“What the hell was that?” Jack stood motionless, weapon still pointing at the closed door.
“What was what?” Cindy and Renee asked simultaneously.
“I think that was a… Thean. It could use the controls.”
“Do you think bullets work on Jell-O?” Jack asked, in all seriousness. Alex couldn’t keep himself from grinning.
“Might make a splash.”
“You think this is funny?” Cindy demanded, sounding angry.
“Sorry, gallows humor,” Alex replied in a low whisper. They moved past the door the Thean had just entered, towards an intersection of hallways. Curtis and his men insisted on taking the lead.
They didn’t get very far before they heard a strange sound. A series of loud, rapid knocks, like Morse code tapped out against the hull. The noise reverberated through the ship with no discernible source or pattern.
Suddenly, Jack was on the ground, his hands against his helmet, face a mask of agony. Alex grabbed his high pitching headset and tossed it away from his head. The tapping was getting louder, but Jack and the security team couldn’t hear it. They were squirming on the floor, hands on their helmets.
In the corner of his eye, he saw it. The Zorn creature flickered at the edge of his vision, coming from behind them. Alex spun and fired as the creature scuttled towards him at a frightening speed. Thirty rounds were spent quickly in automatic firing mode. Just before the clip clicked empty, Alex thought he saw the creature stumble.
It crashed into the ground several feet away. He reloaded and continued firing, as the creature started franticly jerking its limbs in every direction. It seemed to have lost control, spasming back and forth down the corridor. Alex unloaded his entire second magazine into the thing’s chest area, without any effect. He reloaded the weapon and walked a little closer, looking for weak spots. He pointed at a joint on one of the legs and fired off a few rounds. The leg severed, more of a result of the creature’s constant thrashing than the bullets. He noticed the large, seemingly useless bone sticking out above its chest, and fired two rounds cleanly through it. The Zorn collapsed, unmoving aside form a slight twitch in one of its legs.
In the silence, a door sped open and a Thean glided out like a snake. The gel-like creature rushed at the motionless Zorn, reshaping its body to surround one of the limbs in a slick embrace. The leg snapped from the pressure. The Thean moved on to the next leg and broke it as well. It skipped the one Alex had shot off, and finished by cracking off the fourth and final leg. Then it slid more slowly across to Alex’s boots, barely touching them before making similar gentle contact with Jack and the rest of the humans, who had righted themselves and removed their helmets. They tensed, with weapons poised, but it was clear the blob was not malicious. It slid off back to where it came.
“Alex, can you hear me?” asked Kalibri, in its usual unassuming voice.
Jack heard it in a nearby headset and passed it up to Alex.
“This is Alex.”
“Well done, Captain! The commander of this ship tells me you have eliminated the last Zorn.”
“Where is my crew?”
“They are safe and on the way to your location.”
Alex looked down and noticed he and Jack were covered in bits of blasted Zorn. After flicking a few of the larger pieces off his legs, Alex slid onto the floor next to the dead carcass.
Chapter 13
Dust settles
“How long do we need to stay in quarantine?” Alex had his hands on the plastic wall as he watched Gloria writing notes on the other side.
“Hey, I’m not the one who got himself covered in evil alien splatter.” Gloria didn’t even look up from her pad.
“It’s been a whole week. This is over the top, don’t you think?” said Jack from the edge of his bunk.
“If these blood samples I just took come back clear, you’ll be released tonight.”
Alex saw Jack sit up at the news. They settled back as Gloria left the room.
On the bridge, Cindy was reviewing the fabrication schedule. Now that the recently revived Theans agreed with Kalibri that helping the humans was an optimal idea, they put a generous amount of effort into getting one of their fabricators online. It took a few days of work, but they got it nearly completely functional. The size of the objects it could create was limited by an unrepairable component. It took nearly two days to complete a sensor array that could work off the Destiny’s power supply. Now it was creating components to build a new functional replicator for the Destiny. They would have to piece it together on the Destiny, as it was simply too big to fit through the hallways.
Cindy looked up from the data pad and reconsidered. They might have to piece it together when they got back to Earth.
The President was still living in Mason’s cabin, who had agreed to bunk with the other crewman for the time being. He and the remainder of the Titan team had been cleared by Gloria more quickly, since they had not come into direct contact with the Zorn.
“I don’t understand why you won’t deal directly with the United States,” the President was saying to Kalibri, trying to keep the frustration from his voice.
“As I have explained, your organization does not meet Thean standards for trust. We have agreed to honor my original decision to support the UEF. You will have to go through it to address your concerns.” Kalibri calculated a ninety-six percent chance the President would continue to argue the point.
“Is there any possibility to work on a trade agreement or contract of some kind? My nation has access to a wide range of materials and resources.” Kalibri was satisfied its calculations had not failed it.
“No, Mr. President. Not even if you gave your material away for free.”
The President laid back in his bed and closed his eyes.
“You know, Alex does not have the military experience we can provide. Putting complete trust in his infant organization is foolish.”
“I have run sixteen point seven three billion simulations in which we provide equal support to the USA and UEF. In a large majority, it is true that more would be accomplished in the short term. But there is also a significantly increased likelihood that such a decision would lead to conflict between the two organizations and catastrophically jeopardize the larger effort. Supporting the UEF is the best chance for an optimal outcome.”
“Ugh… All I know is that I saw things down there that scared me like nothing else I’ve known. The idea of thousands of them scurrying down the roadways of America is already giving me nightmares.”
In the quarantined science lab, Amanda, Gloria and Mac were examining the Zorn carcass wearing full biohazard suits.
“Notice the fine hairs behind this protruding frontal bone,” Mac pointed with a scalpel.
“And these small holes or pores on the front side. What do you think this is about?” Gloria asked.
“I don’t see any other receptors on the body. They must be sensory,” said Amanda.
“I agree. These hairs likely detect movements in the air, or perhaps act like cilia in the ear. Turning vibrations into sound,” Gloria theorized. “Or they could be for smell. Until we have a live one, we might never know.”
Amanda inspected a leg that Gloria had cut cleanly in half.
“This tar-like substance must act as some kind of bone marrow.” Amanda dipped a thin wooden stick in the tar and moved to the door, where objects could be passed through a safety transfer lock. Placing the stick inside, she lit it with a long-nose lighter.
The flame instantly turned bright green and burned intensely.
“Wow!” Mac exclaimed. “Could be copper, or maybe barium.”
The flame burned for considerable time before dying gently. The three scientists returned to stare at the carcass.
“Would copper burn?” she asked, thinking about the copper pots and pans she used to cook with.
“Copper ions in a compound like this, sure. A green flame is a classic tell for copper. The fumes can also be toxic, so w
e should be cautious.”
They stared at the carcass a little longer.
“That thing is terrifying.”
“Imagine it coming after you in a confined space,” Gloria agreed, noticing how Amanda froze and shuddered, her eyes never leaving the creature.
***
“It’s not a creature,” said Alex later that night, as he stomped across the bridge. He had been released from quarantine, but still had pent-up anger to work through. “Calling it a creature implies it lacks intelligence. The damn things fly spaceships.” He reached around Mason to grab a coffee cup and set off for his cabin. Mason followed.
“I’m not sure I could call it a person. I’ve seen these things move.” Alex stopped and looked at him. “And it killed Brandon without hesitation or provocation.”
“Call it a lifeform if that makes you feel better,” said Alex, as he stepped into his room.
“Gloria thinks the protruding bone is the weak spot. Why don’t the Theans have more information about their biology? They have been fighting them for so long.”
“Theans do not seek efficient ways of ending life,” said Kalibri, out of nowhere.
“What did we say about asking permission before interrupting a conversation?” Alex sighed. “While you’re here, can you tell us about the Theans aboard the Dark Star?”
“Once main power and secondary systems came back online I was under obligation to revive the crew from stasis. Unfortunately, they will pass away in approximately four months due to something akin to starvation.”
Alex sat up. “Couldn’t they survive on Earth?”
“Not without other Theans.”
“Perhaps we could synthesize what they need to survive,” Mason suggested.
“Without physical interaction with more than ten members of their own species, Theans slowly die.”
“That’s terrible. And improbable. How could a civilization begin with such limiting restrictions?”
“The Theans have already accepted their fate, Captain. Their hopes now rest in you. They have turned down all offers by your President.”
Alex relaxed back in his chair.
“I knew he would try something while I was in quarantine, but I’m glad to hear you support me. Of course, if humanity doesn’t survive, it is now entirely my fault.” He stared into the distance.
“Cindy is creating a UEF ceremony for Brandon. She would like your input. It will likely become the standard for future services.”
Alex’s eyes flickered as the implications set in, and he continued to stare at nothing. The cold reality of his dreams were just now starting to sink in.
This is what creating a better humanity feels like. I better get used to it, he thought to himself.
“I’ll go talk to her shortly.” Alex mumbled
“Renee wants to talk to you too. She’s not sure Earth is ready for what happened here. She thinks we will lose support.”
“Is she kidding? We’re about to have a flood of applicants we are in no shape to handle. Losing a little support might not be a bad idea.”
He found Cindy and most of the remaining crew huddled in the dining area, discussing ideas for the UEF service. Right in the middle was the President of the United States, and Alex could hear him speaking from the doorway.
“You want to keep it simple. Most of these memorials will happen in times of war, when commanders have to prioritize keeping soldiers alive above mourning the dead. It’s best to limit time taken from essential activities.”
“Okay. So, a trumpet melody, a military salute and a release?” Cindy asked.
“Commanders speech,” the President added. “It’s good for a leader to remember why they are there, and it gives them an opportunity to focus morale if necessary.
“Should the speech go before the trumpet or after the release?”
Alex coughed loudly and walked into the room. He poured himself a cup of coffee, and spoke without turning around.
“I like it. It would feel natural to do the speech first, but I don’t want to do it that way. We are going to say goodbye to our family member and salute his departure. Then we are going to talk about him. Because that’s all we can do for him now.” Alex took a sip of his coffee for dramatic effect. “Remember and talk about him.” He took another sip, while everyone in the room silently watched him.
***
Leave it to Mason to have brought a ceremonial whistle. At least someone had been thinking of worst-case scenarios.
Mason finished blowing his newly-created UEF melody for the dead.
“Present arms!” Mason commanded. Everyone on the bridge brought their right hand to the corner of their right eye. Some with more military precision than others.
Jack pushed a button on his console to open the cargo ramp. Brandon’s body was ejected into space as the air inside the cargo bay rushed past him. On the view-screen, the crew watched his body float into deep space. And an ill thought crept into Alex’s mind. He stepped forward and faced the assembled crew. Zeek, Jorge, and Timmy were there, plus the recruits he had hired, from their many fields. Curtis and his committed guardsmen. The President, the secret service guy and the hacker, Zero.
He inhaled, and exhaled.
“Brandon Mallard was a recent addition to our family. He stood up and seized an opportunity to make a real difference. To serve in the UEF. Now we are no longer ignorant of the threats of space. Brandon defended his family and his home against a deadly enemy. They were here in our backyard, sizing us up. But in a way, they have always been here. If we hadn’t been on Titan we wouldn’t have known until it was too late. It was a scout, which means more will follow. Brandon’s great sacrifice has bought us a little time. We must be ready. Soon, we will build warships to combat the new threat, and we will start with the UEF Brandon Memorial Shipyards. So we never forget why we build the fleet. There’s food and drink set up in the conference room. Dismissed.”
They began moving away, leaving the room. When Alex walked by, the President stepped out with an extended hand.
“Excellent service, Mr Prager.”
“I hear you created most of it.”
“Ah, that must be why I liked it.” The President smiled. “Shame about what happened to the Surprise. I hear Kalibri operated it via a remote link. Makes me nervous when your… advisor takes things into its own hands.”
“It makes me nervous when your people steal information instead of asking.”
The President pulled him a few steps off to the side.
“I came here with an agenda that I thought was in the best interests of the United States. We need to be able to protect ourselves, and know what we’re facing. If I have to play spy games to ensure the safety of the public you bet your rear I’m not going to hesitate,” he hissed, pausing for dramatic effect. “As de facto leader of humanity, I damn well expect the same attitude from you!” The President poked Alex’s chest with two fingers. “What happens when the public finds out you’ve been lying to them?”
“Like you’re one to judge when it comes to lying to the public. It’s practically in your job description. Besides, I don’t know what you are talking about.”
“Your secret weapons. You mentioned that you had them in one of your public address. But you don’t have any. You would have used them on that scout ship, instead of depleting your energy. I wonder what else you’ve lied about.” The President looked around the nearly empty bridge. “You better bust your butt to get the UEF fully-functional. We all depend on you now to keep us safe. You and your toy weapons.”
The President walked away, following the crowd heading for the conference room.
Alex watched him go. He dropped his head and let out a deep sigh. Then he set off for his cabin.
***
Hours passed. They were still heading back to Earth. There was a knock at Alex’s door.
“Come in.”
Alex didn’t even look up from his work.
“I wanted to know if you had a momen
t to talk.”
He stopped writing and looked up. Amanda was in the doorway. For the first time since he’d known her, she seemed nervous.
“I don’t know if you know this,” she said, “but we were attacked in that corridor by the Zorn. I had to defend myself.”
“Jorge told me you were amazing. You broke the leg of the one who got Brandon, with a piece of wreckage no less. Excellent work. And I’m sorry I haven’t had the chance to talk to you about it. Come in.”
She took a seat on the chair next to him.
“I never thought I could do something like that. I’ve changed so much coming here. I can’t stop thinking about it. I don’t feel scared, I feel strong.”
She looked at him. He opened his mouth to reply, but she stopped him by pressing her lips against his.
***
When Alex woke, it was already the next day. Amanda slept beside him, and he could feel the rhythm of her breathing against the pillow. He stared at the ceiling of his small room on a spaceship hurtling through the solar system.
Alex quietly got dressed and walked to the bridge. When he got there, he threw up his arms in amazement. No one was on the bridge.
“Hey people, we have sensors now! Shouldn’t someone be looking out? You know, for those spider things that wanna kill us,” Alex half-heartedly shouted into the air. No one heard him.
He walked over to the sensor console and observed the very empty screen, with a sigh, he looked at the clock and figured the crew should be waking up soon, so he made some coffee.
“Hey!” Cindy said, startling Alex as he cleaned out the pot from the previous day.
“Listen I know your all about transparency and everything. But do you think it’s a good idea for us to talk about the attack? Or show the Zorn at all? People will panic.” She whispered the last part.
“I am sure it will frighten many people, and it should. I think it would be a much greater disservice to hide our heads from the threat,” Alex responded. “Not only are we going to show video of the attack, and video of the carcass, we are going to drop that damn thing off at a research center to have it studied and analyzed. Plus, I wouldn’t let Renee hear you say things like that, she would likely lose her mind!”
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