by Travis Sande
ISO
Beyond the solar system.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2018 by Travis Sande
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without written permission of the copyright owner except for the use of quotations in a book review.
ISBN 978-1-9994990-1-3 (paperback)
ISBN 978-1-9994990-0-6 (ebook)
Prologue
Overpopulation and resource consumption were always the issues of tomorrow. Humanity continually pushed back the deadline, ignoring the consequences. Warnings and foresight from the world's scientific community were broadly ignored. It was a successful method for over a hundred years, but tomorrow eventually came. In 2183 it began; the approach was slow and almost methodical. Subtle changes that seemed benign on their own were looming and ready to pounce. Temperatures were on a steady incline, causing many species of plants and animals to adapt or vanish. Resources were being consumed at ever growing rates while at the same time becoming more and more scarce. Air quality was an ever-increasing threat, as much of Earth's simplest and most abundant plants were too fragile to persist through these changes.
Earth's ecosystems have always been resilient, but this, this was different.
The breakdown progressed much faster than even the most ardent activist could have predicted. It was as if a twisted intelligence had coordinated and executed this century’s long plan. Projections for the future of earth became bleak and hopeless. With the earth seen as either dying or dead, interplanetary travel became a large focus of the world's population. Time was running out and the people of Earth needed to find a permanent solution.
Being on the precipice of total extinction proved to be a powerful motivator over the next fifteen years. Borders were eliminated in an attempt to concentrate populations into the most habitable climates still remaining on Earth. A period known as the Unification would bring about the world’s largest collaborative research effort. Cooperation, free from the burden of monetization, allowed for growth to occur at unprecedented rates. Notions like nationalism gradually faded as populations amalgamated throughout the great migration of the early twenty third century. Projects began to take shape as humanity reached into their own solar system in search of reprieve from the effects being felt on Earth.
The moon was the initial testing ground for new colonization technologies. Due to its proximity, it would prove to be an ideal stepping stone for further research. Success was found early on in the lunar colonization project as millions flocked to volunteer. With the lunar colony beginning to stabilize, sights were shifted to Mars. Humanities fight for survival was taking shape as they pushed the limits of their capabilities.
Before the Mars mission could begin, a permanent orbital habitat was deemed necessary. Serving as a construction center for ever larger craft, Earth Station One would become home to over one hundred thousand inhabitants. A sister station was planned for Mars; a shipping and restocking hub in orbit would free future ship designs from the restraints of atmospheric flight. This allowed for ships being constructed to dwarf any previous design by orders of magnitude.
The first project undertaken by Earth Station One was to design and construct the companion station for Mars orbit. Aptly named Mars One, it would begin its journey with two hundred and fifty thousand souls prepared to embark on the task of colonizing Mars. Once in Mars orbit, it would become a permanent resident there. Receiving influxes of materials and personnel from Earth periodically, it would provide the perfect staging area for the overhaul of Mars. Like the lunar project, Mars would take shape and begin stabilizing after only a decade.
The debate of nationalism would reignite in the face of three separate planetary societies. A conclusion was reached to establish the Triumvirate. A group of three governmental heads would reside on Earth Station One to debate any interplanetary matters.
Over the next fifty years, humanity would find a balance as Earth once again became sustainable. Seen as the frontier of humanity, Mars would become a substantial draw on the population and eventually overtake Earth’s population. Perfecting terraforming and colonization technologies would provide ample support to the ever-growing society.
With all three human colonies once again thriving, focus was shifted to pushing the boundaries yet again. Jupiter became the next point of interest as its inner depths remained a mystery. Several probes were launched at the start of the twenty-fourth century to ascertain any value within Jupiter’s mass.
The first probe was destroyed shortly after entering Jupiter’s atmosphere. Insufficient hull strength and a lack of failsafe measures were largely to blame. With that in mind, research was focused into developing shielding to limit damage resulting from the massive pressures felt within Jupiter’s atmosphere. A front-runner in the search for a solution was ion shielding; an experimental technology discovered in the Mars capital city of Marsul. The second probe was fitted with the new technology and launched toward Jupiter with a renewed optimism.
Results from the second probe were more positive than the first but concluded in a similar fashion. The probe would reach a far greater depth before vanishing off communications inexplicably. Scientists were at a loss, struggling to decipher the data transmitted prior to the loss of contact. Data showed the probe coming into contact with a physical anomaly within the atmosphere moments before failure. This led to wide spread speculation about what this could be, and it wasn’t long before a third and final probe was prepared for launch.
With the failure of the first two probes being used as guidelines, the third probe would be equipped with the most sophisticated failsafe and shielding package ever conceived by mankind. Robust sensors, backup engines, secondary shield emitters, and redundant communication solutions were implemented in hopes of rediscovering the anomaly experienced by probe two. After five in years in development, the third probe was launched.
Coming upon Jupiter in the same position as the second probe, Probe 3 would descend, rapidly reaching the previous point of disappearance. Upon reaching the destination, Probe 3 would continue diving deeper into the atmosphere. Sensors soon picked up the same anomaly as before, a physical entity appeared to be chasing the probe. Fear, excitement, apprehension, and all manners of emotion gripped the world as they watched the situation unfold. A seemingly intelligent vehicle was following their probe.
Suddenly, with no warning, the probe was stopped in its tracks. Suspended by an unknown force as the anomaly approached. Soon there were three objects closing in and the world collectively held its breath in the face of such an occurrence. Unlike the second probe, Probe 3 would not fail. Through curiosity or a desire to research a potential threat, the entities were content with the probe’s presence.
To the shock of everyone watching the endeavour, a message was suddenly received. The entities managed to invade their transmission and plant their own communication within. It was a low rumbling vibration that was complex enough to reinforce the perception of a language. The scientific community rushed to decipher what they could but found limited success. Without any comparative structure to begin translating the message, it was deemed futile and efforts then shifted to sending their own message.
Earth had developed a universal ‘hello’ that could be issued under just these circumstances. It would include a wide variety of mathematics, languages, and a multitude of media to assist in translation. Debate erupted over the use of such a message without knowing the intent of the entities in q
uestion. After all, they had destroyed the second probe without hesitation. The debate concluded with the Triumvirate agreeing to send the welcome. The welcome included coordinates to a landing site outside Greater Marsul on Mars.
It wasn’t long before the probe transmitted another message; one word, “Hello.”. Awe overtook the main communications room on Marsul as the message came through. They were truly communicating with an intelligent lifeform. Not long after receiving the message, the probe began exiting Jupiter’s atmosphere with one entity in pursuit. The belief was that the coordinates had been discovered and they were approaching to make contact. Panic gave way to excitement as preparations began to welcome the new-found life.
Approaching Mars at speeds greater than anything achieved in humanity’s history, the entity, with probe in tow, arrived at Mars. A warm welcome awaited as the vessel descended down to the surface. Returning the probe and initiating contact with humanity seemed to be the priority of the single being within.
In a period simply named ‘The Awakening’, the aliens, known as the Vryl, would begin imparting technological wisdom to humanity. Discussing the purpose of their visit to Jupiter, and how they were mining gaseous material through a phenomenon known as an unstable rift. An unstable rift was a controlled tear in space that would facilitate instant travel for any non-solid material, including data. The discovery of instant data transfer across infinite distance changed the face of cooperation between the Triumvirate worlds. Using a technology known as an unstable rift matrix, all three societies would begin seeing the benefits.
In addition to communication breakthroughs, shielding, propulsion, organic integration, and artificial intelligence solutions were shared. Understanding these new fields of study became the highest priority while humanity awaited the arrival of an official Vryl envoy from their home planet of Setu. The goal of the envoy was to bring materials required for construction of the first human manned RIP capable vehicle. RIP was the roughly translated name of the Vryl propulsion technology.
Utilizing a bubble similar to the ion shielding discovered by humanity, it would shield the vessel in a relative stasis and alter reality around it. Pushing the bubble, and the ship within, through space at several times the speed of light. Challenges with this technology became evident as the Vryl discussed the requirement of a diffusion array at the targeted destination. While moving through space, the shielding would allow for photonic energy to enter but not escape. This would result in cataclysmic energy dispersal upon collapsing the RIP bubble. Diffusion arrays would be constructed to catch the RIP vessel and harness the released energy; not only preventing a catastrophe but storing the substantial energy for later use.
Outside of RIP capabilities, the Vryl provided detailed designs for ion propulsion; the method used by the Vryl whenever a diffusion array wasn’t awaiting their arrival. With all the materials readily available, this drastically increased the speed in which humanity would navigate their own solar system. With no diffusion array within Triumvirate space, the Vryl envoy would be limited to this slower method. Their arrival would take nearly three years.
Efforts were made to begin construction on both the Diffusion array and RIP vessel while awaiting the envoy. Designs for basic construction were overseen by the Vryl already present. Any aspects that required unavailable materials were sidelined until the envoy arrived.
In addition to the construction of a RIP vessel, a crew began to form. Hoping to send a fully human manned RIP vehicle to Setu was a top priority for members of the triumvirate. Limited time combined with only a single Vryl made training a proper unstable rift technician nearly impossible. After making every effort possible, the idea of a totally human manned vessel was abandoned. The Vryl, Eilik, would volunteer to join the crew in their journey.
As the envoy arrived, final touches were applied to the RIP vehicle. Named the Interstellar Observer, or ISO for short, it was completed in its entirety before attention was turned to the diffusion array. The hope was to get the ISO underway as soon as possible. With the completion of the ISO, the crew was assembled and prepared for their mission. In 2332, the ISO would officially launch and begin its journey to the Vryl home world of Setu.
The crew would consist of nine humans and one Vryl.
Chapter 1
Launch
Derrick stared up at the ISO, the ship was so much larger than he remembered. Seeing it through the viewing glass of the training facility never did it justice. Upright and ready for launch, the ISO was awe inspiring. The full scope of its presence just meters away as Derrick approached his future in dramatic fashion. Derrick dreamed of this day, piloting an interstellar vehicle. Years of training now culminating in the slow walk toward the entrance. He peered out over the edge of the extended docking arm connecting them to the cockpit of the vessel. Over one hundred and fifty feet separated him from the ground. Smoke slowly billowed across his view, occasionally obscuring the ship. Time felt as if it was slowing down causing the moment to linger as he struggled to comprehend the surreal situation unfolding in front of him.
Looking to his right, he saw Sian. Sian Por was the doctor assigned to the ISO for the first mission beyond the solar system. Extra scrutiny had fallen upon Sian due to her relation to Leslie Por, the first Mars representative in the Triumvirate; however, she welcomed the added attention and believed it pushed her to excel at an even higher level. Some would see her confidence and mistake it for arrogance, but Derrick knew better. She simply knew her capabilities and wasn't afraid to assert herself.
Sian was a little taller than Derrick, standing about five-foot ten. Her dark auburn hair was always kept in a tight bun. It gave her the look of professionalism that she often seemed to pursue. Sian was calm, quiet, and only spoke when necessary. Outside of training, Derrick didn't spend much time with her, and she was still somewhat of a mystery to him even after a year together as colleagues.
"I never thought this day would come." Derrick's voice broke the silence over comms to the team.
"I have done this walk every night since I was added to the mission; visualizing it and anticipating it. It feels like I have been here a hundred times and yet I still didn't expect the smoke. Funny how the small things escape imagination." Kim responded with awe in her voice.
Ruth Kimberly Haggenfjord is the onboard psychologist for the mission. Having distaste for both her first and last names, she would emphasize being called by her middle name, Kimberly, or Kim for short. Kim conducted profiles on every member of the crew and was a surprise addition to the mission. Ken Howel was original choice and mentor to Kim. Shortly before the scheduled launch of the ISO he was removed due to a parasitic infection. The Triumvirate was unwilling to accept any risk the infection may cause. With Kim being in close proximity to the crew during ISO prep, she was designated the best replacement on such short notice.
Kim would be the youngest addition to the team at just twenty-seven years old. She spent the entirety of the last year shadowing Ken Howel as he worked with the ISO crew. Her red hair and freckles combined with her youth often caused people to underestimate her. She was a passionate understudy to Ken Howel and exceptionally talented in the field of psychology.
"Is time slowing down for anyone else, or should I have Sian check me out?" Hank interjected. Henry Folte is the head of security for the ISO mission. Large in stature and deceptively light-hearted, he was an anomaly in the profession. Although he passed all physical tests at the highest level, the crew teased him about his size frequently.
Standing at six-foot four, he towered over the majority of the crew, and his muscular frame only accentuated the size difference. Spending his life in the stellar fleet had imparted an extreme sense of discipline. Hank always kept his hair short, never allowing it to grow longer than one inch. Cutting it himself every morning before he was able to start the day. His demeanour belied the seriousness of his past. There was a three-year gap in his stellar service he refused to talk about; during which, he was under the d
irect command of Admiral Lest. The consensus of the crew was that he had been part of some dark operations for the Triumvirate and having him stationed on the ISO was evidence enough of his skillset.
"Nah, you're fine, Hank. I am pretty sure time always slows down when wisps of smoke gently caress the docking arm." Luke said in response, always playing off Henry in search of levity. Luke Amrose is the engineering technician and the only human crewmember to be trained directly by the Vryl.
Luke was arguably Hank's best friend on the crew. The two of them were always spending time together and their sense of humour would shine through in any situation. It reminded Derrick of school, when two classmates had to be separated. Relentless in their hunt for a laugh; entertaining at times but often had to be reined in by superiors.
Similar to Hank in many ways, Luke also stood at over six feet tall. Although similar in height, Luke would lack the sheer size to rival Hank. In addition, Luke would often let his hair grow, usually keeping it between three to four inches long. His full dark blonde hair was the envy of many. Being the oldest of three brothers, he took pride in good-hearted ribbing. If he was teasing you, it was a sign that he liked you. For the most part the crew tolerated it, most even liked it. Sian was the only exception and made it clear she had no interest in it. Luke respected her request unless he was feeling especially brave.
"Control should be monitoring your vitals closely." Sian said with an air of contempt for the insincerity of the conversation.
"Wisps of smoke, Luke?" Ben continued, "I didn't know you were a poet." Ben Lyssak is an exobiologist and botanist assigned to the mission for research purposes. Having several biological experiments onboard to test the effect of extended RIP travel.
Ben found his enthusiasm for biology in a tragic way. His father, who was only thirty-eight, would succumb to lung disease caused by cystic fibrosis. Ben was close to his father and was devastated by the loss. Rather than dwell in self-pity, he found a strength within himself and completely reprioritized his life; by making the change from an apathetic student to a passionate academic. Going on to graduate with honours from one of the most prestigious schools within Central Marsul. His achievements were numerous and wide reaching. In his own eyes, the most important thing he had ever done was curing cystic fibrosis. Ensuring that no one would ever experience the same fate suffered by his father.