The Star Runner Omnibus Edition

Book 1 – STAR RUNNER

Chapter One – Ace

Nick Ace Daniels grinned as he banked the shuttle around Space Station Cygnus. Looking out the port to his left, he could just make out the windows in the station as it blew past. The central core rising above and dropping down below the outer ring, like a pipe with a big wheel around its middle.

His fingers moved instinctively as he flipped the shuttle around, perhaps a little faster than was strictly necessary. The metal groaned around him – it wasn’t designed for this type of stress. Nick knew that it’d hold together, though; he’d only ever exceeded a shuttle’s stress limits so much that it literally came apart at the seams twice before, and they’d both been years ago.

The shuttle dived down and under the outer ring. Nick held it for a few seconds, before simultaneously bringing the nose up and gunning the engines. The shuttle shot straight up, between two of the station’s crosswalks. Ace held it, following the curve of the ring, now above his head. He completed the loop and rolled the shuttle, righting her as he shot away from the station.

Yee-hah! Nick yelled, the adrenaline pumping as he flicked his longish brown hair back from his face.

He’d performed it perfectly. It’d taken him months of practice. At first, he’d overshot flying under the ring, nearly ramming the central core. Then he’d had to work on his trajectory to avoid the crosswalks as he shot back up. He’d nearly flown straight into the outer ring half a dozen times until he’d learnt the feel of when to pull out so that he could complete the circle perfectly.

After that, it was just a case of practicing until he had the speed up to his usual high velocities.

Not bad for a kid who was only eleven.

Nick looked down at the board. Fuel, computers, navigation, engines, shields, gravity, structural integrity all read green.

Good to go, he thought to himself.

Looking up, he brought the nose of the shuttle around until he was once again facing the space station. He cut the engines, letting her drift. The station hung in space ahead of him. Somewhere behind it, and slightly to the right, was his next goal.

His fingers drummed on the instrument panel as he sat in thought. His aim was to skim the event horizon of the black hole. He knew roughly how close he could get before his shuttle’d be pulled off course and lost into the ‘sinkhole’.

His brother, Alex, had hardly talked about anything but the black hole since he’d joined the station crew two years ago.

But Alex’s talk was all theory.

Nick’s question was how close could you really fly to a black holes’ event horizon?

As much as he hated to admit it, he knew that flying straight in probably wasn’t the smartest idea. His instruments would tell him how far out he was, but that wasn’t quite good enough for him. He wanted to be able to feel it.

His mind made up, Nick nodded and immediately had to flick his hair out of his face again as it flopped over his eyes.

Ace Daniels brought up the engines to three-quarter power, smiling as the feel of the powerful engines throbbed underneath and around him. Then, all at once, the shuttle shot forward.

Nick let his fingers dance over the instruments, setting a heading that would let him cruise across the face of the black hole about a hundred and fifty kilometres from the event horizon. He reasoned that that should be close enough for a first pass; it was more than twice the distance that Alex had thought was safe, even allowing for his usual margin for error.

The shuttle flashed past the station. It curved around, ready for the pass that Nick had programmed into the computer. The star of Cygnus X-1 drew rapidly closer. Somewhere nearby, Nick knew the black hole was sitting, quietly drawing in any matter that floated too close to it. Nick’s forehead grew damp as his adrenaline started pumping again.

Beeep! Beeep!

Wildly, Nick looked down at the board, trying to find the source of the alarm. It came again. There was nothing on his boards to show anything was wrong. The third time it came, Nick realised that it came from his watch, not his shuttle.

Oh, no, Nick groaned.

He was going to be late.

Again.

Slapping panels, he quickly shut down the shuttle and the simulation. If he didn’t run for it, there was no way that he’d make it in time for class. And it’d be his second time that week. Lieutenant Keegan would be sure to tell his parents.

Nick grabbed his bag as he scrambled from his chair, slinging its strap over his head. Tucking the bag into his side, he punched the door release button and ran out. He hadn’t gone two steps before being jerked to a stop by the strap across his body.

Nick looked back and up, immediately clamping down on the groan that threatened to escape as he recognised the large man who had a hold of the strap of his bag.

Well, well, well, what do we have here? Lieutenant O’Lochlan sneered, his thin red moustache curling up with his lip.

Nick glared. Why’d it have to be him? he thought to himself. There was no love lost between Lt. Kevin O’Lochlan and the Daniels boys.

I assume that you don’t have clearance to use this simulator? he asked, puffing out his already considerable stomach as he leaned over to punch some buttons on the pad beside the simulator door.

Nick continued to glare. He half considered slipping out of his bag and running for it, but on a station this size, there really wasn’t anywhere to hide. Especially with the internal sensors that had been built into it.

Nothing to say, boy? he gloated.

Again, Nick refused to answer him.

"In that case, I think that it would be nothing less than my duty to take you to the Captain and report this."

Nick gulped.

The Captain.

His father.

He guessed that things could be worse, although at that moment he found it hard to imagine. Bad enough that he’d been using the simulator without permission. Worse still that he’d been caught by O’Lochlan. If only it’d been his brother Pete’s engineering friend, A.B., Nick knew that he’d have been able to talk his way out of it. But not with this guy.

As Nick was frog-marched through the station, he was sure that nearly all of the one hundred and ninety-seven station residents were out and about to see him being taken to his father.

A sea of faces in royal blue jumpsuits with yellow shoulder-pads and black boots watched him as he passed. Some smiled. Most, though, frowned. Particularly the ones with the tan wrist stripes of engineering and the red ones of security.

In what seemed no time at all, Nick had been marched through the outer ring, across a walkway and into the central core. A short ’lift ride later and the doors opened onto the command deck of Space Station Cygnus.

As the doors whispered open, Nick craned his head from side to side, trying to see if his father was in sight. He wasn’t, but that didn’t mean anything. He was probably just in his office. The half-dozen officers present glanced their way, but only one let their gaze linger on them, before slowing shaking his head. His oldest brother, Alex.

O’Lochlan didn’t pause. Dragging Nick along beside him, he made his way straight towards the Captain’s Office.

Nick was made to stand in front of his father’s door and watch as his captor pressed the buzzer. His father’s voice had barely spoken before Nick was shoved inside.

Ah, Kevin, to what do I owe this pleasure? asked Captain Daniels pleasantly, his gaze raking over his son before coming to rest on Lieutenant O’Lochlan.

"Captain, I caught this boy coming out of Simulator Four. According to the log, he’d been in there for nearly an hour."

I assume you checked to see if he had clearance? Captain Daniels asked, his stern gaze fixed on his junior officer.

Yes, sir, I asked the boy. He refused to answer. But he never has clearance. So, I brought him straight to you, Lieutenant O’Lochlan related.

Nick bristled. Never? He always had clearance. Or, at least, most of the time he did. Well, definitely some of the time.

Thank you, Kevin. I’ll take it from here, said Captain Daniels, dismissing him.

But, sir. . . O’Lochlan protested.

Nick could feel O’Lochlan’s eyes on him, but he refused to look. The sooner that he was gone, the sooner that he’d be alone with his father. And there was much more of a chance of his father being lenient with him when there was no one else around to see.

That’s all, Lieutenant, Captain Daniels repeated firmly. I’ll let you get back to your duties.

From the corner of his eye, Nick could see O’Lochlan’s mouth open and close a few times before he turned and stormed from the room. Captain Daniels let the door slide closed behind O’Lochlan before he even looked at his son.

Oh, Ace, Ian Daniels sighed as he came around to perch on the front of his desk.

‘Ace’, that was a good sign, Nick thought to himself. It was the nickname that his father had given him because of his love of flying.

What’d you do? Hotwire the door controls or use my clearance codes again?

Nick looked down, trying to avoid seeing the disappointment in his father’s eyes. Hotwired it, he mumbled.

Nick, you’ve got to stop doing this! Think about what it says about me. I’m the Station Commander and I can’t even get my own son to obey station rules. And what’s your mother going to say?

I’m sorry, Dad. It won’t happen again, he murmured.

Captain Daniels snorted. I’ll believe that when I see it. He moved around his desk and fell heavily into his chair. Your simulator privileges are suspended for a month.

But, Dad, you can’t! Nick gasped, his head snapping up. I’ve only got three hours a week as it is!

"If you want to learn to be a pilot, then you’ve got to learn to obey the rules. They’re there for a reason. To keep you alive. You’ll never be a great pilot until you’ve learnt that. Maybe suspending your sim privileges will help you learn that."

Yes, Dad, Nick mumbled to his boots again. This wasn’t the first time his father had had this conversation with him.

You’re late for school, aren’t you? We’ll talk about this some more tonight.

Yes, Dad, he repeated glumly.

Nick turned, heading for the door.

Ace, was it worth it? his father called after him.

Oh, yeah, Dad, Nick grinned. I looped the station at five hundred k’s.

Get out of here, Captain Daniels called. And please, try to stay out trouble for the rest of the day!

Chapter Two – Alexander

Crewman Daniels.

Alexander looked up, blinking. He’d been engrossed in his readout and hadn’t even heard the door open. Since coming on duty that morning, his focus had been absorbed in analysing the data from the experiment that he’d had running all night. So far, it didn’t look very promising.

Lieutenant Commander Perry stood in front of him, hands on hips, her daughter, Alana, at her side.

Uh, yes, Commander? Alexander acknowledged.

How’s your research going? Commander Perry asked.

Not so good, Commander, Alexander answered disappointedly.

That’s too bad, Mister Daniels, your mother and I both thought your theory looked promising.

Alexander gave a half-smile. He reasoned that if the two senior-most scientists on the station thought that his theory was promising, then it might not have been a total waste of time after all.

I’d like you to work with Alana for the rest of this shift, the Commander ordered.

Alexander glanced across and nodded to his fellow crewman. Alana gave a shy smile before looking down. She was a slim girl with brown eyes and blonde hair, fifteen years old – the same age as he was – and wearing the same dark blue jumpsuit with yellow shoulder pads that all junior crewmen on the station wore.

Alana’s due to start her first rotation in the command centre at ten hundred hours. I’d like you to shadow her and show her the ropes. Until then, you can work with Alana in Lab Eighteen.

Yes, Ma’am, said Alexander.

I’ll leave you to it then, said Commander Perry. She looked over to Alana. I’ll see you at home tonight, darling. Have a nice day.

Commander Perry turned and strode off, her long honey-coloured plait swaying behind her.

Give me a sec to shut this down, Alana, said Alexander as he looked down at his screen and began working his console.

Within seconds, his screen had gone black and he was swivelling his chair to stand up.

Ready, he said.

Alexander felt Alana stray slightly behind him as they made their way through the computer lab and to the door. Once out, he turned right, slowing his pace slightly to allow his partner to come up beside him.

What have you been working on? Alexander asked, trying to make conversation.

Alana blushed, making the freckles across her nose stand out. Uh, wormholes, she answered quietly.

Alexander’s eyebrows almost disappeared into his brown hair.

Wormholes?

Alana nodded, making her short blonde hair bob around her ears.

But all the research says that there’s no evidence to support that wormholes can even exist, said Alexander.

I know, but I’ve been looking into it anyway. Mum. . . uh, Commander Perry says that just because we haven’t found any evidence yet, doesn’t mean that it doesn’t exist.

Alexander nodded. It sounded a lot like his mum as well. He knew, for instance, that a lot of what they now knew about black holes would never have even been discovered if the space station hadn’t been built in the first place. He guessed that something could come from Alana’s research, but he seriously doubted it.

It didn’t take long for the two of them to make their way to the designated lab. Alexander followed Alana in as the doors whooshed open.

Lab Eighteen was identical to most of the other labs on the station – half a dozen computer stations along the sidewalls, a large screen dominating the far wall and a centre workbench that a dozen people could comfortably stand around. At the moment, they had the place to themselves.

Alana led the way to one of the left hand computer stations and sat down. Alexander snagged a spare stool, wheeled it over and sat beside her.

I’ll show you what I’ve been working on, Alana said as she quickly went through screen after screen of data.

Here, this is where I started, she said moments later.

Alexander leaned in closer to the screen, interested in spite of himself. He usually focussed on practical science, totally ignoring anything that seemed too outrageous to even be considered as proper science. Wormholes were a perfect example. As were transporters, time-travel and aliens. They made for a great story, but as far as Alexander was concerned, none of them were worth his time worrying about. That is, of course, unless you were ordered to study them.

Alana’s ideas seemed fairly sound to Alexander, at least in theory. Space Station Cygnus had collected a lot of data about black holes and the types of energy that they emitted and especially about how they could possibly be harnessed. She seemed to believe that, based on this information, that it was possible that a tunnel or wormhole could be created between two black holes.

Alana had a couple of theories on how to try to prove that this was actually the case, but short of throwing someone or something into the black hole and waiting to see if they came out somewhere else, Alexander couldn’t see how any of them would actually work. As Alana continued to elaborate on her theories, he found himself being unexpectedly drawn into the science more and more.

"Crewman Daniels, Crewman Perry, report to the Command Centre."

Both Alexander and Alana started at the sound of their names. They had been focussed so intently on their discussions of the theory of wormholes that they had completely lost track of time.

I’m glad my mum knows me so well, said Alana shyly, as she worked to save and close down the work they had been doing. She always gives me a reminder when I’m working on a project. I’d never get anywhere on time if she didn’t.

Alexander gave her a sheepish grin. My mum does that too.

They quickly made their way to the nearest turbo-lift, entering in silence. As they rode up, Alexander couldn’t help but give his jumpsuit a couple of tugs to make sure that it was sitting correctly and to run his hands through his brown hair.

What station have you been assigned to? he asked as the ’lift slowed.

Communications, Alana answered.

Alexander gave a quick nod. That’s where he had started his Command Centre rotation as well. As the doors opened, he automatically scanned the deck. His father was nowhere in sight. Probably in his office, he reasoned. He led the way to the communications console, nodding to Commander Perry as they passed. Relieving the Lieutenant on duty, they quietly sat down.

Alexander spent the next ten minutes going through the various procedures and protocols with Alana that he had had to learn when he was first given the post six months ago.

"Work Pod Nine to Control."

Alexander recognised the voice of the station’s Chief Engineer, Commander Bradford.

"Control. Go ahead, Pod Nine," Alana answered calmly.

"We’re approaching Section Ten, now. Latching on in two minutes."

Alexander knew that his brother Pete was rostered on to work with the Commander this morning and couldn’t help but wonder who was doing the piloting. Watching the monitor that Alana had activated, he saw the Pod rapidly approaching the station. It jerked to a halt before beginning its approach again and then paused. The arms on the Pod extended, before continuing and connecting with the station. Six and a half minutes. Slow, much slower than normal. Alexander figured that that meant that Pete was at the controls.

"Control, this is Work Pod Nine. We are latched on to the station."

"Confirmed, Work Pod Nine. Nicely done, Commander," Alana replied.

"It wasn’t me, Control, I’m just a passenger here. It was all Crewman Daniels," Commander Bradford’s voice came from the speaker.

Acknowledged. Well done Mister Daniels, said Alana, smiling up at Alexander.

"Uh, thank you, Control," Pete responded.

"Will advise when the work has been completed," said Commander Bradford.

Acknowledged. Control out.

Alexander smiled at Alana. She’d done a much better job than he had on his first posting to Communications. But then, he didn’t think you could do much worse than rerouting a message meant for the Captain of the Space Station down to Engineering Sub-Level Three.

Much of the rest of the shift passed by quietly, merely routing internal communications and allowing communication access for one of the main labs, so when he heard the doors whisper open behind him, Alexander turned to see who had come in.

He stared. His youngest brother Nick had his upper arm caught in the firm grasp of Lieutenant Kevin O’Lochlan. Alexander couldn’t help but shake his head. Whatever it was that Nick had done this time, it looked like he was going to be in a lot of trouble.

He frowned as Lieutenant O’Lochlan dragged him across the Command Centre, without even acknowledging Commander Perry who was on duty, a major breach of protocol. They paused briefly outside his father’s door before it opened and they disappeared inside. Alexander couldn’t stop staring at the door. He thought that Nick would have known better than to break Station rules again. And especially not to get caught by O’Lochlan.

Several minutes later, Lieutenant O’Lochlan stormed out. He didn’t look happy at all. He hoped his dad wasn’t doing anything to annoy him. It was no secret that the Lieutenant hated the entire Daniels family. He’d been overlooked for a promotion to the head of the science department in favour of Helen Daniels when the family had been posted to the Station and his animosity hadn’t abated even after more than two years.

It took Nick a lot longer to come out of the Captain’s office than Alexander had predicted. As Nick hurried through the Command Centre, Alexander wasn’t sure whether he was grinning or was close to tears. Either way, Alexander was positive that it was going to be very interesting that night once everyone got home.

Chapter Three – Pete

Easy does it, now, Lieutenant Commander Bradford murmured to the young engineer at his side.

Pete glanced nervously at his friend and mentor. He could see the encouragement through A.B.’s salt and pepper beard. Even after working with him for over two years, Pete was feeling rather nervous. Officially, he was still in his first week on the job.

Pete forced himself to look out the viewport in front of him. As always, whenever he found himself looking down on the space station, the first thought that went through his mind was just how much it looked like a doughnut with a cross through the middle of it. He took a moment to enjoy the view. When you lived inside a space station, it wasn’t often that you were able to see it from the outside.

Closing his eyes, Pete took a deep breath and forced his eyes down to the controls of Work Pod Nine. Gently, he touched the thruster controls. The view of the station slid off to one side. Nowhere near far enough. He frowned. His brother Nick made it look so easy and he was two years younger than Pete himself.

Just a touch more and you’ll have it, A.B. encouraged. "Look where you’re heading and fire the thrusters again. Feel the engines; let them tell you how much power you need."

Pete resisted the urge to roll his eyes at his commanding officer. For as long as he had known him, A.B. had been telling him to feel the engines or feel the machines he was working with. He never could. Admittedly, he knew that he was already a great engineer, even though he’d only just turned thirteen. He worked more on instinct than feel, although A.B. seemed to think that there really wasn’t much difference and that he should be able to feel the machines.

Over the past two years, ever since A.B. had started teaching him on his off-duty hours, Pete knew that his knowledge and skills had grown amazingly. At least, he wasn’t blowing things up as much as he used to and when he took things apart, he could almost always put them back together again so that they worked just as well, if not better, than before.

The pod was now edging closer to the space station and Pete brought his whole attention onto his board. It would never do to bump the station – his father would never forgive him. Pete forced the image of having to face Captain Ian Daniels and tell him that he was the one who had damaged his space station from his mind.

"Work Pod Nine to Control," Commander Bradford spoke into the communicator on his board.

"Control. Go ahead Pod Nine."

We’re approaching Section Ten, now. Latching on in two minutes, A.B. informed the station.

Pete gave him a startled look. Sweat beaded on his forehead, making his scar itch, a relic from one of his earliest engineering attempts. He ignored it as best as he could. As far as he was concerned, there was no way that they’d be latched on in two minutes. Ten minutes, maybe. Five if he really pushed it. He fired the thrusters. The station suddenly loomed ahead. Much too close; far too fast. Quickly firing the reverse thrusters, he brought the pod to a halt, breathing a sigh of relief.

Alright, Pete, extend the arms, coached Commander Bradford.

Pete swivelled his chair to the board at his side and flipped the switches. Immediately, the servos responded, whirling away above him and to each side. Pete craned his head to see out the viewport. Two long metal poles extended out in front of the pod. He glanced to the side and flipped two more switches. The electromagnetic claws locked into place.

Now, ease us in, commanded A.B.

Yes, sir, Pete responded.

He looked down at his board. Distance, claws to hull, twenty-seven metres. He eased the thrusters on, keeping his eyes fixed on his board. Twenty metres. Fifteen. Ten. He cut the thrusters and let her coast. Six metres. Four. Two.

Appling reverse thrust and activating the magnets, Pete announced as his fingers moved over the board in front of him and the one to his side.

A soft clunk and it was done.

"Control, this is Work Pod Nine, said Commander Bradford. We are latched on to the station."

"Confirmed, Work Pod Nine. Nicely done, Commander."

It wasn’t me, Control, I’m just a passenger here. It was all Crewman Daniels.

"Acknowledged. Well done Mister Daniels."

Pete activated his communications system. Uh, thanks, Control.

Will advise when the work has been completed, said A.B.

"Acknowledged. Control out."

Well done, Pete, smiled A.B., I doubt even Nick could have done any better.

Thank you, sir, Pete grinned back. He couldn’t wait to get home that night and boast to his brother about flying the pod. Pete knew that he’d be sick with envy.

Okay, then. What’s the next stage in carrying out the repair? the old engineer asked.

Moving the pod so that the tools are in position, Pete replied confidently.

A.B. raised his eyebrows.

Moving to face his sideboard once again, Pete depressed the controls that released the lock, allowing the pod to rotate. With the magnetic latches and arms firmly attached to the hull and in their extended position, the main body of the pod was able to slowly rotate downwards and around. The view of the station swung up, leaving a clear view of space. As soon as the board showed a clean one eighty turn, Pete locked the pod back into place.

The viewport abruptly switched to screen mode as A.B. touched a control. They were now looking back at the section of the station from a few moments before, only this time, it was upside-down. At least the gravity on the pod kept their feet on the floor.

Activate the lights, A.B. ordered.

Pete obeyed and six high-powered beams shot out from the rear of the pod, lighting up the bare grey metal.

Alright, let’s get to work, said A.B., rubbing his hands together. Move us into two metres from the hull.

Pete flipped the correct switches and watched the indicators as the arms slowly retracted.

Two metres, Pete announced.

He stood and followed the engineer to the rear two control boards. There were chairs for these stations, but at the moment they were folded away under the floorboards. Pete stood with his mentor and watched as the engineer expertly manipulated controls, bringing the various tools on-line and opening up the boards ready to work.

Our first job is to get that panel off. I’ll take care of that while you slip into the storage bay and make sure that the power couplings, relays and generators are ready to go, A.B. instructed.

Pete opened up the hatch in the rear and soon lost track of the time as he and A.B. settled into a pattern of work. Working from the inside of a pod, with only the pod’s exterior tools to do the job was a very different experience for Pete. He was used to putting his hands inside a machine, taking it apart and being able to turn it around and around to see how it worked.

Each piece of equipment had to be carefully removed, brought aboard the pod and then replaced with a new part. Pete was assigned the task of unloading and then reloading each part as it was needed. He found that there was enough time while each section was being manoeuvred into place by A.B. to have a decent look at the old parts that had been brought in.

The first two relays and power couplings were just as he expected, only some minor fuses blown. Easy to fix. He used the tools in his engineer’s pouch to work on them while he waited.

A.B., we could put these ones back in, Pete suggested as he ran his scanner over the coupling that he’d just finished working on, they check out fine now.

The engineer poked his head into the storage bay. I’m sure we could, but regulations are regulations. We’ll replace these parts and go over them back in Engineering. Mind you, after you’ve finished tinkering with them, I’m sure we’ll find they all check out. You’ll probably have saved us a few hours work.

Pete beamed, pleased with himself. Yes, sir.

Just this last generator to go, then we can seal it up and head back in, A.B. announced. We should even be back in time for your lessons.

Pete groaned. Being out there with his friend, working on machines, was what he wanted to be doing, not sitting back in class doing schoolwork. He’d half hoped that getting off-station to work might have meant that he’d miss school for the day, or at least to have been a few hours late. He should have known better. He was working with the Chief Engineer of Space Station Cygnus after all.

Chapter Four – Traitor

Pete hurried from the classroom as soon as his lessons were over, stuffing his pads and books into his bag as he moved.

If you keep this up, Mister Daniels, I’ll start to think that you don’t like my class, Lieutenant Juliet Keegan called after him.

Pete slowed, turning towards his teacher with a frown. No, it’s not that, Mrs Keegan. I’d just promised Commander Bradford that I’d finish my engineering duties after class today.

Just remember to leave some time to finish your assignment. It’s due tomorrow, she reminded him.

No worries, Mrs Keegan. It’s almost finished already, Pete reassured her with a grin.

See you tomorrow, then, said Lieutenant Keegan.

Pete turned and made his way out of the room with the other half dozen members of his class. At the door, he turned left, waving to his friends as they went right.

The mission that morning had gone almost too well. He and A.B. had managed to replace the parts and make it back to the station with just enough time for Pete to grab his school bag from home and get to class only a couple of minutes late. That still left the unloading of the pod for this afternoon. But first he had to report to the Commander in Engineering.

Pete took off at a trot, giving himself enough time to stop by the mess. There was always a large bowl of fruit just inside the door for the crew. Pete ducked inside, snagged an apple and was out again before the doors had closed behind him, tucking the apple into one of the pockets of his bag for later.

In his haste, he hardly glanced at the view of space from the clear top and sides of the walkway connecting the outer ring with the central core of the station. A quick turbo-lift ride later and he stepped out into Engineering. This had to be his favourite place on the station. He may have only become a full member of the crew a week ago, but it had been his second home ever since A.B. had started teaching him his engineering skills.

As the doors behind him closed, he could hear the throb of the reactors that powered the station and provided the lifeblood for the station and the crew. A dozen crewmen were on duty, scattered among the three decks of Engineering, monitoring the various readouts. He quickly wove his way over to the master console panel that Commander Bradford preferred to work with.

Crewman Daniels reporting for duty, he said formally as he came to a halt behind the Commander.

I hope you didn’t skip any of your lessons rushing to get here, growled A.B. as he turned.

Of course not, sir, Pete reassured him.

He’d done just that on more than one occasion and he’d received a tirade from Commander Bradford because of it. A.B. had even flatly refused to let him start his shift until he’d gone back and apologised to Lieutenant Keegan.

Just as well, said Commander Bradford with just a little less of growl. "You’ll be unloading Pod Nine for the rest of the shift. Move the power couplings, relays and generators to Storage Bay Thirty-Seven. There should be a pallet in the Bay to help you."

Yes, sir, said Pete, eager to get to work. It was fairly mundane work, but he knew that every little bit needed to be done and he was the junior-most member of the Engineering crew.

I also want you to stop by Auxiliary Communications on your way there, said A.B. as he turned towards his board. I’ve been getting some strange readings from there for the past few minutes.

Yes, sir, Pete nodded.

Just take some readings and report back to me. Don’t try to fix anything yourself. I’ll send Lieutenant Johanson to take a look if I need to.

Pete grinned. That was exactly what he would have done if he thought he’d be able to get away with it. A.B. knew him too well.

Yes, sir, said Pete. He paused, checking to make sure that there were no more instructions before making his way out of Engineering and back towards the outer ring.

Pete took a little more time on his way back across the cross-walk. As he looked out at the stars, he munched on his apple. A small smile played about his lips. Just this morning he’d been out there, piloting a pod and doing what he loved most – working on an engineering problem.

Auxiliary Communications was on the level above Storage Bay Thirty-Seven and the Pod Bay. Pete had only ever been in there once before, back when A.B. had taken his family on a grand tour of the station when they had first arrived.

Pete casually slapped the control button and promptly slammed his nose into the door when it didn’t open for him. He frowned. This door shouldn’t have been locked. The control panels were all coded for security, not the outer door. He punched his engineering override code into the panel beside the door. Still nothing.

There was no way that Pete was going to let a door beat him. Stuffing his half-eaten apple under his arm, he reached into the pouch at his side. With his universal spanner at hand, Pete wasted no time popping the control panel cover off. He let it hang while he reached in and manoeuvred some of the wires around. Pete grinned with satisfaction at the sound of the door whooshing open.

It only took a second for him to replace the cover. Pete walked into the room, zipping up his pouch at the same time.

I’m forwarding you the data and a copy of the transmission now.

Pete looked up, startled. Seated in front of one of the terminals was Lieutenant Kevin O’Lochlan. From where Pete was standing, he could just see a part of the screen. There was a man in some sort of dark coloured clothing on it. Whoever it was that O’Lochlan was talking to, he obviously didn’t want anyone knowing about it.

"You are sure of this data?" the mysterious man spoke in a stern voice.

"Of course. I’ve looked at it myself. Besides, Daniels and Perry would never have transmitted it to Apollo if they didn’t have hard data to back it up," O’Lochlan reassured him.

"Hmm. I will have my scientists look at it. If it checks out, you can expect that little bonus we talked about earlier," the dark man purred.

Thank you, sir. Don’t worry, it’ll check out, said O’Lochlan quickly.

"I will contact you when my scientists have their results. Don’t contact me before then. Gemini Institute out," said the man, ending the transmission.

The screen went dark. Pete started. He realised that whatever that conversation was, he should not have heard even the little bit that he did hear. He spun, intending to leave as quickly and as quietly as he could. He reached out, activating the door. It whispered open. Painfully loud.

Stop right there!

Pete froze and turned slowly around. O’Lochlan was on his feet, a laser gun pointed straight at him. Behind him, Pete heard the door close.

How long have you been standing there? O’Lochlan asked menacingly.

I, uh, I only just came in. Didn’t hear a thing, Pete rushed.

Humph. Like I believe that. You Daniels kids are always sticking your noses in where they’re not wanted.

Pete tried to edge back, away.

Oh, no you don’t. Move over there! O’Lochlan ordered, gesturing to the left with his laser.

Pete moved slowly, letting his apple drop to the floor. He kept his eyes fixed on the laser, his hands slightly out in front of him.

I can’t exactly have you going blabbing to your parents about what you heard, now, can I? I’ll have to put you somewhere out of the way until I decide what to do with you, he mused.

Pete remained silent. His brain was working overtime. Whatever it was that O’Lochlan was doing talking to that man, it sure sounded as though it had something to do with his mother’s research. And if that was the case …

Pete’s eyes hardened. Traitor. O’Lochlan was a traitor. At the very least giving, if not selling his mother’s research to someone who shouldn’t have it.

If he could just get his hands on a computer, he could alert his father or A.B. and bring the whole station down on O’Lochlan.

Throw your bag over there! O’Lochlan ordered.

Pete slowly lifted the strap over his head. He held it out, ready.

The laser came up a fraction. I wouldn’t if I was you.

Pete sighed to himself, throwing his bag off to the side. He wondered how O’Lochlan knew that he was thinking of throwing it at him.

Now, the pouch. I don’t trust you engineer types.

Reluctantly, Pete unclipped his pouch, tossing it after his bag.

"Now, you and I are going to go for a little walk. You try to run and I will shoot you."

He gestured with his laser. Pete edged sideways towards the door. He reached up, slapped the button and shot through the door. The laser pressed hard into his back, bringing him up short.

Naughty, naughty. Last warning, O’Lochlan hissed. Now, into the ’lift.

Pete walked forward. There was nothing else he could do. His pouch with all his tools was gone. His bag was gone. And there was no one in sight. Whatever O’Lochlan had in mind, he was up to his neck in it by himself.

Chapter Five – Trapped!

Alexander lounged on the couch, going through the information that he’d downloaded onto his pad about wormholes. As much as he hated to admit it, the work that he’d done with Alana that morning had been extremely interesting. While the database didn’t have much more than what Alana had shown him and he still had no idea how any theory could be proven, it still made for some interesting reading.

He reached out absently and grabbed the bowl of spaghetti from the floor, rested it on his stomach, twirled the fork and brought up a huge mouthful. It was then that the comm beeped. Alexander sighed, put down his fork and bowl and rolled off the couch.

Hi, Commander Bradford, what can I do for you? Alexander asked as he punched on his end of the vid-link.

Ah, Alexander, I was looking for young Peter, A.B. scowled.

Alexander frowned. I thought he was on duty in Engineering.

He’s supposed to be. But he seems to have disappeared, the Commander explained. "I sent him to move some cargo from Work Pod Nine to Storage Bay Thirty-Seven after a quick stop at Auxiliary Communications. He hasn’t reported in and the work hasn’t been done."

That doesn’t sound like Pete at all, Alexander said slowly.

No. It doesn’t. I was hoping that he might have gone home for some reason.

Sorry, Commander. I haven’t seen Pete since breakfast this morning, Alexander told him.

A.B.’s scowl deepened

I’m off duty at the moment. Would you like me to have a look for him? Alexander offered.

Thanks, Alexander, I’d appreciate that, A.B. said.

Alexander nodded. I’ll let you know if I find him.

Commander Bradford gave a curt nod and disappeared from the screen as he cut the connection from his end.

Absently, he tucked the pad with Alana’s information about wormholes into his pocket. Sighing, he picked up his untouched bowl of spaghetti, left it on the bench and headed for the door. He hoped that he’d be able to find his brother quickly. Re-heated spaghetti was all right, but he much preferred it fresh.

The door opened as he approached, but a flash of a maroon flight jumpsuit had Alexander jumping to the side.

Watch out, Nick!

Hey, Alex. Where ya going? Nick asked as he rushed through the door.

Alexander frowned. "Alexander," he said automatically.

Nick grinned. So, where ya going, Alex? he asked again.

Pete’s disappeared. Commander Bradford’s asked me to have a look for him, Alexander explained.

I’ll come too, Nick said, and, whirling, led the way back through the door.

Alexander turned left, heading towards Auxiliary Communications, Nick at his side. He glanced at his brother from the corner of his eye.

So, what happened to you today? Alexander asked casually.

Nick looked up quickly. Oh, nothin’ really. O’Lochlan just caught me coming out of the sim. My own fault really. If I wasn’t already late for class, I would have checked before I came out.

What’d Dad say?

Nick shrugged. The usual.

Alexander raised his eyebrows, waiting.

"Yeah and I’m, uh, I’m banned from the sims for a whole month," he added quietly.

Serves you right, said Alexander unsympathetically.

"Don’t you start, Nick growled. Where we going, anyway?"

There, said Alexander, pointing up the corridor.

"Pete was supposed to stop here on the way down to Pod Nine and Bay Thirty-Seven," Alexander explained.

They stopped at the door and Alexander punched the button to open the door. Nothing happened.

Doesn’t look like Pete’s been here, said Alexander.

Nick grinned. You really think a locked door would stop Pete?

Alexander rolled his eyes.

Give me a sec, said Ace, getting to work.

Alexander turned his back, partly to avoid seeing his brother breaking into a secure area and partly to shield him so no one else would see him breaking into a secure area. He turned back at the sound of the doors opening behind him and walked in, Nick half a step behind.

The room was empty.

No Pete here, said Nick.

Alexander nodded. He turned to go and felt his foot bump against something. He looked down, bent and stood up again, a half-eaten apple in his hand.

He’s been here, though, he told his brother.

Alexander knew that Pete would eat as many apples as he could get his hands on. But he was always very careful never to leave his cores lying around.

Hey, Alex, look at this! Nick called.

He had wandered over to the far side of the room. Half-hidden behind a console was Pete’s bag and lying just beyond it, was his tool pouch. Nick picked them up.

There’s no way Pete would go anywhere without his tools, Ace pointed out.

Alexander’s frown deepened. He moved over to one of the consoles and input his access code. The screen flashed into life as Nick came to stand beside him.

What are you doing? Nick asked.

I’m going to access the internal sensors to find him, Alexander explained.

Aren’t you going to contact Mum or Dad first? asked Nick, sounding a little surprised.

Alexander shook his head. Not just yet. They’re both still on duty.

Normally, he knew that he’d be the first one to contact his parents or a superior officer, but just this once, he decided to try something else.

How are you going to find him? Using the sensors? asked Nick, looking intently at the screen.

Alexander nodded. We’ll start with where he’s supposed to be.

He brought up the schematics of the outer ring. Over fifty small red blobs were moving around the screen. Zooming in on their quadrant of the station, the red blobs