A Short Tour of the Galaxy

By Jacob Gregory Zielinski

Answering a distress call near the edge of the solar system leads the unprepared crew of the Achilles to rediscover planets, technology and alien races lost in history to an ancient war in A Short Tour of the Galaxy.

Only two years after the end of the third Solar Wide War, the crew of a defenseless commercial vessel is thrust into the galactic spotlight as they are unwittingly faced with decisions that could provoke yet another war between Earth and Europa’s allies.

Their relationships are put to the test as they disobey restrictions placed on mankind’s exploration beyond their own solar system to save their newest crew member.

What started as a tedious six-month gas cultivation, turns into first contact, a rescue mission and brunch on a space station. When forced to face their mistakes a final stop, in the heart of the enigmatic Shie Empire, is their only option. They only hope that they haven’t avoided the next solar war, by starting the next galactic war instead.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Nov 23, 2018
• ISBN: 9780359245680

Book preview

A Short Tour of the Galaxy

A Short Tour of the Galaxy

Jacob Gregory Zielinski

Copyright

This is a work of fiction.  Names, characters, places and events are the product of the authors imagination and are being used fictitiously for the enjoyment of the story.  And resemblance to actual persons living or dead, events or locations is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2019 by Jacob Gregory Zielinski

All rights reserved.  No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without written permission of the copyright owner expect for the use of quotations in a book review.

ISBN 978-0-359-24568-0

Published by Lulu Publishing

www.lulu.com/

Dedication

For Marijo

Chapter 1

Warner looked past his reflection and into the ancient storm raging just beyond the thick glass of the small, round window. Giant bolts of alien lightning danced across the atmosphere and though the ship continued on course despite the direct hits, Warner flinched with every flash of light that danced over the hull. With a slight shift of his gaze, he looked from the clouds to his own reflection. The red tint to his eyes alone was proof of the thirteen hour shifts. His greasy dark hair, which was pulled into a messy ponytail at the base of his neck, emphasized their rationed water supply.

A faint crackle on the overhead speakers caught his attention but was drowned out by the white noise of the storm and the ship’s own idling engines several levels below his feet. Yawning, Warner turned from the window and began to walk down the narrow hall toward the front of the ship. His footsteps were accented by a soft click as each step caused the metal grates under his feet to shift. Absently, his eyes followed one of the countless wires that snaked its way through the space between decks until it disappeared into a junction box.

When he was halfway between the staircase and the bridge, Warner stopped at the open bedroom door. His hand rested over a series of small horizontal scratches in the worn paint of the doorframe, each with corresponding initials and dates. He scanned over the two beds until he spotted the human-sized lump in one. Anthony’s sleeping form didn’t stir despite Warner’s attempt to wake him with a glare. Hearing the static again, Warner turned and jogged the rest of the way to the small bridge, passing two more rooms and a shorter branch of the hall on his way.

Warner easily stepped through the low doorway of the bridge and wiggled between the pilot’s chair and the control panels to sit. He looked over the faded screen above the control panel before he unlocked the chair so he could turn it to face the radio controls. Warner flipped the overhead speakers off so the static transmitted through the bridge only and began to manually adjust the dials.

–require immediate assistance, over.

The faint signal was followed by long stretch of silence until the radio beeped and the scared voice of a woman filled the bridge, this time with less static.

Mayday– Mayday– Mayday– This is the Europan fighter ship Gideon– the spacecraft carrier– approximately 2,000 kilometers– Saturn's atmosphere in orbit– significant crack– hull– low on fuel– attacked– pirates– one human aboard– require immediate assistance– over.

Warner’s hand hovered over the transmission button for more than sixty seconds as he glanced over his shoulder before he finally held the button down.  He spoke slowly and deliberately as he focused, trying to answer with the same English the woman used.  Europan Harvester Achilles to Gideon. Seeing you on radar. Warner watched the computer pinpoint a dot on the screen that was moving distinctly faster than the other countless natural satellites. Lower orbit needed, can you obtain? Over.

After several minutes of silence the woman’s message began to repeat.

Warner stood from the console only to be drawn back as the woman interrupted her own recording. Yes! Where are you positioned?

Warner smiled at the excitement in her voice and sat back down. Achilles to Gideon. Will rise out of atmosphere.  Sending coordinates. Have enough fuel to reach us? Over.

Gideon to Achilles. I'm on my way. I'll be at your position in fifteen earth minutes. Over.

With another smile, Warner turned from the radio and began to type new instructions into the navigation computer. The soft hum of the engine was replaced by a deep rumbling as it roared to life and the ship shivered when it rose through the thick atmosphere. Through the small bridge window Warner could see the hazy orange clouds thin and then disappear as the ship climbed into the empty blanket of black space.

Once the ship settled into its higher orbit, Warner jumped from the chair, hitting his knee against the bottom of the control panel in his haste. He paused only long enough to grab a handheld radio and turned the overhead speakers back on before he maneuvered down the main hall. He merely glanced in the bedroom on his way past but then stopped and took a step back when he saw that the bumpy acceleration failed to wake Anthony.

Anthony! Warner poked the other man with the antenna of the radio. Anthony, wake up! Cruiser docking with us.  Needs repairs. Warner took one step away but paused again when Anthony tugged the blanket over his head. A woman is aboard.

Warner didn't try again as he returned to the hall and continued to the tall metal staircase opposite the bridge. He descended the steps two at a time and bounded past several sealed cargo holds until he reached the docking bay. Despite having four external bay doors, only one ship was held in docking clamps at the far end of the bay. Several of the survey ship's panels had been removed and its wires lay on the ground next to it mixed with various piles of scrap metal from previously dismantled ships.

Warner pulled the door shut behind himself and turned the handle to lock the manual latch before he stepped into a square control room that was just large enough for one person. He sealed the door similarly to the first and began to furiously tap the keyboard that rested under the old computer screen.

Isoginasai, Warner mumbled as he used his knee to hit the side of the computer terminal, though the screen only flickered.

Despite his best efforts it took a full minute before the screen began to glow with life. Once the screen was on, he double checked the altitude of the ship before switching to the bay controls.

Sirens sounded in the main bay and then the deep rumbling of the oxygen return vents as the ceiling circulation vents closed and the air was drawn from the room and into the storage tanks. The sirens fell silent in the vacuum that the vents had created and only the warning lights around the doors signaled a new danger.

When the bay door slowly slid open, a few flecks of rust fell to the ground, while those outside of the ship’s gravity field floated off the door and into space. Warner brought the radio to his mouth and pressed the transmit button. Achilles to Gideon. Enter Bay One, Dock Two. Over.

Copy, the woman answered, her voice clearer than when the atmosphere separated their ships.

Warner watched the dot on the computer screen close in on their position. However, as the smaller ship's specifications began to flicker across the screen Warner frowned at the garbled letters and numbers that flashed back at him.

Chikusho Achilles, Ima! Warner used his knee to hit the side of the computer again. When the screen flickered but produced the same information, he sighed and looked away as the ship came into view. It wobbled for a moment in an attempt to match the Achilles' speed before it slid through the door. As it settled into the curved dock, the bottom of the long tubular ship scratched against the floor, leaving a trail of dark gray paint from the bay door up to the center of the dock until the clamps that extended from either side reached out to grab hold of it.

Warner entered the commands to shut the door and return the air to the bay before he squinted across the room to the name and number painted on the hull of the ship and then down at the scrambled information on the screen. He heard the door of the small ship open, but continued to focus on the computer screen as he lowered the engine power and the Achilles sank down into the safety of the atmosphere.

A tap against the window of the door prompted Warner to look up at the slender woman. She was wearing a light gray uniform, and her hair was long and from her otherwise dark complexion appeared to have been bleached. Her predominantly white hair was streaked with a variety of bright colors and looked intentionally messy.

Chotto matte. Warner raised his index finger to motion to the woman through the soundproof glass. Once he finished recalculating the navigation controls and switched all of the controls back to the main bridge, Warner opened the door and stepped out to greet the woman with a friendly smile.

Ohayo goz¬– I mean, hello. Warner held out his hand to her. Warner Pello, The Achilles, pilot, second mate.

Abbie Jasmin, pilot of, well, what's left of the Gideon. You don't know how grateful I am; I was starting to think no one would ever find me. I didn't know anyone regularly came out this far. Abbie looked to the various piles of old parts and the broken down ship before she looked back to Warner. This is a cargo ship?

Yes, original model. Modified to gas cultivator. Jupiter has more competition, regulations. Warner pointed to the Gideon as he walked toward it. Without navigation it maneuvered good. .The distress message, it showed damage to the universal identification signal. Escaped a fight?

Yeah, it came out of nowhere, there were to many attack cruisers to count, Abbie agreed. But I guess the engines and nav. computer weren't as bad as I thought. There was so much damage to the computer systems, it was hard to tell what was and wasn't working. Abbie looked back to Warner who was watching her in silence. The carrier I was on was attacked, and I didn't have a chance to do more than jump into the Gideon and get the hell out of there.

Pirates? Warner asked.

Abbie shrugged. Must have been. I didn't get a good look at the ships. We weren't signaled by another Navy, just attacked out of nowhere.

Only one distress signal.  It happen further out?  Warner continued when Abbie nodded. What deep space mission was it?

It was classified. Before Warner could respond, Abbie stepped closer and placed a hand against his chest as she leaned in. You know, there is one thing I have to offer that might make up for what you did to save me.

A smile spread over Warner's lip, but before he could answer there was a knock against the door of the bay. He glanced back to see Anthony at the window and frowned. Should open that.

Abbie nodded as she pulled back and followed Warner to the door. This is a good size ship, how many crew do you have, twelve?

Three. Warner spun the handle to unlock the door, allowing Anthony to pull the door open from the outside and duck through the opening. To harvest we need three shifts.

Warner, you know Gretchen's procedure doesn't include the manual locks, Anthony interrupted as he fought back a yawn and made no attempt to fix his uncombed hair or cover the countless oil and grease stains on his shirt despite Warner's attempt to mime the actions without Abbie noticing.

Warner frowned when Anthony only nodded to Abbie and he turned to face her instead. Anthony Culver, ship's engineer and first mate, Warner explained, but as he saw Abbie start to scan Anthony from head to toe and a sly smile crossed her lips, he stepped partway between them. Anthony, Abbie Jasmin.  The mayday you ignored, she sent. Ship has damage, you can start, I can give her tour.

Oh? Anthony responded as he looked to the Gideon and the red, white, blue, and yellow flag that was painted next to the name, and then to Abbie. You're military?

Abbie smiled and nodded. Contract pilot with the Europan Navy.

Really? Anthony crossed his arms over his chest. With the treaties they signed two years ago, I didn't think that Europa had any reason to hire contract pilots anymore.

Abbie shrugged. Like I said to Warner, the mission was classified.

Your accent doesn't sound Europan, where are you from? Anthony asked.

I was meaning to ask your friend the same thing. Abbie looked to Warner. I’ve never heard an accent quite like that before.  You didn’t grow up on an English speaking colony did you?

Me? Earth, Kyoto. Learning Europan English without translator, Warner tapped a finger against his ear.  Difficult.

A natural Earth born? Don't see too many of those out this far. Abbie smiled. I don’t want to be rude, but is there somewhere that I could lay down to rest? Maybe some food if you could spare it?

Living space, two decks up. Warner started to lead Abbie past but paused when Anthony grabbed hold of his arm.

Did you forget that we need to contact Gretchen first before we let someone onto the ship? Anthony mumbled.

Europan Navy? Warner shrugged. Gretchen heard.  Would say if there was problem.  Anthony, nakama, fix the ship.  Warner locked eyes with Anthony and winked.

With a sigh, Anthony nodded. That's fine. Don't bother contacting Gretchen, I'll radio her now.

Arigatou. Warner stepped around Anthony and glanced to Abbie, who was quick to follow him out the door. Achilles is safe.  Saturn’s atmosphere…  Warner paused.  Pressure, to great.  Cannot enter with normal ships.  We leave for Jupiter soon.  Warner turned the corner and started up the steps.  Gretchen, not as– Warner paused.  tough, Anthony thinks.  She won’t mind to take you.

Then you have a hydrogen fold engine on this ship? Abbie tapped against the faded warning sign on the door to the upper cargo hold when they passed. And the gas, fully refined already?

Warner nodded and his English became less broken. The ship holds were converted to carry refined gas. The freight hauling engines replaced with small cruise ship engines– from the last ships the Shie Empire helped build before the war broke out. Limits the weight, but we never land. Gas harvesters installed where extra space in engine room. Gas is refined here, with a two thousand cargo increase from the same size cultivator on Jupiter. No disposal fees, and fold from inside a gas giant without fuel used. It is the design of the future for gas cultivation.

Abbie arched a brow. Did you have to memorize the company pamphlet when you joined the crew?

Gretchen wanted better English. There was not much to practice., Warner said.

Abbie laughed. This Gretchen sounds like a hard ass.

Learning it was important. Mr. Culver assigned me the script for first interplanetary commercial. When we return we film. Released in three months to all ally planets.  Warner grinned wide.

Congratulations. Abbie paused and looked over the railing down to the engine room below. So how far can you travel in a ship like this off of that much fuel?

Past Pluto.

Deep, deep space? Abbie asked.

Warner nodded. Could; it would not be safe. Primary engine reach escape velocity when ship empty.  Planet pressure is only defense.

Abbie continued up the steps. But in theory, it's possible?

Yes, Warner said. Why?

Abbie shrugged. I've never heard of many ships able to do that without stopping along the way.

I could give you a longer tour. Warner came to stop next to the bedroom door.

I'd like that, after I have a chance to rest. Abbie stopped next to him. Is this the only bedroom?

It is. Warner took a step forward when Abbie walked into the room and looked between the two twin beds. Behind door is room divider.  Can I do anything else?

Abbie looked over the room and then back to Warner. Maybe you can make me something to eat? That'd be great.

Warner hesitated as he watched Abbie step further into the room and examine the closest bed. Yes, I could. For later?

For after I wake up, Abbie said.

Anything else? Warner asked.

Abbie shrugged and shook her head. No, is the door soundproofed?

It is, Warner confirmed with a grin.

Great, shut it on your way out if you would. Abbie smiled. I'll be up in a little while.

Chapter 2

Warner sat in front of the bridge controls, his head resting in his hand and his elbow against the panel as he looked over the electronic card game displayed on half the screen. Next to the cards was a display of the ship's systems and current speed and, condensed in the corner, a small window of scrolling text.

You had better be reading this! flashed across the small window and Warner sat up straight as he typed his response.

Yes Captain. Sorry for trouble, Warner repeated out loud as he typed his message slowly. Thought what you would do, and did. He watched a moment longer as a new stream of messages began to appear and then looked to his game. Seconds after he relaxed into his seat, the alarm next to him caused him to jump to his feet.

Warner looked at ship's systems and cursed under his breath as he saw the bay depressurize and the door open. He began flipping switches on the radio panel and typing commands into the computer before he fought to get around the pilot's chair and dashed down the hallway toward the lower bay in a panic.

By the time Warner reached the bay, the door was already closed and the Achilles Two was resting in the first dock, looking like an overgrown brown and tan chicken egg with engine vents.

Gretchen! Warner called out with a smile as he entered the bay. How was survey?  Find a hydrogen cloud?

Gretchen looked at Warner from behind the front window of the ship, and though the hatch on the top was open she didn't answer. Her dark eyes were narrowed and she kept her gaze fixed on Warner as she unbuckled herself and slowly powered down the ship.

Hungry?  I could cook something. Warner continued to step closer to the ship. Liquid rations for three days– Warner stopped short when Gretchen disappeared from view only to reappear as she pulled herself up through the top hatch. She stopped on the edge of the ship and pulled her shoulder-length brown hair into a ponytail. Despite the short distance between the top of the ship and the floor of the bay, Gretchen climbed down the ladder, her gaze still locked on Warner as she closed the distance between them.

Warner... Gretchen continued forward which caused Warner to back away when she encroached on his space. Why – the hell – is there a ship... Gretchen reached out to grab the front of Warner's shirt and pushed him against the side of the Gideon, her otherwise olive colored skin turned white at the knuckles, ...right here?

The mayday, did you not hear? Warner, though physically unhurt, opened his eyes wide.

Gretchen tightened her grip. Do you know how dangerous it is to open the ship to just anyone who happens to call out a mayday? Gretchen shoved him into the side of the ship again. And I suppose you just let her walk around the ship as she pleased?

Warner put a hand over Gretchen's. Only navy pilot from Europa, it is okay..

I don't care if it's your Fuhrer from Earth. No one comes aboard this ship without my permission. We only have supplies for three people. We can't waste resources on strangers. Not this far out. With a final shove Gretchen let go of Warner and walked around the outside of the Gideon. Have you searched her ship? Are you sure she was alone?

She locked when she arrived.. Warner followed just behind. It is a Navy ship, she had a uniform.

Gretchen sighed. Are you sure no pirates followed her here? They could have a whole fleet on the other side of the planet.

The only ship on radar. A slow smile started to cross Warner’s lips. Pirates do not target gas cultivators.

Gretchen glanced back to Warner. Where's this pilot?

Warner’s smile vanished and he looked to the steps just outside of the door. Resting. Abbie is her name.

Gretchen turned and walked toward the door. Did I ask for her name?

No. Warner hurried after. Once you learned the name of stray dog on Mars station–

The dog was different, Gretchen interrupted. A dog still makes a good meal if our engine dies and we run out of supplies waiting for help.

Warner sneered. If he heard, what would Anthony think?

He should have known better than to bring a dog onto my ship.  Gretchen paused in the doorway as she looked back over the hold. Where is he anyway?

Working on her ship last. Warner shrugged. Could have been sucked out. Proper safety procedures followed?

Gretchen stopped short and turned to face Warner. This ship is not a Union military ship. And even if it was, with a dishonorable discharge I don't think that you should be the one to scold me about proper procedures. But as it stands, the ship is my ship, my rules and if we cut a few corners to do the job more efficiently, and keep costs down, we cut a few corners. If you don't like my rules, you don't need to sign another six-month contract when we get back to Europa, understood?

Yes ma'am. Warner started to raise his hand but forced it back down to his side.

Good. Gretchen turned back to the steps. Refuel the Achilles Two and change the oil. And Warner– She paused halfway up the first set of steps and looked over the railing. If you hear another mayday, stop and think: what would Gretchen do?

Chapter 3

Warner woke with a start to the overhead alarm and jumped to his feet. As soon as he stood he fell back into the pilot's chair of the Achilles Two when his head connected with the edge of the radio panel with a crack. Warner pressed his hand over the spot and groaned, hesitating for only a few seconds before he rolled out of his chair and hurried to the open hatch.

Warner was already sliding down the side of the ship when the second blast from the alarm filled the bay. By the time the third alarm sounded, he had reached the staircase and was dashing up toward the bridge two steps at a time.

The open bridge door was in his sight when Anthony and Abbie stepped into Warner's path from the bedroom and all three struggled to continue down the hall. After a brief argument, Warner grabbed Anthony's arm to stop him. Abbie slipped past as Warner nodded