by Max Jager
"Well French won't do you much good," replied Liam, "Alien languages are pretty complicated that's why we all wear translators. However we're a little short of accountants right now."
"Here's the deal," broke in Matt,
"If we took you, you're looking at close to two weeks in space probably sleeping in a sleeping bag stuck between boxes of booze. Once there, you might have to build your own house or talk someone into bunking with them. We would also expect you to offer help whenever asked; it's just like pioneer times out there. Not only that, we would also expect you to cut your own deals with the aliens, I don't know, maybe Brand would hire you as a waitress over at Mos Eisley, it's a big bar and restaurant. On the other hand, if you wanted to jump right into things that would be the place."
"By the way, are you working someplace?" Asked Liam.
"Yeah, over at the Strator, witnessing." The Strator was a famous hotel in downtown Durango,
"Well there you are," he added. "Look, if you're not busy, stick around while we talk to other people okay?"
Most of the students who stopped by did so just to see Matt and Liam and ask stupid questions about aliens. Eventually president Michaels and Doctor Alexander had to leave, Emma made herself useful by using her ID card to get lunch for everybody at the café as they ate, she confided to the boys,
"I didn't want to say anything while President Michaels was around, but I can't really afford to go here. I can't even afford a car, and I'm still living with my dad, but he's laid off right now, and it's getting really hard."
"Emma, if we take you ," warned Matt, "It could be two or three years before you can come home if you don't like it there, and that's carved in stone, so think real hard about it."
As the day went on, they started getting more serious candidates, some who were genuinely interested, but for financial or time commitments couldn't go. Their first solid candidate came around two in the afternoon. Matt had her pegged as another art major, or worse, sociology major.
"My name's Micki Hemmings and I live up in Ouray. I'm majoring in structural engineering. Originally, I started out in robotics 'cause I just love 'em but my dad runs a steel erection company up in Grand Junction, and he talked me into going with structural engineering."
"Well he sounds like a smart man," said Matt, there are no robots where we're going, just androids, and some pretty sophisticated ones at that. We do have a real need for someone with your talents. The thing is…can you leave right away?"
"Well I'm up for graduation this spring…"
"If you go with us, maybe the college can waive the time left to go. President Michaels seemed open to making adjustments."
"What's it like on…Endor? Isn't that the planet in Star Wars with all those little ewaks in it?"
"Well it is a very heavily wooded planet," replied Liam, "That's why we changed the name. There's also a large island on the planet a couple of our friends built a bar and restaurant we call Mos Eisley. Can you stick around another hour or so, we're giving a slide show presentation at four, you'll be able to see what the place is like."
Before long they got another strike as a young man named Josh Mahler showed high interest in going as well.
"I'm majoring in Physics and computer science."
"Got something to show you," said Matt, check it out." He handed Josh what looked like a clear acrylic clipboard,"
"That is a Golian computer, not a notebook or even a laptop but the equivalent of a desktop PC. It holds an equivalent of 1500 gigs of memory; you won't be able to operate it because you don't have an ID card. Here let me show you." Matt pecked around on it bringing up incredible visuals and strange looking data, along with multiple charts. Mahler just stood there with his mouth open.
"Friends of mine did create a program that translates Windows seven and ten over to the Golian and Selantrian computer languages," explained Matt "But they don't have anything like Windows ten or even JavaScript. What they do have is a computer language built off Shalanterian Mathematics that has its own built-in security."
"So what's this Shalanterian Mathematics?" Asked Josh. Matt snickered,
"It's so complicated there are three levels of it, the general, and easiest part most people use for everyday business, the more advanced level they use for engineering and navigational purposes, and the theoretical level used by mathematicians, and scientists. It's also the level hyper drive and black hole theories are developed on."
There were two more students who showed up who were definitely interested but were due to graduate in the spring and apparently had jobs already lined up. Matt let them stick around for the slide show after which everyone was speechless.
"Y-You really know all those aliens?" Gasped Miki.
"Sure, and a whole lot more. If you decide to go with us you'll get to meet them and maybe they'll introduce you to some of their friends. Eventually you will be cutting your own deals, making your own way out there, it all depends how much you want to put into it. But know this," added Matt.
"If you go, plan on spending at least two years out there this isn't something you can get out of if you decide you don't like it, so think very carefully.
"What sort of things will we need to take?" Asked Josh,
"One large backpack, that's all," said Liam. "In it you'll carry a medium weight sleeping bag, a pad, a small cook kit, any personnel items, and toiletries."
"Sounds like we're going camping," said Miki,
"In a sense you will be," said Matt, "Also bring as much underwear and clothes you can pack. The temperature stays roughly between 90 and a hundred deema's every day. Translated, it's between 60 and 80 degrees except in the southern mountains. Also, realize that Endor and New Coryville are a combined project still under construction. In fact, we have been calling the whole thing simply "Titan Stand." The thing to remember is that if you decide to join us all that you knew, as science fiction will become non-fiction, to paraphrase an old radio show,
"These are stories of the present adventures in which you'll live in a million could-be years, on a thousand may-be worlds. We are the vanguard of the human race stepping out to the stars."
He gave them his phone number and told everybody,
"As soon as NASA get's their shit together and they get the K'Sha loaded, we'll be shoving off from that big parking lot at the other end of the campus. Talk to Doctor Alexander or president Michaels if you're going so they can make the proper arrangements.
After the others left, Emma continued to hang around. Matt looked at her,
"You really want to go bad don't you?" She silently nodded, then replied,
"Please Matt, I know I don't have a degree in engineering or physics but I honestly think I can make a contribution." He continued to study her and grimacing. Heaving a sigh, he replied,
"All right Emma you can go, you have my phone number and know what you need to take. However, in your case, better bring plenty of art supplies." She gave him a big hug, prompting him to add,
"Don't forget, we leave hopefully at the end of the week from the north parking lot, if you're not ready and waiting, we leave without you."
"Don't worry Matt, I'll be there."
Later Matt and Liam's families all went out to dinner together and they talked and signed autographs from well-wishers Liam wondered aloud if they were doing the right thing.
"I sure hope we aren't getting a bunch of pussies who will be crying for their mama's the moment we land on Endor?" Matt frowned and nodded,
"Same here," then sighing, he added,
"All we can do is be completely honest and up front, but we need these kids. Ha! Listen to me, I'm a kid." The following day was spent being interviewed by not only the local paper but speaking to the local chamber of commerce who were giving him an award for promoting Durango, and making the town more famous than it already was. He also spoke to the beer and spirit distributors letting them know the K'Sha would be landing and departing from the north parking lot at Fort Lewis College. Mr. J
anson called to tell Matt that the equipment problem had been solved; the K'Sha was fully loaded along with the small dozer he had requested.
"Caterpillar gave us that dozer Matt," said Janson. "All they ask in return are still photos and videos of it in action."
"No problem," replied Matt, we'll be sure to get them some good shots."
That night, as he was lying in bed close to falling asleep his phone rang.
"Um is this Matt Grainger?"
"Speaking, who is this?"
"My name is Kevin Elrod I'm a math major at the University of Colorado in Boulder, are you still accepting passengers to go to the stars?"
"Maybe, why do you want to go so badly?" There was a long pause, which for a moment Matt thought they might have been cut off.
"Um are you still there Kevin?"
"I'm here…when I was a kid; I was out on a camping trip with my dad…"
"Yeah go on," said Matt.
"Umm well I'd stepped out of the tent to take a leak and over the lake I…I saw something. Lights, blue and green lights, it just sat hovering over the lake, then it was gone, just like that, it actually made a hole in the clouds it took off so fast. Ever since then I've been looking for answers. Please, this is important to me, I really want to go with you." Matt thought he'd better ask this guy more questions.
"So what are you prepared to do towards helping us? You say you're a math major, great, problem is, eventually you're going to have to go back to school, everything is different where we're going. On top of that, we're going to need people willing to get their hands dirty."
"Please Matt this would mean so much to me, I know all the answers I seek are out there." This brought thoughts of the X-Files to Matt's head, "The truth is out there."
"Are you willing to lend a hand in other ways? There won't be a lot of time for sitting around dreaming up advanced calculations," added Matt.
"Yes, I would be willing to do whatever you ask," replied Kevin.
"I'm going to hold you to that promise," replied Matt. "However I'll tell you what Kevin, I'll see to it you get hooked up with a couple friends of mine, one happens to be a professor of astro-physics and cosmic nuclo-chemistry at the university of Selantria."
Matt thought he heard quiet sobbing at the other end of the connection then Kevin said,
"You would do this for me?"
"I would, and could, but you have to do stuff for me. Where are you right now?"
"I'm in Boulder…"
"Well you'd better find a car and get your ass out here to Durango the K'Sha is due here the day after tomorrow…early. Do you have a car?"
"Umm no…"
"Well I would strongly suggest you get one and get rolling. In addition, you are allowed one large backpack containing a mat, a medium duty sleeping bag, something to cook in; a camp cook set is preferable. Also bring plenty of clothing."
"If you don't have a ride, you'd better beg borrow or steal one," added Matt, "It's just a little over three hundred and fifty miles from Boulder so I would suggest you get moving, once the ship is loaded we won't wait, we will leave right away."
"I understand," exclaimed Kevin, "And thank you Matt, you won't regret this."
"For your sake I'd better not," came the reply.
Chapter 149
Titan Stand Chapter 149
This was the day. Matt had just gotten off the phone with Mr. Janson telling him the K'Sha had just left the Cape. . Matt then placed calls to not only the city police but the sheriff's department as well, along with the local beer and spirit distributors letting them know where the freighter would be landing. Since it was widely expected most of western Colorado would be turning out for this Matt and Liam, along with their families got police escorts out to the college. People were parked on both sides of the roads not only Rim Drive but also East Third, clear over to eighth. The cops had roadblocks at both ends of Goeglein Gulch road, with every parking space at the college full. The day was cold with an even colder mist in the air. Matt had vainly hoped this would keep the gawkers and onlookers away, but no such luck. As they got out of their cars, Matt and Liam hugged their parents in an emotional goodbye.
"Stay out of danger," and "Stay safe, we'll miss you very much," were the watchwords. They then held a quick meeting with the distributors, as well as president Michaels. Also present were Emma, Miki, and Josh but no Kevin.
Matt then received an alert on his wrist comm,
"Major Morford here Matt, we're just coming in over town right now, hold up your comm so the scanner can get a better fix on your location."
Because of the foggy mist, everyone heard the freighter before they could see it, then out of the mist the engines grew louder as the K'Sha appeared setting down right in the middle of the large parking lot, causing a mild panic as people hurriedly moved back. As soon as the massive engines shut down the ramp came down. First off were a bunch of people Matt had never seen before accompanied by Mr. Janson. Then came the major, followed by Clath and Rekton, who was talking with Steve Haines. Matt then waived Clath over as well as the men who were driving the liquor, and beer trucks along with their supervisors. While Liam met with Janson and his group went to joint president Michaels Matt asked Clath.
"I sure hope you've got a little more room?" The drivers and their supervisors gaped in amazement at the sight of Clath who was apparently taking it all in stride.
"Well there's a little, now if you want to vacate your rooms we could put more in there."
"Go ahead," replied Matt, and then translating for Clath, he told the deliverymen,
"Follow Clath, he'll show you where you can put the booze." Since all the beer was in aluminum kegs, they took up more room. However, after some creative thinking, they managed to get all the kegs on board along with tapping equipment. The cases of Scotch, tequila, rum, and Irish whiskey filled the remaining cabins; everyone would be sleeping wherever they could find a spot.
"We brought the empty kegs back from last time," Matt told the beer distributor rep, "However I don't know when we'll get these back to you but we will get them back somehow."
"Well we are only charging you half rate on the deposits because we took that into account, just return them whenever you can," said the rep.
Because the weather was so crappy president Michaels kept his remarks to a minimum, but promised the three students, they would receive full graduate degrees and honors. Apparently, all the strange people coming off the ship were congressional representatives Janson was buttering up hoping they would be generous to NASA come appropriations time. He kept looking around for Kevin but no one seemed to be coming forward.
"Emma, Josh, Miki. grab your gear and get on board," ordered Matt, "Stand at the top of the ramp and wait for me or Liam, we'll find a place for you to put your stuff." After saying goodbye to president Michaels, and Mr. Janson it was time to go. Clath, Rekton, and major Morford and Steve Haines were all back on board as Matt stood at the bottom of the ramp waiting as long as he could. Just as he was about to start up the ramp, he heard a police siren.
Making its way into the parking lot came a state patrol car its light bar flashing and siren wailing. Matt smiled and shook his head, then asked Orlak to hold on there was one more passenger. The trooper stepped out of his patrol car with a kid around Matt's size in tow.
"Are you Matt Grainger?" Asked the trooper,
"I am, and I'll be this is Kevin Elrod?"
"There's a big traffic jam on 160 coming into town, this kid comes running up to my patrol car pleading with me to get him up here, says you know him."
Looking at a very desperate young man, he replied,
"Well I don't know him officer but I've been expecting him." Turning to Kevin, he added,
"Another 30 seconds and you would have been shit out of luck, now grab your stuff and get on board.'
He then thanked the officer then turned to follow Kevin who was staggering under the weight of a very large backpack. Once they were on board, he called Or
lak,
"We're all set down here Orlak get us out of here."
Matt and Liam remained with the new passengers making them sit on the deck while the K'Sha rose into the heavens. The noise was much louder in the cargo hold as the ship fought it's way up through the atmosphere. Finally, Orlak put the K'Sha into an upper orbit for a final check before beginning the long trip home. Matt brought everyone over to a small screen where he brought up a view of earth.
"Take a good look, everyone, this is the last you'll see of earth for a very long time."
The K'Sha was literally stuffed to the gills with cases of booze, NASA equipment, food and gear or as Clath pointed out to Matt,
"You lost your cabin because you insisted on that big yellow machine, guess you and Liam are going to have to sleep wherever you can find a spot."