The Spurgeon Mission
"Hello, this is Trysa 100, come in Spurgeon Mission Control. Hello base Captain Ulka calling, Kith Ulka calling, come in." Ulka turned to Corporal Sidra, his number one hand. "What frequency have you got?"
"2103 Captain, I have tried every band now. I cannot get an answer, I fear we can no longer communicate with base."
"Keep trying Corporal." The Captain patted his trusty number one on his shoulder. He moved down the line, looking anxiously at the scanner. "Veltz," he said tenderly to the young female in charge of the scanner. "What do you see?" Veltz Rultza turned to the Captain shaking her head. "This too Captain, I'm afraid is out of action. What are we to do?"
"Don't worry, we will have to fly blind for the moment." He replied. Then he turned to his youngest member, Zeus Jedra, the engineer. "Can you fix the scanner Mr Jedra?"
"I will try, but the power is low Captain. I fear we may lose the power we have left if it blows."
"Just try your best, this is all I ask."
Captain Kith Ulka knew the odds were stacked against him. This was only his third mission. The last two were quite humdrum. This one was the all important one. Now, he thought, I have blown it, if we do make it back home to Spurgeon, I won't get another chance, that's for sure. The spacecraft Trysa 100 is a new ship which is mainly voice activated and is cylindrical in shape, deceptively spacious inside even though it is designed for only a crew of four. In the control room it has four ergonomically designed for comfort chairs which are made from a material only found on the planet Spurgeon.
Captain Kith Ulka, is a stunning looking, being extraordinarily tall at 6ft 9ins. Blond haired and green eyed, with a winning personalty. He is twenty six years of age. He comes from the planet Spurgeon. For as long has he can remember he had wanted to be a traveller in space. He had studied hard, trained extra hard to gain fitness. He has a very serious nature, but yet when needed, he has a wicked sense of humour. Now he realised he would have to produce something out of the hat.
"Captain, Captain Ulka!" Shouted Zeus, the engineer. "I have an idea, if we turn off the engines and cruise, then turn off the air fans, we can get away with briefly by wear our helmets, you see Captain we could use them for out air intake. I think I could fix the scanner, at least we would see where we are. What do you think?"
"I think you might have something there Mr Jedra." Turning to the rest of the crew he said. "Will you all get your helmets on, the air conditioning will be off until further notice. Don't be alarmed Mr Jedra needs the power. He intends to repair the scanner. Turn off the engines number one."
"Do you think that will work Captain?" Asked a nervous Veltz. Kith Ulka looked across at Veltz Rultza pityingly. She really didn't belong here, in his opinion she was far too young. (Forgetting his own tender years when he first became a traveller in space.) What was she eighteen years old at the most.
Poor little cow, he doubted whether she would ever see Spurgeon again. Aloud he said. "Don't worry it will work out Zeus is a good lad. He knows what he is doing." Her face broke out into a broad smile. Kith knew he had hit a nerve mentioning Zeus. He had observed the body language between the two of them. He guessed rightly it seemed there was a budding romance on board. "Now Veltz, please get your helmet on." He walked on. "Fend." He beckoned to his number one to follow. He walked into his quarters followed closely by Fend Sidra closing the door behind him. The quarters on board Trysa 100 are basic, a simple single metallic bed bolted to the silver metallic floor. A shower room which is voice activated, providing an amazing showering experience with it's countless sprays, with spot on temperature and coloured lighting altogether creating an exceptional ambience. There is a simple built in wardrobe, that is totally seamless, hence invisible unless you know it is there. The wardrobe doors are also voice activated.
Fend sat himself down opposite his Captain. "It's a sticky situation Captain. I'm not sure young Zeus is up to the job. He hasn't had much experience."
"I know Fend, but that doesn't mean to say he can't pull this off. Let's hope he can. If he doesn't it won't belong before we are in a collision. If it isn't an asteroid and we avoid a black hole, sure has hell we will feel the pull from some planet or other. Without our scanner we have no chance. It's as simple as that." Fend looked across at his Captain and sighed. Why did he presume everyone around him could not think for themselves? Why I myself can give him twenty years or more. Surely experience should have counted for something? Why should he have superiority over me? Fend Sidra is middle aged, his hair is greying slightly around his temples. He is tall like all Spurgeon's, being 6ft 7ins. He is a troubled soul and as a tendency to take his aggression out on any one around him . He felt somewhat cheated that he had always been overlooked when it comes to promotion and this was his third mission with Kith Ulka. He had done what was asked of him, he had been loyal. Still he felt this youth did not have enough about him to be in charge. Aloud he replied. "Well Captain, I will keep trying to contact the base. Is it alright if I use the back up power pack?"
"I would rather you didn't, not at this stage Fend." He smiled to deaden the rejection. The man was good at obeying orders, Kith thought. He sure as hell wasn't a thinker. "Look, leave it for now Fend. If Zeus is successful, he can then give you a hand with the radio signals. If we do get the scanner going, at least we will know where we are. Right now, this is our priorities." He handed over an helmet to Fend, placing one on his own head. Both headed towards the control room.
Having turned off the power, Zeus was in the act of disassembling the control panels on the front of the scanner. Veltz was sitting opposite, smiling at him. He wished she wouldn't look so damned provocative, it was distracting him from the job at hand. He knew it was imperative that he got it right first attempt, for there might not be time for a second. Zeus Jedra was only eighteen years old, but kept constantly pointing out that he is soon to be nineteen. despite his tender years, he was a top class engineer. Tall and blond as all Spurgeon's are, he is serious minded always taking his job very seriously. A gentle soul with a winning way. Whilst other kids were out playing, he was studying. His father had been an engineer. He had died on a mission, when Zeus was only fourteen. Zeus had vowed he would follow in his father's foot steps and be the best in his field. So here he was at the tender age, in charge of all the machinery. It was, he realised, his sole duty to save this ship from disaster. He smiled back at Veltz, his heart skipped a beat. He turned slightly away from the image, he must deal with the job at hand.
Veltz Rultza's mind was in turmoil, what if they were to die today, out here, away from all her friends and family. Oh dear, she didn't want to die, she was too young. Just nineteen years old. It had been her birthday last week. Veltz is 6t 5ins tall with long blonde curly hair and a beautiful smile which seems to radiate outwards. She looked back now, it was silly of her to choose this job. She didn't really think she was suited. Hadn't she only tried for this position merely to be near Zeus. He hadn't guessed of course. She had loved him with a passion since they were in their last year at school. Everyone who knew her had told her it would pass. So far it had not. She glanced again at Zeus, her heart pounded in her chest. She felt sure everyone must here it. She thought, if I am to die today, I will let Zeus know I love him. She was interrupted by the Captain. "Veltz, I have shouted to you three times now!"
"Oh sorry Captain, I was miles away. What is it? How can I help?" She asked.
"Nothing really, I just thought you might need reassuring Veltz. Is this your first mission?"
"Yes sir, I mean Captain, I was in training school for two years."
"You will have known Zeus prior to the flight then?"
"Yes, I went to the same school has him. We both received our diploma's at the same time."
"Oh I see, I can also see how fond you are of each other." Veltz blushed, were her emotions so obvious. "Don't worry, your secrets safe with me." Kith laughed. "Now young lady, I think you should sit over there." He pointed to the rest area. "It's no good you sitting there, you might as well relax while you have the opportunity."
"Thank you Captain." Veltz headed for the rest area. Once there, she was met by Fend Sidra, she didn't really care for this man, she thought, there was just something about him. He hadn't done anything wrong to her, but she didn't care for him. "How are you bearing up Veltz?" He asked.
"Alright Mr Sidra, how are you?"
"Call me Fend." He smiled at her. Much too young if you ask me, she's just a baby. What was happening, he thought, no wonder machines were breaking down on them, too many youngsters. When I first started, things were different then. One had to be mature before being considered even for a minor position. Today however, any kid can come and take over. Kids half his age in a position of responsibility. Fend looked back. It seemed like a life time ago, when Savina his wife, had left him, taking his baby boy Fend junior with her. It was roughly ten years earlier. They had argued a lot, she had not liked him travelling all the time. On reflection, Fend wished he had altered his career. After all, where had it got him. Kids getting premotion before him. It was ironic, he thought, if he were to die today, he would, he thought bitterly, never see his son grow up. Not that he saw too much of him now thanks to Savina. His mind wandered until Veltz brought him back to reality. "Should we be worried, do you think? Is Zeus trying the impossible?" She asked.
"I doubt he can pull it off." He said bluntly. "Goodness knows I wish him luck, he's going to need it." Veltz looked down cast, ready for tears. Typical female, he thought. She excused herself and headed towards her berth, where she remained lost in her own thoughts.
The Captain walked towards Zeus. "How's it going? I can't spare you any more time. You have ten minutes left."
"I know pass me that tool please. It's coming along nicely." Zeus took the instrument from Kith. A few turns later. "Ah that's it, cross your fingers, here goes." He pressed a few buttons, turned a few dials. The control panel began to spring to life revealing the magnificent view. A whole new galaxy opened up before them. "wow what a splendid view, look Captain."
"Yes splendid indeed, but look we are nearing a planet. Go and fetch Veltz please, Mr Jedra."
Zeus hurried towards the rest area. "Where's Veltz, Mr Sidra?" He asked.
Fend Sidra shrugged. "Probably gone to her berth, can't take the strain, I guess." Zeus ignored him and headed towards Veltz's quarters.
"Veltz, are you there?" He said tapping lightly on her door.
"Yes, what do you want? What's up?" She flung the door open. Zeus could see she had been crying, he longed to take her in his arms to reassure her. Instead he smiled at her and said. "I have fixed the scanner, come the Captain needs you."
"Yes of course." She followed Zeus back to the control room. Neither spoke. This thought Zeus, just wasn't the right time.
"Look Veltz," said Captain Ulka. "Can you do a quick calculation, first tell me how far we are from it's gravitational pull? Secondly what planet it is? Are we in danger of being sucked in?" Veltz quickly set to work. Her calculations completed, she called over the Captain. "It seems we are heading on a collision course. In twenty minutes we will have reached the point of no return. If we alter to bearings 1246, we could just miss the gravitational pull. That is, if we use the boosters and the shields." She smiled at the Captain. "Crisis averted." She said. "This planet is called Plastow, you remember this is the one most likely to resemble us in features. It is believed that it has a climate like ours. Changeable seasons, one moon, tidal changes. Water lots of lovely water. It is thought we could live there."
"The crisis is not yet over, let's deal with each one has it arises, for now thank you for your data Veltz." Turning to Fend who had now resumed his position, he said. "1246 turn your controls please Mr Sidra."
"Aye, aye Captain." Fend turned the dial to the appropriate setting. Having done that he asked. "Is everything up to scratch?"
"I'm not sure, I have asked Mr Jedra to check the other controls and to get back to me with his findings." He turned to walk away. Fend shouted after him. "Is the escape module still in working order? That should be checked too." The Captain shrugged his shoulders and carried on walking. Typical of Fend was that, he went to find Zeus. "I've checked everything Captain, however, there is a snag. The shields won't react if we can't get them to close, we can't fire the chargers, we would rock the ship she couldn't take the strain."
"What do you suggest we do Zeus?" Kith was having an higher regard for this young man. He was good at his job, he was glad he had him right now he thought. "I could go outside and try to adjust it Captain."
"Is there no other way Zeus? I am loathe to put you to that, maybe if you tell me what I need to do, I could go instead."
"No it is too complicated, I am not meaning to sound superior Captain, but I am trained for this, you are not. I will find it a hard task, thank you, but I must go."
"Right, I will help kit you out and release the hatch." Having decided on the course of action the two men quickly prepared for the job at hand.
"Are you ready?" Kith shouted through the hatch. Zeus gave the thumbs up sign. Kith released the hatch. Zeus working his way gingerly along the side of the ship found what he was looking for. Setting to work on it, absorbed in his work, he failed to notice a large shower of meteorites heading his way. Most of them passed by harmlessly, however, Zeus looked up in time to see some heading his way. Too late with a thud Zeus was left dangling helplessly. The ship shook violently, Kith who had been watching carefully with baited breath, had seen all. He knew his air line had been severed and that Zeus was definitely dead. He felt sickened, numb inside, a good young man's life taken just like that. He realised Zeus would have known the risks, perhaps even thrived on it. Never the less, he was devastated. He pulled on his own equipment and headed for the hatch, undoing it, he loosened the line watching closely has Zeus's body slowly drift away. He closed the hatch returned his suit back to it's rightful place. Then headed towards the control room.
How could he tell Veltz? How could he let them know, he had failed them? Barring a miracle they would all surely now die. He entered the control room, Veltz looked up. "What happened to the ship? Where's Zeus?" She asked.
"I must tell you both Zeus didn't make it."
"Oh no!" Sobbed Veltz.
"What happened?" Demanded Fend. "It was straight forward enough, wasn't it, how did he manage that?"
"No there happened to be a heavy shower of meteorites, just at the wrong time. One hit Zeus." Turning to Veltz he said. "He wouldn't have felt anything, it all happened so quickly. He would have died instantly." Veltz nodded, Kith continued. "We all knew the risk, before entering this mission. We all knew that to be successful in finding another planet to live on came before anything or anyone else. Now it looks like we have failed the mission."
"Not necessarily." Said Fend. "If I managed to go down in the survival capsule, maybe, I could see if this planet was suitable to live on." Kith smiled to himself, he really was not very bright. "How would you contact Spurgeon to let them know? Come to that, how would you communicate with these beings? Supposing, they in fact do exist?"
"I don't know, it's better than waiting to die."
"You mean you want to save your own skin don't you?" Kith was getting angry. "Instead of thinking about your own neck, try to come up with a solution for us to save this ship and our lives with it. It is all important to try to save it. Our mission is the main object, don't you forget it." This statement was greeted with silence. Kith marched over to the scanner. Studying it carefully, he glanced across at Veltz. Veltz said. "Captain, you are right. What if we use our power only the last possible moment, maybe we could survive?"
"Maybe, but our ship would be damaged beyond repair."
"It will in any case, at least we might survive. Who knows, we might manage to salvage something out of this disaster. At least," she added. "Zeus would not have died for nothing." Kith looked at Veltz in a new light, she had a lot of guts, he admired the way she was coping. Yes, it might even work he thought. "You are right, what have we to lose. We will try it anyway." Turning to Fend he asked. "What do you think Mr Sidra?"
"Whatever you say, you're the Captain." He replied glumly.
"How long have we got now Veltz?" Kith asked.
"Just about fifteen minutes to impact. We are being dragged in at a rapid pace."
"Just give me time to collect my bits and bobs. I want to be recognisable in death." Fend hurried out, not waiting for a reply. Once out of the control room, he headed towards the hatch and the hanging suits. Picking up a suit, he moved towards the capsule. Donning the suit, he entered the capsule. Working the controls, he then returned to open the hatch. Back in the capsule, he quickly started up the engine and took off. Kith looked up. "Fend should be back by now, we will be needing him soon. I'll go and fetch him." Going towards the door of Fend's quarters, Kith spotted the hatch open. "Oh no!" He said aloud. He rushed over to close the hatch just in time to see the capsule burst into a ball of flames. The fool, the idiot, he should have known it would not stand up to this gravitational pull. It wasn't intended to do so without the boosters attached to it. Fend should have known that, hadn't he learned anything at all. Only how to take orders, Kith thought, poor little man. He had learned nothing in life, but certainly didn't deserve to die. He walked slowly back to the control room.
Veltz looked up. "Where is he?"
"He isn't coming." He told her briefly what had occurred.
"Oh dear, now there are two. You will have to hit the boosters, when I say now."
"I am ready, over to you." The roles had become reversed, this young female, he thought, our lives depend on her. As if sensing his thoughts, Veltz smiled and said. "Don't worry, I don't intend to let us die Captain."
"I believe you." He replied.
"Now Captain, now." Kith reversed the engine firing the four booster rockets simultaneously. The ship was grinding and, rocking, a piece of metal just whizzed passed Kith's head. There was one almighty bang, Kith blacked out. He came to amid a tangle of metal. Where was he, ah yes, he remembered now. He looked down at his body. All his limbs seemed intact, that's a relief. He gingerly stood up, yes so far so good. "Veltz, Veltz." He shouted, no answer. He did hope she was alright. Then he sensed a stirring to his left. Looking over, he spotted her among the debris. Picking his way over, standing at her side, he could see, she was alive, but didn't know whether or not she was hurt. Touching her, he said. "Are you alright Veltz?"
"Yes, I think so, what about you?"
"I'm fine. Do you think you can stand?"
"Yes, I will try Captain."
"Don't call me Captain now. In my eyes you are the Captain. Call me Kith."
"Alright Kith." Veltz stood up gingerly. They both moved to where they could see day light. Once there, Kith looked towards Veltz, taking hold of her hand. He said. "Here goes, live or die." They moved cautiously out into a bright sun shining day.
Throwing caution to the wind, he removing his helmet. Taking a deep breath in. "Wonderful." He exclaimed. Smiling Veltz taking off her helmet they walked off into the unknown.