by J. Benjamin
“By now I am sure you heard the news,” Dev said.
“Yes. Congratulations on convincing the shareholders to reinstate you as a co-chairman alongside Sook,” she said.
“Thank you again. Anyways, we have no interest in the alien vessel. I mean, we do have an interest in it, but that’s not Cosmineral’s main focus. I’m sure you figured that out by now.”
“You are after the Aquarian code,” Kiara said. “What you’ve been focused on this entire time.”
“Precisely! Ever since Edie Brenner pulled that stunt, we have been working around the clock to put the pieces of that puzzle back together. We’ve gotten quite far, but still have a long way to go.”
“So, what do you need my help with?” Kiara asked.
“Dr. Kiara Lacroix, you are one of the most brilliant people alive today. You crossed the universe and lived to tell about it. History will remember you and Captain Ashford as two of the greatest heroes the world has ever known.”
“Thank you,” she replied.
“I want you to continue the work that Edie started. Join me at Cosmineral.”
“Come again?”
“You’re no longer working for GSF. Neither is Matt. I’ll let you run the missions on your terms. You’ll get as large a team as you want. I’ll pay you significantly more than whatever GSF paid you for their mission. Please! We need you. Plus, unlike Edie Brenner, you won’t ever let your ego get in the way. You have a level head.”
“Dev, I appreciate the offer, but can you give me some time to think about it?” Kiara asked.
“Of course Take some time. Think about it. Not today. Not tomorrow. When you are ready, though, please consider this opportunity. We can take this so much further than GSF ever dreamed. When you are ready, Cosmineral will be waiting for you.”
“I appreciate that,” Kiara replied. “I have to go. Good day to you.”
“Good day to you. Think about it!” Dev said enthusiastically. She hung up the call. Almost immediately, she heard some stirring to her left. Matt was yawning and slowly waking up.
“Babe. What was that?” Matt asked.
“Oh nothing,” she replied. “Just a telemarketer.”
“Ah. Sounded persistent.”
“You have no idea.” She knelt over him and kissed him. “I’ll be right back.”
“Okay.”
She walked over to the ocean’s edge, cocking her head up. Using her left thumb, she removed her ocular holo-lens from her right eye. She examined it in her palm, then gazed into the distance. The sun’s warmth glistened on her skin, and the chilly yet soothing waters of the Pacific lapped against her toes. Kiara had never seen anything more incredible in her life.
“Here’s your answer, Dev.” She made up her mind.
Kiara had never seen anything more incredible in her life. She tightened her grip on the holo-lens, then reared back and chucked it out into the ocean. As she strolled through the warm sand back to her blanket, Kiara muttered, “There’s your answer, Dev.”
About the Author
I’m a writer, a techie, and a resident of the People’s Republic of San Francisco. When not envisioning the next sci-fi epic, you’ll find me at yoga, at a concert, or searching for the best new taco joint. Aside from writing, I also enjoy guitar and constructing new inventions with a Raspberry Pi.
Feel free to drop me a line at [email protected].
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Also by J. Benjamin
Starscraper
Two years before the events of A Spacetime Tale, an interstellar signal arrives from a nearby star system. A fleet of Pelican drones have finally arrived at their destination, a quintuple-world system with the potential to harbor life.
At Space Station Sagan, Dr. Valerie Alessi has the challenge of interpreting the data from the drones before it is shared with the world. The startling discoveries they reveal will have far-reaching implications on the future of humanity.
Starscraper is a fast-paced thriller about space exploration, love, artificial intelligence and alien life in the twilight of the 21st Century. It is the prelude to A Spacetime Tale.