather walk around with your fingers in your ears. It's only until they fix the problem.”

  ....................

  “Everyone has got their shackles on,” said the prisoner.”Have they fixed the problem yet?”

  “Unplug their ears,” said Destiny as she stopped causing the feedback problem and triggered all of the transmitters.

  As the prisoners doubled in agony, the guards recovered the transmitters, weapons, and keys to the shackles before resetting the transmitters.

  ....................

  “All the prisoners are secured within the prison section,” said the guard. “Will you be needing a report, Sir?”

  “That is standard procedure,” said the commander. “It's going to be interesting to read your explanation of what happened.”

  “Explain it?” asked the guard. “I'm not sure I know what happened and you want me to explain how it happened. I'm sorry to disappoint you, Sir.”

  ....................

  “Are you ready to create our bodies,” asked Destiny.

  “We're not staying,” said Anthony. “I don't think I'd like prison food.”

  VIRUS 2012

  T he year is 2012 and the Earth's population is under attack. Martial law is now in effect in all of the world's countries. All intercontinental commercial flights have been grounded and borders closed to slow the spread of the disaster. Many would say it's too little too late, as the virus had now spread worldwide in a epidemic of immense proportions. Within the cities people go about their day to day lives, living in fear of the unseen menace. Curfews are in effect and violators are shot on sight.

  But the virus was not the only threat. It was not even the main threat. A simple mask and a lot of common sense could protect you from the virus, but not from its victims. The early stages of the disease were easy to recognize. The symptoms included uncontrollable spasms and fits of rage against all who were not infected. Once past the first stages, death came swiftly and mercifully. The victims also
had an affinity for dark places and shunned bright lights and loud noises.

  The virus was a mutated version of the swine flu virus. Mutations among viruses are common but this mutation was caused by excessive and prolonged nuclear radiation. The virus itself was radioactive and this was turning out to be the only break humanity has gotten so far. The virus was easy to detect with radioation detection equipment, but so far it was impossible to destroy without also risking human life. The radiation levels were not harmful to humans except in cases of long term exposure. The bodies of the dead victims were cremated and their ashes placed in lead-lined containers.

  The islands of Japan were hardest hit. The earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster were soon followed by the outbreak. Most of the early victims were misdiagnosed with radiation madness and the virus was widespread before it was even recognized. One third of its population had already succumbed to the disease and the rage of its victims.

  Dr. Luanne Winslow was on her way to her lab to begin another day of tests that might shed some light on how this virus functioned and how it might be killed. As the commuter train sped between stations, she went over and over in her mind the results of previous tests. So far the main problem with this virus was its ability to live for days, if not weeks, without a host. Cremating the bodies was more to control the radiation than to control the virus. Uncontrollable coughing in the final stage of the disease expelled most of the virus from its breeding ground within the lungs, at least those that had not yet entered the bloodstream.

  Despite the number of passengers, small in comparison to three months ago, the transportation systems had the cleanest air in the city, thanks to high efficiency filtering systems.

  “Put out that cigarette,” shouted one of the passengers as another passenger lit up and took a long drag before exhaling the secondhand smoke into the cabin.

  “Give me a break,” said the smoker. “This is the only place where it's safe to take off my mask.”

  “You'll give us all cancer,” said the protester.

  “You should live so long,” said the smoker as he reluctantly doused the cigarette and returned it to his pack. “If that mask can't protect you from secondhand smoke, we've all got problems.”

  “He's right,” said Luanne. “As much as I dislike smoking, you're perfectly safe while you're wearing that mask.”

  “What are you?” asked the protester. “A doctor?”

  Luanne didn't answer as she began gathering her belongings. The next stop was hers.

  “Thanks for straightening her out,” said the smoker as he stood by the door waiting for the train to come to a halt.

  “If I had time, I'd try to straighten you out,” said Luanne. “Stupid habit.”

  “What's your name ,Doc?” asked the smoker.

  “I never said I was a doctor,” said Luanne. “You'll have to excuse me, but I'm in an awful hurry.”

  “How long can it take to think of your name?” he asked.

  “Why are you following me?” asked Luanne. “Don't you have somewhere you need to be? If you don't, you certainly shouldn't be in the city.”

  “New job,” he replied. “City hospital. Is that where you're heading, Doc?”

  “Okay. I'm a doctor,” said Luanne. “Are you satisfied now?”

  “Maybe. If you had a name,” he answered.

  “Then you'll be happy to know that I do have a name,” said Luanne. “Have another cigarette.”

  “Honest, I'm not following you,” he replied as they reached the steps of the hospital. “Could you tell me where I can find a Doctor L.M. Winslow?”

  “Why do you want to know?” asked Luanne. “Just check with information after you clear security.”

  “Thanks, Doc,” he replied. “You've been anything but helpful.”

  “Morning, Doctor,” said the security guard as Luanne displayed her badge. “Have a nice day.”

  “Thank you,” said Luanne as she walked through the now opened door.

  “Good morning, Sir,” said the security guard as he shined a bright pinlight into his eyes. “Could I see some identification?”

  “New employ,” said Kyle. “First day.”

  “Hold you breath and remove the mask,” instructed the guard. “Okay, you can put it back on. Please wear the mask at all times except when eating or drinking and only do that in designated areas.”

  “Have a nice day,” said Kyle as the door opened. “Could you point me to information?”

  “You'll need to proceed to Employee Relations,” said the guard. “You'll need your official badge before the people at information can assist you.”

  “Thanks again,” said Kyle as he started through the door. “Oh yeah, where's Employee Relations?”

  “Just follow the yellow line,” said the guard, “and look for the name on the door.”

  ....................

  “Hello, Doc,” said Kyle. “Or can I call you Luanne?”

  “Doctor Winslow will do just fine,” said Luanne. “Shall I call you Smoky? What took you so long.”

  “Kyle,” said Kyle. “Kyle Kinsley. Reporting for duty, Doc. I had to stop at Employee Relations.”

  “I've been expecting you,” said Luanne. “Slip into one of those smocks. And stop calling me Doc.”

  “Yes Sir … ah … Ma'am ... Doctor Winslow,” said Kyle as he put on the smock.

  “Jones, please show Kinsley to his workbench and get him started on analyzing the result of yesterday's tests,” said Luanne.

  “Yes, Doctor Winslow,” said Miss Jones. “This way Kinsley. You got a first name?”

  “Are we allowed to use them?” asked Kyle. “Does the Queen allow it?”

  “You'll like her once you get to know her,” said Paula. “My name's Paula.”

  “I'm Kyle,” said Kyle. “Pleased to meet you Paula. So, how does one get to know her majesty?”

  “She's all business in the lab,” said Paula, “and she expects the same from you. But get her away from here and she's really quite pleasant.”

  “You could have fooled me,” said Kyle.

  “You've met before,” asked Paula, “at the Empty Bottle?”

  “Yeah,” said Kyle. “That's where we met. She wouldn't even tell me her name.”

  “Maybe you need a new line,” said Paula. “Or maybe you were just early.”

  “Early?” asked Kyle.

  “Don't tell her I said so,” whispered Paula. “But she drinks a bit too much on the weekends. Just trying to unwind, I guess. You go there often? I don't remember seeing you.”

  “How could you tell,” asked Kyle, “with the masks and all.”

  “Oh,” said Paula, “I could pick you out of a crowd.”

  “Jones? Is there a problem?” asked Luanne.

  “No, Dr. Winslow,” said Paula. “Just getting acquainted.”

  “Save the introductions for your own time,” said Luanne. “We've got a lot of work to get done today.”

  “She lost her parents,” whispered Paula. “Well, I'll see you later. Maybe at the club.”

  “Maybe,” said Kyle as he sat down at his workbench.

  ....................

  “Dr. Winslow,” said Kyle. “I don't understand these tests you've been running. We are trying to kill the virus, aren't we?”

  “Of course we are,” said Luanne. “What's the problem.”

  “Well, you haven't used a single poison in any of the tests,” said Kyle. “Are you trying to fatten them up so they can't stay airborne?”

  “Very funny, Kinsley,” said Luanne. “We can't use poison. We don't want the cure to be worse than the disease.”

  “They're incredibly small,” said Kyle. “It might only take a minute amout of poison to do the trick.. Are we trying for a cure or a prevention?”

  “We're not even certain how the virus works within the body,” said Luanne. “We know it multiplies in the lungs and enters the blood stream. We'd need a victim in the very early stages to learn more. But we can't
just cut open the brain of a living subject to see what's going on.”

  “You shouldn't have to,” said Kyle. “The virus is radioactive. Nuclear imageing should show you what you need to know, or at least where you need to look.”

  “That's certainly worth a try,” said Luanne. “All we need now is a victim.”