Zytainium: Next

Zytainium - Next

By Robert Willgren

Copyright 2012 Robert Willgren

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Acknowledgement

I want to thank Bren for all her editing, patience, and assistance for bring this work to completion.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 – The Rest

Chapter 2 – New Ship

Chapter 3 – The First Visit

Chapter 4 – Systems in Trouble

Chapter 5 – Finding the Signs

Chapter 6 – The Revealing Signs

Chapter 7 – Alien Connection

Chapter 8 – The Elders

Chapter 9 – Correlations

Chapter 10 – Back to the Systems

Chapter 11 – The Avions

Chapter 12 – Elders Onboard

Chapter 13 – Foundations

Chapter 14 – The Council

Chapter 15 – Rebuilding the Chaos

Chapter 16 – The Offer of Peace

Chapter 1 - The Rest

My lungs screamed for air as I stopped for a moment to catch my breath, heaving while attempting to breathe faster then it was possible. My brow poured droplets of water and I could feel the pain of my exhaustion from running. The Gasvorian lizard after me was relentless and seems not to tire or slow even when I hit him with a piece of metal I found on the corridor floor.

My right hand ached from the lucky blast of his plasma weapon, amazingly hitting my rifle, exploding it out of my hands. I was sure two of my fingers were broken. It could have been worse if I took that plasma blast in the chest. The piece of metal I clubbed him with knocked his weapon out of his hands and down a crevice in the floor. He made some sort of high-pitched squeal, followed by clicking sounds, as he fell.

I ran down the cluttered partly destroyed corridor away from the Gasvorian. I could hear him fling off the wreckage he landed in, jumping up, and yelling after me.

My breathing relaxed enough to continue on carefully going through a gaping hole in the wall. The Gasvorian was searching for me, throwing things out of his way. I looked around the littered floor for a weapon, locating a metal rod, and picked it up. I was still breathing hard and muffled it as best I could. The noise from the Gasvorian went silent. I stopped to listen intently for any sound, nothing. Slowly inching forward toward a busted entranceway half hanging off its tracks, I peered through the upper portion. The dim light beyond revealed nothing. I leaned forward to get a better view of the corridor to my left. Everything was suddenly quiet, so quiet that I could hear the ring of silence in my ears. I leaned further to my right in order to get a better view down the corridor. When I thought I had seen something, a shadow, I froze, trying to listen for anything other than the silent ringing in my ears.

Crash! The broken door flung partly inwards toward me. My heart jumped a beat as I jumped backwards. The growling Gasvorian smashed the door the rest of the way in and entered the room. My backwards leap sent me falling to the floor while the lizard rushed in, arms extended to claw points…

I jumped up suddenly, sitting, breathing heavy as the dream faded. These dreams of being attacked by Gasvores were more frequent. The Gasvores, a neighbouring system lizard type people who were renowned for their aggressiveness, had attacked us twice now in an attempt to take our resource, zytainium.

I was awake again before my alarm went off. It was becoming a habit, or maybe it was just my body’s way of saying it’s time to get up. My dreams had been peaceful for the most part until recently, although I began to notice a pattern of strange images that I could not recall. Running away from pursuing Gasvores was something different and I rationalized it all to the after-effects of events that had taken place months earlier. Those damn Gasvores had pushed everyone to the limit this time, especially me. I sat many late evenings with our Village Elder, Jarod, talking about the experiences, the war, the battles, and even the point where I had my finger on the button to annihilate an entire species. Being placed in that position bothered me for a long time and still does to some degree. Jarod would say,

"If it didn’t bother you, I would be worried."

He explained that events had to go a particular way and I was involved in getting them done. Jarod’s extraordinary insight helped me get through the rough times and provided me comfort. He helped me realize that I did my best even though I had no idea where things would go. Ora, now a Lieutenant Commander in the Colony Defence Forces checked in on me from time to time. I think she missed me reporting to her even though she often told me that I didn’t listen. I watched the general updates of the happenings in the galaxy and suspected what was going on behind the scenes.

That reminded me of my alarm and me waking it up instead of the other way around. I was plain restless. Supreme Commander Felan told me when I was ready to let Ora know. My restlessness was telling me the time had come. My curiosity about what was actually going on was getting the best of me and I wanted to know. Wanted to know what the Gasvores were hiding and why they were invading my dreams. I felt in my bones that there was something more they were not revealing.

Chase was getting restless as well. He talked more about our flights in the Predator, the CDF ship we were assigned, not the ones in the past, but the recent ones where we took Jarod and Melo places. Those flights had made up Jarod’s mind about getting his own ship. He put in an order with Ora who initially complained that she was a high-ranking officer in the CDF and not in equipment requisition. She finally gave in and told him, ‘I’ll see what I can do.’ While on one of our picnic flights I saw that restless look in Chase’s eye that I had seen before, the wanting to go and explore. I see that look every morning in the bathroom mirror. And I knew how to jump-start this, I would-.

My thought process was interrupted with an incoming message. I reached over from my bed to activate my comm. It was Jarod. Wasn’t that interesting, I was just thinking about him.

Greetings Jarod, I said.

Greetings young Tarin, he said. I could feel warmth in his words. Are you getting ready to leave?

Huh, oh, I said, Leave Jarod? The words stumbled out as I tried to remember where I was supposed to be.

Yes, leave. Melo and I have almost everything prepared for our morning breakfast in the highlands meadow.

You mean where we ate before engaging the Gasvores? All the places we had picnicked together recently we never went to that one place.

Boy, it’s time to get you back into the game before you lose all your memories, Jarod said. Yes that is the place. Chase will be by to help carry a basket soon. You could help too if you’re ready.

Ah yes sir, I’ll be there fast, I said going into a panic.

You don’t want to keep the Commander waiting, Jarod said.

Ora’s joining us? I said. I was excited at that prospect.

Of course she is, Jarod replied. Get ready and get over here. He was gone before I could say anything else.

I remembered us all saying that if we lived through this, we would return to the highland meadow again. Besides, I would get to see Ora again and I missed her. I scrambled out of bed making a dash for the sonic shower. I was ready in record time, dressed casually in dark pants, a light blue shirt, and left closing my entrance with a voice command. I quickly marched to Jarod’s place not wanting them to wait. When I arrived, the door was open and I could hear Chase inside. Mention breakfast and he likely jumped out of his skin to make it here. I walked in, down the short hallway, and turned right into his living space.

Greetings, I announced. Melo was showing Chase which baskets he could take.

Ah greetings young Tarin, Jarod said, just in time.

Greetings Tarin, Melo said with a warm smile. Please take these two baskets. I went over and picked them up.

Greetings Tarin, Chase said, you made it.

Of course Chase. I bet you were here quick. He smiled at me.

Did we have this planned? I asked. I still couldn’t remember this scheduled outing.

Yes of course, Jarod said. Ever since you two became restless.

How did you know we were restless? Chase asked with his quirky look.

Oh come now, Jarod said, it’s been written on your faces for days now. Besides, three months have passed and it is time. I was relieved to hear Jarod say that because I felt it was time. The dreams of fleeing from the Gasvores also told me it was time.

Come my friends, Jarod said, we can speak more of this in the meadow. Chase and I grabbed the four baskets and followed Jarod and Melo, both carrying smaller baskets. We were going to eat well this morning.

Our group headed to Launch Bay Command, a large white rounded facility where we kept our Predator. When we first landed it there, some time ago now, lots of buzz went through Launch Bay Command at having a Galactic Colonial Assault ship, fully armoured, and battled tested in their facility. Stories of our battles with the Gasvores circulated and this was the vessel involved. It felt cool to have an attack ship when I once used to fly a simple Mining Transport Craft. Launch Bay Command Briefing Leader Silas had asked me a few times if I missed being an extractor, my profession before joining CDF. I told him that there was nothing wrong with the job and at times, it was a simpler life. I had moved on from that job and even if he didn’t know it, I still had things to investigate.

We arrived at the entrance, were scanned, and opened the security gateway. It was early in the morning with few people here, allowing us to make our way to the ship unimpeded. There she sat our dark grey and dual winged attack ship, the TC1, short for Tarin Chase 1. We went to the rear of the ship that was the opening and entered, putting the baskets into the back. Chase and I went to the front flight control centre to get underway.

Prepare for launch, Chase commanded the ship. Ship functions began their power up sequence. Our holo displays activated and I sat in the left-hand command seat while Chase took the right. He contacted Launch Bay Command for permission to launch and received it. Jarod and Melo took their seats at the side of the ship behind us. I activated the ascent control and the Predator began to rise, slowly at first, then faster. I swung the Predator around moving forward in a half loop turn, accelerating toward the mountains.

When is Ora arriving? I asked.

She is likely there, Jarod responded.

Oh. I was surprised and wondered if we were late. We flew over several mountain ranges. The sky had few clouds and the temperature was warming, making it perfect weather for our breakfast picnic. It wasn’t long before I found highland meadow and from my holo display I could tell that Ora had arrived. I checked the terrain for a suitable landing spot near Ora’s Predator and set us down.

We’re here, I said. Everyone knew the obvious and perhaps I was nervous at seeing Ora again. Chase released the rear hatch and placed our Predator on standby mode. Jarod and Melo headed toward the back, picking up the small baskets along the way. Chase and I grabbed the larger baskets and followed. The morning darkness was slowly disappearing from the rising twin suns here on Helios. Ora was up ahead waiting for us having set-up the latest in picnicking gear, hover table and chairs.

Our society continued to undergo major changes as a result of an invasion attempt. Immediately we started modernizing and updating everything. The folded backpack sized table and chair set was a small upgrade that was popular. The table unfolded into a six-by-six sturdy slab with no legs. A holo control panel allowed you to set its height, angle, and placement of the chair seats. We used our zytainium’s magnetic-gravity properties with quartzite for hovering devices to move items, supplies, or anything heavy. We were playing catch up with technology innovation. As our convenience expanded so did the Zytainium’s processing into more efficient energy use. Our society had an appreciation of how valuable our mineral really was. I had the feeling that I would be filled in on the state of the other systems and their energy consumption needs.

Greetings strangers, Ora said. She was dressed in new dark-grey uniform befitting a Commander.

It’s been too long. I had to agree with that. My seclusion had its drawbacks, one of which was not seeing Ora on a regular basis. I kept track of her as best as I could and as far as I knew she was still unattached.

Greetings Ora, I said warmly.

Tarin, she said, how are you?

I’m good, I said. Actually, I was feeling really good now. She had let her medium brown hair down. The morning brightness gleaming around it made her green eyes sparkle. Her glow made my heart melt.

Thank you Ora for setting up the table for us, Jarod said. He and Melo began to set up the breakfast from the baskets that we had brought with us.

It was the least I could do, Ora said smiling. I looked to see where I could help.

Melo and I have this, Jarod said, please have a seat. The brightness coming from the mountain opposite from our spot indicated the suns were almost up. The light cloud covering in the sky was slowly transformed into a bright purple glow making it a mesmerizing to view. One could be lost in it. Melo had made up our plates and began passing them out. Jarod poured us all a glass of juice and Melo sat.

My friends, he began, a few months ago we sat in this meadow not knowing if we would be back here or even if this lovely spot would remain. Our morning meal is a testament and tribute to our ability to overcome insurmountable odds. Please enjoy what we have prepared. With that he sat and we began to dine. The combination of eggs, sausages, and baked potato cakes is fantastic.

There are seconds Chase, Melo said.

And thirds for anyone famished, Jarod said.

Thanks. Chase was smiling and the happiest guy on the colony at this moment. Melo had left the covered dishes in the middle of the table for anyone to help themselves. Chase was only too happy to help himself to more. I also indulged.

Ora, I said, how do we get back into the swing of things?

I take it you’re ready.

As Jarod has already told us, we have the look of restlessness. I’ve rested for about as long as I can take.

Oh, you’re ready, Ora responded. Supreme Commander Felan will be pleased.

Does the Commander miss us? I asked.

The Commander misses the results you get especially when you don’t know what you’re doing, Ora replied. That was quite the compliment coming from the head of the CDF. The twin suns had risen basking the meadow in warm glowing light. Ora adjusted the table controls to swing the table and us around slightly to prevent light shining directly in our eyes.

That sounded like a compliment on the surface, I said. What does it really mean? I began thinking that Commander Felan had some problems to deal with that needed a different approach. Chase looked up as he picked up on what was said or what was not said.

Tarin, you sound suspicious already, Ora said. Jarod and Melo were paying attention to the discussion.

Ora, please, I said with my head to one side, I have dealt with CDF leadership before and am well versed with their short comings. Ora opened her mouth to say more, then thought different of it.

Ora, Jarod said, I take it that our change in direction is still undergoing growing pains.

Hey guys, she said, I thought this was going to be a friendly meal.

Ora, it is, I said, you know I get concerned when I suspect the old CDF creed coming out.

Okay, fair enough, Ora said, I’ll give you that one.

What does the Commander want us to investigate? I asked.

I see your rest has not taken your candour away, Ora said.

Thank you Ora, most kind of you to notice, I responded back. She gave me a smirk.

Commander Felan has much information on the other systems, their particular situations and so forth, Ora began. What he doesn’t have is the actual facts.

What about the diplomats? Chase asked. I was wondering the same thing.

The diplomats, Commander Felan believes, are not getting the entire truth, Ora said. Besides they meet with their counterparts and they may have their own agenda. The Gasvorian absence has been filled partly with greed.

You would think the diplomats could see through the deception, I said.

That is the hope, Ora said. It seems to not be working.

What about the original mission Commander Felan wanted us to investigate?

Well, that’s the beauty of it, Ora said. You will conduct your Gasvorian probe while checking out the Gasvores influence in the surrounding systems. You will only know the second purpose of what the mysterious Gasvorian transmission was.

Sounds like Commander Felan has thought this out, I said.

Let’s just say off the record, Ora said, that he had become accustomed to you and Chase getting things done. Dealing with the bureaucracy is driving him nuts.

What restrictions do we have? I asked. Jarod was keenly listening to the response.

Officially, Ora said, there are all kinds. Unofficially, he wants answers. He figures you have no agenda and can be completely trusted. That answer satisfied Jarod as his face relaxed.

Who am I reporting to now?

You report to me directly. Commander Felan would like to know what is happening as well as Elder Jarod here, Ora said. I finished off my delicious meal.

Do we still get a new ship? Chase asked.

Oh yes, Ora said. Remember Edan? Yes, I did remember him, interesting, direct, and knew his business. He was invaluable to Chase and I during our war with the Gasvores. He was known to be difficult to get along with although I liked him and he knew his stuff.

He has been working flat out overseeing the construction of a next generation of the Predator series. The next generation of the predator series? I wonder what Edan had come up with.

How is Edan? I asked.

Bossy and direct, Ora said. When he found out a new ship was being constructed for you he insisted on running the project. He even constructed a console station on the ship specifically suited to him in the hopes that he might get to go with you at some point. Edan wanted to come along for this next adventure? Interesting. We had worked well together during the war.

What do you think Chase? I asked.

I want to see the new ship. As for Edan, that’s all right with me. Besides, having someone who was involved in putting it together could be valuable.

I was thinking the same thing Chase.

Ora, when do we start?

The ship is ready, she said. You can start any time.

Jarod, I said looking at him, We’re leaving today. Any objections?

None at all young Tarin. It is time. He was right it was time. The new mission parameters actually worked out for me and I would get a first-hand look at the difficulties the other systems faced.

Well, that didn’t take long to get things rolling, Ora said. Commander Felan would like to have a word with you.

Yes of course, I said, I was expecting that.

Chapter 2 – New Ship

We packed everything back into the baskets. Jarod opened one of the small baskets that had not been touched. He brought out a bottle of ale and five glasses.

I want to offer a small toast, Jarod said. He uncorked the ale and poured us all a glass.

My friends, I offer this toast to each of us. That we, in our own ways, accomplish what we set out to do. May wisdom and fortune follow us. With that, we clinked our glasses together and drank. Jarod picked up the other small basket and put it on the table.

Tarin, Chase, he said, This basket is for you. It has four bottles of ale. Use them when you’re far away and want a taste of home.

Thank you Jarod, I said. This will come in handy. With that, we packed up the rest of our picnic supplies and reloaded them on the ships. At the rear of Ora’s ship we stood around talking, taking in the view of the meadow and valley area below. This spot, our spot, had been preserved and I was glad of that.

I’m heading back to Azure Spaceport, Ora said. I’ll see you there.

We won’t be far behind. She nodded, boarding her Predator. We entered our Predator and Chase closed the rear hatch after Jarod and Melo were on board. I returned to my command seat as Ora lifted off. Chase checked his holo display for pre-flight launch and we began our ascent. Jarod and Melo were sitting behind us again as we looked out over the valley, leaving it once again. The Predator’s light shielding system automatically started as the twin suns were shining directing into the ship.

We were soon landed back at Launch Bay Command to return Jarod and Melo. We wanted to pick up a few things from our places anyway so we helped carry the baskets back.

Please, come in and enjoy a cup of tea with me before leaving, Jarod offered. I hesitated, wanting to get going.

Come now Tarin, Jarod said, you can spare a moment.

Yes Jarod, I said. Of course we’ll have tea with you. Chase nodded and Melo went to prepare.

You can put the baskets over by the table. Jarod directed.

We’ll have tea in my garden. We followed Jarod down the hallway toward the back. I had spent a lot of time with Jarod in his garden, talking.

His garden was bathed in light showing his flower and vine paradise. He led us to the familiar stone table by the water fountain. With all the plants that he tended, his garden was well kept and beautiful. I figured it would take a lot of work to keep it this pristine. He would say just a trim here and a cut there was all it took to keep it from overgrowing. The plants he accumulated came from all over the colonies that bloomed at different times. I noticed the yellow-orange blossoming flowers at this time. Next month it could be a different colour scheme.

He spread his arm for us to sit. The fragrant blossoms made for a calming atmosphere. Melo brought a carafe of tea, a few treats and left us. She could have stayed as nothing secret was being discussed that she was not aware of.

Do either of you have any questions? Jarod asked as he poured us tea.

I do, I said. What do you expect us to find?

Now there’s the question that everyone would like to know, he said. I am hoping you’ll find nothing but my senses tell me there is more out there.

That says a lot without saying anything, I said.

Yes it does, Jarod remarked. Understand Tarin that things were ignored and got out of hand and now you will have to check them out. You will have to find what was missed. The leadership may want to return to old ways.

Commander Felan believes we need to check out these issues, I said.

Yes and we are thankful for that, Jarod said. Although in time that could change unless the facts are discovered quickly. The Elders believe in what you can do and the colony councils can’t ignore your findings, especially after the war.

Sounds like everything is riding on us again, Chase blurted out. I had to admire how Chase said what was on his mind even when it was a delicate subject.

You are correct Chase, Jarod said. Either we have nothing to worry about or everything to worry about and it’s up to the both of you to cut through the fumbling that has been going on for three months.

We’ll do the best we can, I said. I really did mean what I said and was determined to find out what was happening. My insides were driving me to find the truth, whatever that was.

I have every confidence in you Tarin, Chase, Jarod said. That goes for all the elders as well. You are bridging the gap between the old and the new. We sat back enjoying the tea. We thank Jarod and Melo for their hospitality and leave. I waved to them as they stood in their doorway watching us go.

Are you ready for this next mission? I asked as we walked the path toward our homes.

Sure am, he said. Sitting around is driving me nuts. Did I tell you what I did the other day?

No, you didn’t, I said curiously. What did you do?

Well you might find this hard to believe, he started, I had noticed some of my fruit and vegetables were spoiling. So I went and picked up fresh goods and returned home. I gathered up all the old stock and dropped them off at the composting centre. I returned home to put away my fresh stuff only to discover that I kept the old rotting stuff and dropped off the fresh items for composting. I ran back to the composting facility but I was too late. I laughed at that. Only Chase could mix that up.

Did you get replacements? I asked.

Nope. I figured I’d done enough, he said. I picked through the old stuff, rescued a few things, and put the rest in the backyard as a reminder. It was then that I realized I had to start doing something.

You are one of kind Chase, I said as we reached our separating point. How long do you need to pack?

I’m packed, he said. Just waiting for the go.

Funny you should say that. I’m packed too.

What are you wearing to Azure? he asked.

I figure I’ll wear the new uniform I got awhile back, I said. Have to use it sometime.

I’ll do the same, Chase said. See you in a few minutes then. I nodded and headed to my place.

Open, I said as I reached my entrance and it slid open allowing me to enter. I changed into my new uniform, darker than my first one. I fastened my rank insignia on the right side, grabbed my personal effects. I looked around at my place knowing that it looked reasonably clean. Jarod said he would check the place from time to time depending on how long we were gone. I marched out the door with bag in hand and sidearm securely fastened. I met up with Chase, smartly dressed, checking his uniform and removing the odd piece of fluff from it. With his misadventures, I was impressed that he hadn’t accidentally recycled it.

Greetings Captain, I said.

Greetings Colonel, he responded. Are you curious about the new ship?

Sure, I said, don’t know how they can improve upon the Predator though. We were off marching to Launch Bay Command. More people would be at the facility now since it was later in the morning. After gaining access we strode through the white-blue corridors of Launch Bay command getting more looks than usual. It has been some time since we had worn full uniform and a sidearm.

Greetings, Colonel, Captain, Launch Command Leader Silas said as he happened along.

Greetings Silas, I said.

Greetings, Chase said, you still miss us, don’t you?

Of course, Silas replied, briefings are just not the same anymore since you two officially joined the CDF. Silas gave us a smile. On official business?

Reporting in for duty, I said.

Where are they sending you now? Silas asked.

Not sure. Have to report in first, I said nonchalantly.

Oh I see, Silas said. Then I shall let you go. Good hunting. I nodded and he went on about his business. I think his