by M. D. Cooper
THE LAST BASTION OF STAR CITY
Perseus Gate – Episode 4
BY M. D. COOPER
SPECIAL THANKS
Just in Time (JIT) & Beta Reads
David Wilson
Jim Dean
Lisa L. Richman
Scott Reid
Scot Mantelli
Copyright © 2017 M. D. Cooper
Cover Art by Andrew Dobell
Editing by Tee Ayer
All rights reserved.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORD
SABRINA’S CREW
NEW CREW
DINNER TIME
MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE
EVASION
STAR CITY
THE JOURNEY
SAVIORS
PURSUIT
MOTHERHOOD
EXTENDED FAMILY
BASTIONS
STRIKE
EXTENDED STAY
HOW BIG IS THAT CITY, REALLY?
THE BOOKS OF AEON 14
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
FOREWORD
What will super-advanced civilizations do with themselves?
At a certain point, any civilization that lasts long enough will move into a post-scarcity situation. They will have near-infinite resources, lifetimes will be measured in centuries (or more), and there will be no more unmet needs.
As a species, humanity has always striven—usually for survival, but also to better ourselves, or our family/tribe/nation’s situation. But if there is nothing else to strive for, what will we do?
We observe our main purpose to be like that of most organisms; to multiply and dominate our environment in order to ensure survival of our species. But to what end?
The species persists, and evolves, but any individual—even the greatest—is just a stepping stone for the race itself. If humanity reaches a utopian state, and then fills the galaxy (or even the universe), what is the point? Eventually, after the stars all burn out, and the black holes evaporate, and the universe cools and dies…there will be no trace of us. Nothing we build will remain.
But we are curious. And we know there is more than just our universe, and that even the few dimensions in which we are constrained represent just a fraction of what exits.
What else lies out there? And how will we move beyond our current biological, mortal frames to discover it?
In the end, we are faced with the ultimate question. One we still cannot fully articulate.
M. D. Cooper
SABRINA’S CREW
Cargo – Ship’s Captain
Cheeky – Pilot
Erin – AI embedded in Nance
Finaeus – Passenger
Jessica – First Mate
Hank – AI embedded in Cargo
Iris – AI embedded in Jessica
Misha – Trader picked up in Naga System
Nance – Bio/Engineer
Piya – AI embedded in Cheeky
Sabrina – Ship’s AI
Terry – Mechanic recruited on Gallas
Trevor – Supercargo and muscle
NOTE: When Sabrina is italicized, it refers to the ship, but if Sabrina is not italicized, it refers to the AI. Yes, this would be much simpler if the ship and AI did not share the same name, but you try telling that to Sabrina!
Just so you stay on her good side, never call the ship “the Sabrina”; it really gets on her last synthetic neuron.
NEW CREW
STELLAR DATE: 10.28.8938 (Adjusted Years)
LOCATION: Sabrina, Gallas 1, Serenity Primus
REGION: Serenity Ordus, Orion Freedom Alliance, Perseus Arm
“And here we are,” Jessica said. “The bridge, the heart of Sabrina.”
“This is so crazy,” Terry said as she stepped through the doorway and cast her gaze across the consoles. “I’m on a ship from the Inner Stars!”
Misha rose from the comm station, a hurt look on his face. “What? You told her already? How come I had to wait forever to find out and she didn’t?”
“Because we were under fire and running for our lives when you came aboard—thanks in no small part to your actions,” Cargo said, squeezing past Terry and Jessica on his way to the command chair. “Terry was instrumental in saving Jessica and Cheeky. You, however, were instrumental in getting RMs fired at us.”
“Holy crap!” Terry said in a soft voice. “You’ve had RMs fired at you? And you survived?”
“Yeah,” Cargo replied. “And more than once too…more than three times actually.”
“Oh! You must be Sabrina!” Terry said with a brilliant smile. “So glad to meet you.”
“No,” Cargo replied. “Misha’s still on galley duty.”
“What? Seriously?” Misha asked. “I’m not the FNG anymore, I figured that someone else would take on the dirty work.”
“Cut it out, Sabrina,” Misha grumbled.
Jessica watched Terry as she walked around the bridge, peering at the consoles, holo emitters, even the lights.
“What do you think?” Jessica asked. “Care to come along with us for awhile?”
Terry fixed Jessica with a level stare. “Do you really have to ask that? You’re on the ship of dreams here…I’d be a moron to go back to Serenity.”
“Technically we’re still at Serenity,” Misha corrected.
“Stop being sour, Misha,” Jessica admonished. “Terry was wasted on Gallas.”
“Gotta admit,” Terry said, while holding her hands up and wiggling her fingers. “It’s nice not to have to wear gloves in public for a change—even though it still feels weird.”
“Might have to take you shopping at the next world we come to,” Jessica said.
Terry absently ran her hands down the sides of her grey House Charlemis uniform. “Oh, I don’t know, let’s not get carried away.”
“Well you can’t wear that forever,” Cheeky said as she walked onto the bridge in one of her customary, barely-there outfits. “After we get on an outsystem vector, I’ll see if I have anything we can fab to fit you.”
Terry gave a soft laugh. “Thanks Cheeky, but I really think that Jessica’s style may be more to my tastes.”
Cheeky snorted. “First Sera, then Nance, Jessica, and now you, Terry. No one needs to wear clothes anymore, but you all constantly cover yourself head to foot. I’ll never understand it.”
“I have variety,” Jessica said. “So does Nance when she’s not suited up.”
“OK, no need to get in a fashion fight over me,” Terry said.
“Yes, no need,” Cargo spoke up. “Cheeky, I’m on with the Port Authority. We’re in the queue for departure in forty minutes.”
“Let me show you to your quarters,” Jessica said to Terry. “You can get settled, unpack, clean up. Dinner will be in about three hours.”
After taking Terry to her cabin—which she proclaimed to be larger than her entire apartment back on Gallas—Jessica retired to her own cabin and collapsed on the bed.
Trevor’s laugh resonated in her mind, and Jessica relished the sound of it. The last few weeks were the longest time they had been separated since their meeting on Virginis. Jessica was all but itching to lie in
his arms once more.
Jessica sighed aloud and sat up on the edge of her bed before replying,
One second, just enough to make the conversation irritating.
She rose and accepted the message and Antaris appeared before her, an image projected within her mind, but seeming as real as anything around her.
“My lady, Jessica,” he said and inclined his head. “I had hoped to see you one last time before you departed, but circumstances drew me back to Acadia.”
“And I, you,” Jessica replied. “It is a shame we did not get to see one another a final time. I trust things are proceeding well for Kristina and you?”
Antaris tilted his head and a ghost of a smile touched his lips. “Kristina will make an excellent Head of House, though we will have to fight to keep our place at the High Table. There are those who will seek to take down House Laurentia because of this. However, because of Cherrie’s efforts, Justina of House Charlemis is allying herself with us.”
Jessica gave a wry smile. “I imagine Kristina is having some trouble accepting that alliance.”
“Not as much as you may suspect,” Antaris said. “She is very pragmatic. Bullish, and difficult to be around for long stretches of time, but she’ll do what she must. Laurentia will persist, and we will remain the preeminent house on Acadia…”
“I’m glad to hear it,” Jessica replied. “I wish you the best, Antaris.”
Antaris was silent for a moment, and Jessica knew what he wanted to ask. She hoped he wouldn’t, her hopes were dashed.
“Laurentia could use a pair of women such as yourself and Cherrie. Why are you departing on that strange freighter anyway? You could live as great a life as you’ve ever dreamed here on Acadia. There’s no need for you to take over your family’s business, either.”
“Your offer is kind, but I have my own dreams and goals,” Jessica said. “Perhaps someday I will return to the Serenity Ordus. You never know.”
Antaris gave a polite cough. “I know a dismissal when I hear one, Jessica. I imagine you and I will never set eyes on one another again.”
“Probably not,” Jessica said with a slow shake of her head. “But you never know. Time is vast, bigger than space. We may yet cross paths.”
“I look forward to it,” Antaris replied. “Perhaps we can have a rematch. I think I’ve learned a thing or two.”
Jessica laughed. “I would like that. Until we meet again, Antaris.”
“Well met, Lady Jessica.”
Jessica cut the connection and lay back down on her bed, wondering what would happen in The Ordus now. She did hope that Kristina would hold onto her seat at the High table. More for Antaris’s sake than his sister’s. So long as they maintained that seat, he could fly about in his ship, guarding the borders of Serenity with his honor and tradition. That was what he really wanted out of life.
“Well, there you are,” Trevor said as he swept into the room. “At long last.”
“I’ve been here for some time now,” Jessica said with a coy smile.
Trevor was across the cabin by the time she finished speaking, reaching around Jessica and lifting her off the bed, crushing her in his embrace.
“Stars, that was too long—and too nerve-wracking. You’re not allowed to leave my sight, ever again. And you’re certainly not allowed to get kidnapped and run off like that.”
“Need…air…” Jessica said with mock gasps and Trevor loosened his grip, gently setting her down on the deck.
“Sorry-not-sorry,” he said with a wide grin.
“Me either. I promise I won’t run off on my own little adventure again. Next time you’re coming with.”
“Damn straight I am. I can’t believe I missed a dance!”
“Well, I missed most of it too,” Jessica said. “Though Cheeky and my doppelganger got to party most of the nights away.”
“Your what?”
“We have an assimilator automaton now. Top notch too. She’ll be quite handy.”
“Huh…I’ve only ever heard of those.”
“She’s around somewhere, you’ll see her soon enough. Cheeky probably stashed her in a hold.”
Trevor wrapped his arms around Jessica, a large hand on each of her ass-cheeks. “Not really interested in seeing other things right now.”
“I like where your head’s at,” Jessica replied with a smirk.
“Oh, you’re so punny, Jess.”
DINNER TIME
STELLAR DATE: 10.28.8938 (Adjusted Years)
LOCATION: Sabrina, Departing Serenity Primus
REGION: Serenity Ordus, Orion Freedom Alliance, Perseus Arm
“So you’re from…?” Terry asked as she sat at the galley’s large wooden table, idly tracing her finger along the nicks and dents while Misha chopped onions for the salad he was preparing.
“Pylar Expanse, originally,” Misha replied. “I joined up with this merry band of misfits back at Naga.”
Terry wondered what Misha’s version of the story would be. Jessica had painted him as a bit of a pain in the ass, but a good enough sort that they weren’t going to kick him off at the next station.
At least not so long as he kept preparing the meals.
“And you have the maps for the jump points round here?” Terry asked.
Misha nodded. “Plus, I can put together a good spread—stars knows I’ve had enough practice.”
“So, where to next, then?” Terry asked, keeping her voice as nonchalant as she could, all the while wondering what amazing sights she would see at the ship’s next stop. Just the idea of flying in the black was enough to get her pulse racing.
After so many years fixing ships and never flying them though the black, she couldn’t believe that she was finally getting into deep space. Not only that, but out in the dark layer, and then other star systems.
“Glad to be gone from Serenity, are you?” Misha asked, apparently able to read her all too well.
“Well…” Terry began, considering her words carefully. “I liked Serenity, some of it at least…. No…I can’t even fake it—guess I don’t have to anymore. The place was stifling. Maybe if I’d been on Acadia it would have been different—no scratch that. I think I wouldn’t have even made it one day speaking all posh and fancy like they do before I’d have slit my throat.”
“I’d always heard the place was tradition with a side of formality and more tradition,” Misha said with a chuckle as he set the salad on the table. “I’m surprised Jessica and Cheeky did so well there—they seem like…more free spirits.”
Terry laughed. “They were really quite impressive—they blended in perfectly in public. Privately I got to see a type of freedom I’d only ever dreamt of. It’s part of why I’m here, eager to see what’s next.”
“What’s next?” Cheeky asked as she entered the galley and settled into a chair across the table.
“That’s just what I was asking,” Terry said. “Where will we go next?”
“Well, I have us on a vector for a jump point that has a few options, but Serenity was a bit out of our way. We’re going to have to spend a week getting back on course. Plus, we still have to find somewhere to drop Misha off,” Cheeky said while giving Terry a wink that Misha couldn’t see.
“Oh, I don’t know,” Misha said with what was obviously forced insouciance. “I’ve found that I rather like working here in the galley. It’s rather relaxing.”
“As compared to fleecing people on Hermes Station?” Cheeky asked with a grin.
“Fleecing?” Terry asked, eager to hear more about his past. “Were you some sort of snake-oil salesman, Misha?”
“Cheeky!” Misha exclaimed. “You’re giving Terry the wrong impression of me. I was an information broker, I just happened to broker the wrong information to the wrong
people. Got me in some hot water.”
“And us, by extension,” Cheeky added, a perfect eyebrow raised in accusation.
Misha waved his hand dismissively. “Once Jessica started shooting her way out of RHY Dynamics, you guys would have been in just as much trouble. Don’t know why you’re always coming down on me for it.”
Terry watched Cheeky’s brows drop, an expression not often seen on the typically buoyant woman’s face.
“Oh, I don’t know, maybe because it made rescuing Jessica a lot more complex.”
“You all have so many stories,” Terry said wistfully. “And Jessica…she has thousands of them, all the way back to Earth! Can you believe it? She grew up on Earth.”
“It’s surreal,” Cheeky said in agreement. “And so did Finaeus. Granted, the novelty has worn off a bit for us. We were on the Intrepid after all. A lot of people there were from Sol. Captain Andrews is almost as old as Finaeus, too.”
“What’s the Intrepid?” Terry asked.
“Oh! You didn’t tell her that?” Misha said with a broad smile. “Well then, I guess maybe I’m not just chopped liver.”
“It’s a colony ship,” Cheeky said. “We didn’t tell you about it because knowing that we came from the Inner Stars is one thing—Inner Stars ships wander into the OFA from time to time. But if it got out that we’d been on the Intrepid, well, that would be a whole different bucket of crap.”
“Is it a colony ship coming into the OFA?” Terry asked. “I don’t really know much about how the OFA does things with regards to colonies. Do they still allow colony ships from the Inner Stars in?”
“Sometimes,” Misha said with a shrug. “But the Intrepid is a colony ship from Sol…from the forty third century.”
“You were aboard some old derelict?” Terry asked. “I really don’t get it. What am I missing here?”
“You’ve never heard of the Intrepid?” Cheeky asked, her eyes narrowed skeptically.”
“Should I have?”