The Last Cabbandeum

THE LAST CABBANDEUM

JONATHAN ELI

Published by Jonathan Eli at Smashwords

Copyright 2010 Jonathan Eli

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Chapter One

Even though he was getting use to people staring at him, he still had the nurse on the space transport wrap his face before they docked with Space Port Dole. He thanked her and returned to his stateroom to make sure his bags were packed and picked up; then he looked out the small window at the view.

Earth… it had been fifteen years since he had looked out the porthole of the military installation and said his silent goodbye. If he had only known what the next few years would have held for him. But, he was young and there was a war on to save a planet and humanity.

He felt the soft clank of the docking locks grab the ship and pull it the last few inches into the dock. In a couple of moments the all clear would sound and the captain would announce that passengers could depart the ship. Jason had decided he would stay in his cabin until the ship was fairly empty.

He smiled as he remembered some of the other passengers as he came on board at the spaceport off planet Lowell. He had been there for almost a year and a half of treatment after they found him. Most knew who he was but the few that didn’t had a surprise as he walked on board. You don’t always see a person whose skin is red; bright red, like a ripe tomato. He remembered the first time they let him look in a mirror. He screamed and passed out; it was two months before they let him look again. He looked better, but it was still quite a shock.

Jason walked off the ship and into the bustle of the port. There were five ships docked around the port and probably three thousand passengers going one way or the other. Jason stopped and took it all in. This was the first real time he had been around people. It was wonderful. The sights and smells, the people, the things; he remembered why he had put on a uniform and went so far away.

He walked over to a small café and sat down. A young lady walked up to him and asked if she could get him anything.

Yes, coffee please, he said to her.

Cream or sugar?

Black is fine, thank you, he answered her.

She walked off and returned with a cup and a small carafe. She poured him the first cup, smiled, and walked to another table.

He picked up the cup and took the first sip of good coffee he had had in years. He slowly let the fluid roll down his throat and savored every drop. He remembered home and how his mom made coffee. He also remembered she was now gone. He missed her so.

The interior of the spaceport was all chrome and synthetic marble. It looked almost too antiseptic for Jason. It reminded him of the hospital. The café was nice, with simulated iron tables and chairs. The plants were what amazed Jason the most. They looked so real and smelled it too. He looked up to the highest point in the main interior; he figured it was two hundred feet. There were rooms all around overlooking the area. He could see people even at the top looking down toward him.

The young lady walked up and asked him if everything was all right.

Perfect. Very good, thank you, he answered.

If you need anything, just call, she said.

I will, he answered.

She was pretty with black hair and dark eyes. She was small but looked solid as a rock. Jason wondered if she ever got off the spaceport and went back to earth. He motioned her over.

Yes, sir?

I hope you don’t think this is too much of a personal question, but do you get planet side very often? Jason said.

She looked at him for a moment. He wondered if she thought she was dealing with a crazy person or somebody who just crawled out from under a rock. She finally said, Are you Jason Corvair?

Jason was startled; he sat there for a moment and then said, Yes, how did you know?

There was a news story about you being released and that you would be coming to earth. I saw you and kind of put the two together. We don’t normally get people wrapped up like mummies in here, she answered.

Jason chuckled and said, I guess you’re right; I forgot I was wrapped up. Guess I look pretty conspicuous?

Well, most people know you were probably coming through here. The travelers and crews wouldn’t though, but then you’re here at one in the morning earth time, so it’s not the busiest place in the world either.

Jason chuckled again, I forgot about what time it could be when I would get here; I have a trip scheduled for tomorrow down to the planet, and I guess I wouldn’t have had as much down time between trips.

Well you have a few hours before the elevator leaves for the planet. Did you have your baggage shuttled over? she asked.

Yes, he answered.

I didn’t see you carrying anything but I also figured they wouldn’t let you carry anything either.

I’m not an invalid, Jason said.

I didn’t say you were. I just figured they would give you the royal treatment, considering.

Considering what? Jason asked.

She looked at him strangely, and then shook her head, Did they not tell you?

Tell me what?

Mr. Corvair, you’re the only survivor that lived from the Cabbandeum planet!

Jason sat there for a moment and let that news sink in. They had not told him about anyone else he had been in the prison or the hospital with. Guess now he knew why.

They never told me about anyone else, he told her.

I read where they just happened to find you as they were going through the hospital; they found you while they were looking for staff and doctors. Once they figured out what they were doing in there, every soldier on the planet wanted to get whoever was behind it. They found you and were so surprised because they couldn’t believe the shape you were…

She noticed the look in Jason’s eyes and stopped talking, I’m sorry, that’s probably the last thing you want to think about right now.

Yes, Jason said. He stood and paid her for the coffee and started to walk away, then he turned and asked, Do you ever get off here and go back down to the planet?

Yes, every couple of weeks I get eight days off and go earth side; why? she asked.

Because I noticed how good a shape you’re in and wondered how you did it, Jason asked.

Thank you. I work out in the port gym five days a week when I’m here. She waved as he turned to walk toward the elevator waiting area.

He walked up to the counter and the lady behind it said hello and asked if she could help him.

Yes, I’m Jason Corvair and I wanted to confirm passage on the elevator for the return trip this morning.

She looked at a computer screen and said, Yes, we have you booked for the nine departure. Your bags are at the dock to be loaded and we should commence loading passengers by eight thirty.

Jason looked at the clock on the wall above her. It read one-forty; he had some time before the trip started.

Thank you, Jason said. I do have a room with a bed, correct?

Yes, you have a small stateroom. Your bags will be in the room before your arrival in your room, she answered.

He nodded and walked to a large leather seat in the waiting area and sat down. Jason picked up a copy of World News and began to read the front page. He read about the war memorial that was now open in Washington. Jason decided he should go there first and pay his respects to the rest of the gang.

Jason nodded off and was awakened by the bustle of new arrivals and travelers for the trip down arriving at the elevator waiting area. He noticed people looking at him and keeping their respectful distance; then he noticed the person sitting next to him.

Guess it’s one of your eight day off runs? he said to her.

Well, yes it is, and I was already booked on this trip. So no, I’m not following you, she said.

You know you have me at a clear disadvantage. You know my name and I have no idea who you are, Jason said.

I guess I do, she said. My name is Nancy Calvin.

Nice to meet you again, Jason said. Where are you going?

To my parents’ home in Rio. Nancy answered.

Never been there. Really never have been anywhere except Missoula, and space, he said.

So you’re from America? she asked.

No, just earth now, Jason answered.

Where are you going? Nancy asked.

Washington first, then I’m not sure. Nobody is left in Missoula, but I always thought I’d like to try one of the coasts. Maybe I’ll end up there.

Nice to think about not having anyplace special you have to be, she said.

The world is my oyster! Jason said with a laugh.

Well then just don’t shuck it! Nancy said.

They both laughed and Jason looked at the clock. It was just before eight and he was getting hungry.

Anyplace to eat around here? he asked.

Nancy laughed and said, If there is one thing that will never change about the human race, it’s the fact that we love to eat! Come on, I’ll get you something.

They walked to a stand and she ordered a biscuit and egg with coffee. They returned to the waiting area and sat down.

Synthesized? Jason asked.

Of course. Nothing real has been grown off world in years. They were too concerned for the safety of the food supply during the war, she answered.

Right, I remember that now, Jason said. Why haven’t they started again?

People are used to it now. Plus they have found other uses for the labs on the moon.

Jason ate his breakfast. It was good considering what he had eaten for the past few years. Even what they served him in the hospital didn’t taste that much better than during his imprisonment. He watched the people walking around him and noticed how they looked at him and Nancy. He wondered what could be going through their minds. He looked at the clock over the counter; it read eight-fifteen. He looked at his boarding pass; it said he was in boarding group four.

When do you board? he asked her.

She looked at her pass. Group two.

I’m in group four, he said.

Oh, so you have a stateroom, she said.

Yes. They figured I would need the rest. Problem is, I’ve rested for the past two years.

I’d say your rehab wasn’t total rest, Nancy said.

No, but I’m almost ready to not be babied anymore, Jason said.

But not completely? she asked.

He shrugged his shoulders and laughed. They had finished their food and were waiting to be called to board. Jason continued to notice people watching him as he sat there wrapped from head to toe. He was getting nervous; he wondered if the police would be questioning him soon or if they would not let him on the elevator.

Relax. Everybody who works here knew you could be coming through here and they were ready for any unusual inquiries by visitors, Nancy said.

Still, it makes me feel strange. I was used to the looks in the hospital and on Lowell but, for some reason, this is different, he said.

Maybe because you’re closer to home? she asked.

I don’t know, he answered.

His head shot up when they announced group one was cleared for loading on the elevator. He realized it would not be long before Nancy would be on the elevator and he would have probably a half hour wait to get on himself. He felt comfortable with her around; he didn’t know why but he did feel better with her around. He looked at the group walking toward the hall to the elevator. He wondered who they were and where they were going. Then he wondered just where he was going.

They called group two ten minutes later. Nancy stood, smiled, and said goodbye. She wished him well and said she hoped to see him when they reached ground level.

Enjoy your eight days off, Jason said as she walked away.

Jason, enjoy your life. Remember the oyster!

Twenty minutes later Jason walked down the hall and onto the elevator. It was interesting seeing the conductor dressed in an early 1900’s train uniform. He liked it; Jason felt like it gave some old time magic to the whole affair.

This way sir, he said, holding the door for Jason.

They descended in an inner elevator down to a lower level. Jason felt the elevator stop and a door on the other side open toward a small room with three doors on the other wall. The conductor stepped to the left door, opened it, and stepped aside to allow Jason to step in.

Jason looked around the room. It was furnished in a light wood with a beige carpet and curtains over the far wall. There was a bed in one corner and a table and two chairs in the other. Along the interior wall was a desk with a computer console on it and at the far end of the room was a door; Jason presumed it was to a bathroom.

Your communicator is on the desk; press F5 to order food, F6 if you need anything for the room, F9 if you have a medical or security emergency, and F1 one if you need me for any other reason. Your bathroom is behind that door, of course, and there is a window behind the curtain so you can watch the trip down to ground level.

How long does the trip take? Jason asked.

Well, sir, it’s about eleven hours, he answered. I would have thought they would have told you when you booked passage.

They probably did; I just forgot. Thank you very much, Jason said. He tipped the conductor who turned toward the door.

Thank you, sir, he said, and then added, We are very glad to have you back, Mr. Corvair!

Jason looked at him for a moment and then answered, Yes, it’s good to be back.

After the conductor left, Jason noticed his bags sitting beside the bed. He walked over, opened the smaller bag, and pulled out a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. Then he walked over to the window and opened the curtains. The sight of the earth again impressed him; the blue of the ocean, the clouds, and the way the curve of the earth was. He lived several years thinking he would never get to see it again. Seeing it now almost overwhelmed him.

Jason stepped into the bathroom and started taking off the jeans and shirt he had worn for the past two days. He slowly unwrapped his face and looked again in the mirror. It was getting better but still would have scared the crap out of any normal person who would see him. He took a cool shower; it was the only kind he could take. Anything hot or even warm was unthinkable; he would probably wake half the station with the scream. Jason could only lightly rub his skin, and drying was a pat to each part of his body. If he rubbed anything hard he would be back in the hospital. He was getting use to it, but he still longed for a good, hot shower.

When he stepped out of the bathroom, he noticed that the elevator had begun its trip to the surface. He walked to the bed and put on the t-shirt and shorts and lay down on the bed. He set the alarm for three hours and tried to get some sleep. Sleep did not come easy then. He was thinking of Nancy and how to explain what had happened to him. How could anyone get their mind around what he had experienced and seen? They had worked with him at the hospital to understand and deal with it but they never told him how to explain it to someone else.

He lay there as his alarm went off. He reached over, switched it off, got up, and looked at the menu on the computer. Nothing excited him; finally he chose a burger, fries, and coffee; nothing like an all American meal for the returning hero.

It was fifteen minutes later when the buzzer on his door sounded. Jason walked to the door and then remembered he was unwrapped. He said, Just leave it there and I’ll get it in a second.

Well, I’ll leave it, but I don’t know about how long I’ll stay! Nancy said.

Jason jumped back from the door. He thought for a second and then said, Nancy?

Well who else do you think would give you personal service? she answered.

Nancy, I’m not dressed. Just leave it and I’ll get it later.

Then get dressed! Nancy said. I have a lunch of my own here and I don’t like to eat alone!

Jason thought a second longer, and then figured the truth was the best way to go. He said, Nancy, I’m not wrapped. I really don’t think you’d be too hungry after seeing me.

Jason, open the door. I’m tired of standing out here!

What and who was this person? Jason was beginning to wonder if she was for real. Was she just a nice person or was she sent here to keep an eye on him? He could not tell yet but he was now determined to try and find out. Well, if she wants in so bad, let’s see how strong she really is.

Jason, your food’s getting cold! she said.

Jason opened the door. She stood there for a moment; then walked in. She set the tray on the small table and began opening the containers of food. After opening everything, she finally turned around and looked at Jason.

Are you going to eat this or just stand there looking at me?

He relented. I’m ready to eat if you are, he said.

She sat down and poured him a cup of coffee. She took a bite of her sandwich and said, You don’t look as bad as I thought you would.

Gee, thanks, Jason said.

What’s the matter? Didn’t get the reaction from me you thought you would? Did I not get grossed out enough or go screaming out the door fast enough for you?

I just figured, after some of the other reactions people have given me, you’d be unnerved, Jason said.

Jason, I have a surprise for you. I spent six months working in a ward hospital ship off Cabbandeum III; I saw some of the guys you were in the hospital with. You’re in rough shape; but remember, you’re alive!

Why didn’t you tell me that last night? Jason asked.

Wasn’t relevant. Plus, I wanted to spend some time together because we were just two people, not because of some military alliance.

Thanks for lunch, Jason said as he started eating.

Why did you come back? You could have stayed on Lowell and lived a good life, she said.

I can live a good life here, Jason answered. I’ve saved some money and I have a good pension from the world government. I can do about whatever I please on earth. I fought for it, I should be able to live on it and enjoy the rest of my life.

True. I asked because most people on Lowell knew about your condition and accepted it. Coming to earth could be dangerous, Nancy said.

I’ve lived through danger before. I don’t think anyone will throw something at me I can’t handle.

Just be careful, she said.

Hey, I have seven hours before I have to worry about it.

Yes, you do, she agreed.

She stayed in his room and they watched the earth grow in the window. They watched the clouds as they dropped through them and enjoyed the rainfall against the window. Jason had not seen rain in the fifteen years since he had left. He liked watching the rain and remembering the sound it made on the old metal roof of the house he grew up in and how he loved to watch the storms over the plains from the mountains outside his hometown. He started to miss Missoula more and began looking forward to seeing his hometown again.

Thinking of home? she asked.

Yes, how could you tell?

You had that thousand mile away look on your face.

Sorry, Jason said.

Don’t be; enjoy every memory. Be glad you have them and can remember what life was like before you went to war, she said.

I do, he said. Have there been a lot of changes since the war ended?

Long range security has been beefed up. We now have long-range sensors stationed over two million miles outside the orbit of Lowell to warn of anything coming in. But on earth everything is very much the same, the rebuilding is not complete in some areas, and there is a somewhat more subdued attitude about everything; but it is changing slowly, she answered.

It was such a long war, with such devastation on earth at the beginning. It was a wonder that we ever survived the war, Jason said.

You were like me; born into the war, and it’s all you have ever known. Life can be good, Jason. There are still things like love and beauty and goodness out there. You just have to find them.

I just want peace and quiet! Jason said with a smile.

Then again I ask. Why did you come to earth? Nancy asked.

It’s home! Jason said.

I hope it still is for you Jason; I hope it still is.

Jason excused himself and went into the bathroom. When he returned he was again dressed in jeans and a soft pullover shirt. He was not wrapped and wondered if he should ask Nancy to do it for him.

She looked up as he walked out and said, Would you like for me to wrap you back up?

That would be nice. Thank you, Jason answered.

She began by putting the cotton wrap around his face and neck. She was careful around his eyes and mouth. She wanted to get it tight enough to stay but loose enough so he could still talk and blink. When he was comfortable she began wrapping the bandages around him starting at the top and working her way down to his neck and ending just under his shirt collar.

How’s that look? she asked.

Very good, thank you. It was very pleasant, Jason answered.

Nancy looked at him, and then slowly bent and started to kiss him. He backed up and looked at her.

What’s wrong? she asked.

You don’t have to do anything like that, Jason said.

You’re right. I don’t have to; but I can if I want to! Unless you like boys?

No, women are perfect. I just figured nobody would find me attractive anymore, Jason said.

Remember, stupid; beauty is only skin deep! Nancy said.

Even with my skin?

She laughed, Especially with your skin.

Jason laughed as well. They could see the top of the earth side port and knew it would not be too long before they would be going their separate ways.

I have to get back to my seat, Nancy said.

Nancy, it has been very nice spending some time with you. I appreciate you helping make this part of my trip a little more enjoyable, Jason said.

She reached in her purse and took out a card. Handing it to Jason she said, If you’re ever in Rio look me up. And if you ever decide to get off the planet, I’ll see you at the space port.

Jason looked at the card