Zoo Read online

  “Okay, Rex, I’ll take over now. You’ve had enough fun for a while.”

  “Okay, skipper. Do you fancy some graff from the kitchen?” Graff was a hot drink, made from the leaves of the graffa plant that grew on the mountainous slopes not far from the launch site. It was faintly herbal and would relax them both.

  “Two cubes please,” Torben said as he bypassed the moon they called Lundell. Ten minutes later they were sat at their controls, sipping piping hot graff. The ship was cruising along at a steady 300,000 miles-per-hour. They barely felt the Ion-drive as it pulsed at the back of the ship, propelling them forward. Everything felt comfortable and serene. They knew that would change soon enough. Torben set his lidded mug in the holder to his left and gripped the throttle with one hand, the paddle with the other. He looked at the heads-up display in front of him and worked out the next part of the course. “Okay, we increase to eighty percent drive for forty-six hours. That should take us out to the safe zone. Rex, take over. Switch us to autopilot in two hours. I will go check in the stores. I need to make sure all inventory is accounted for and that they are behaving themselves. If not, I will jettison their hides into the void.”

  “Okay, skipper.”

  As Torben exited the bridge he felt the ship increase its speed. By the time he’d reached the stores, they would be travelling at a little over 5,000,000 miles-per-hour. He walked towards the room at the midpoint of the ship, his footsteps echoing down the narrow corridor that led out into a round chamber. Torben had quickly looked inside the confined space when he’d first entered the ship. However, the room had been empty. Now as he stepped off the walkway, down half a dozen steps, a small man with steel eye-glasses approached. “Captain Fraken,” he said. “Welcome to the Singularity drive.”

  Torben nodded, noting the nameplate stitched into the man’s tunic. “It looks impressive, Jonas” he said, taking in the chamber around him. The walls were a dull grey, studded with oddly shaped cones that were evenly spaced from floor to ceiling. In the centre of the room, a large metal ball hung between three rotating rings, also studded with symmetrical shapes that looked like mini pyramids.

  “It certainly is. Are you familiar with the workings?”

  “Somewhat,” he replied carefully. “I have read up on this kind of technology. Bending space to create a dimensional gateway.”

  “Yes. The singularity is, in essence a mini black hole.”

  “Which is achieved by using the magnetic rings to focus a narrow beam of gravitons.”

  “Which in turn allows us to fold spacetime until a Singularity is created. Once that happens, the ship will pass through the Event Horizon, coming out at another point in space. Exciting stuff.”

  “It certainly is. This would have seemed impossible only a few years ago.”

  “Indeed,” the smaller man said, his clammy complexion and facial tick making Torben feel slightly uneasy. “We once thought that warp drive was the be all and end all of interstellar propulsion. How wrong we were.”

  “Is it safe? And will it work?”

  “Absolutely. I have already been on a ship that has made the jump. We started with a minor leap, just a few light years. This thing works seamlessly. When you execute the jump, it will take only a few seconds for the ship to pass through the gateway. And by then, we’ll be on the other side of the known universe.”

  “What do you know about the system that we will be travelling to?”

  “Enough. The solar system is approximately 4,000,000,000 years old,” Jonas said enthusiastically. “There are eight planets, orbiting a yellow star that is known as the Sun. The first two planets closest to the stars are devoid of life, constantly blasted by the star. Then we have Earth, which lies nearly 100,000,000 miles from the host star. Beyond that, there is a red planet that we believe once harboured life, followed by two gas giants and two ice giants. This type of solar system is fairly common.”

  “And the inhabitants of Earth?”

  “They are an intelligent species, but young in their development. They have only recently started understanding how the universe works. Our reconnaissance drones have picked up enough information about the human species. They have visited their satellite and are now planning more ambitious expeditions. But it will take them another generation before they discover the technology and the means to take them to their closest star, which is just over four light-years from their planet.”

  “Hmm. Maybe we could leave them the blueprints for that,” he said, pointing at the metal structure in the centre of the room, a dull humming drone emanating from it.

  “I’m sure that they are beginning to think about this kind of technology. But they have time on their side. Their system is stable, located on the outer fringes of the galaxy. I am sure that they will begin their voyage to the stars one day, possibly soon.”

  “Okay, Jonas. Thank you for taking the time to brief me, and I’m glad to have you aboard.”

  “It’s my pleasure, Captain Fraken. It was nice meeting you too,” he said before Torben excused himself, needing some fresher air and familiar surroundings. He headed out of the chamber, pleased by the mood lighting that the long corridors emitted. The changing colours at the floor and ceiling seemed to slow his pulse, calming him somewhat as he headed for the next stop on his round. He checked the stores, pleased that all provisions were accounted for. Torben chatted with the crew, enjoying the feelings of trepidation and excitement they gave off. He almost showed similar excitement, reigning it in slightly, maintaining his authority. By the time he entered the technician’s lab, he was almost skipping. The dour-faced scientists took the edge off his good mood. They gave him a detailed update of the composition of the Earth’s atmosphere and topography. Torben cared not. As long as he could either breathe freely or by regulator, he was happy. He nodded sagely, pretending to listen until he made his excuses and left. He popped back to the cockpit to check on Rex. The little hominid would not move for the best part of two days. He was happiest sat at the controls and Torben trusted him implicitly. The captain made his way to his cabin along white corridors whose ceilings and floors gently pulsed in ever-changing hues. Once inside his spacious quarters, he stripped naked and took a long, hot shower. His favourite folken music was piped in through overhead speakers, making all his stresses and worries wash away down the drain. He anointed his tattooed torso with oils to make it shine. His muscled arms looked impressive to him as he dressed for dinner. He knew who he wanted to impress too. Kyra, the medical officer. The captain had not known her long. She was tall and dark like him. She was Biflex like him too. He knew the country she hailed from. It was high up in the tundra. Her voice was melodious and light and made him feel like an awkward adolescent. He sensed a mutual attraction, although as Chief Medical Officer, Kyra, would of course be too professional to show any feelings towards him. Unless I get her drunk and. His thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. Torben nodded, the white partition opening. Oh fuck, he thought as Kyra stood uncertain in the doorway. He was still only dressed in cargos and a singlet. His feet were bare and his chest exposed. He quickly zipped up his top, snagging a few hairs in the process. He mentally swore as he tried to remain cool and collected. “Can I help you, Officer Zakx?”

  “Yes, Captain Fraken. We have a medical emergency. Well, we did have a few moments ago. One of the porter staff has died.”

  “Oh no! How?”

  “Heart failure. Totally unexpected. His name was Elion.”

  “Shit, I knew him. He lived in the same town that I did. His mother knew my mentor. Sorry for the bad language.” He looked down at the floor and blushed.

  “No offence taken, Captain.”

  “Please, call me Torben. This isn’t a military craft. I prefer a degree of familiarity.”

  “Done. Only if you call me Kyra.”

  “Deal, Kyra. Okay, could you take me to see Elion? We won’t have time now to send him home. He can stay in cold storage until our return.” Kyra waited whil
e Torben pulled his boots on and gave himself the once over in the mirror. He caught Kyra looking at him out of the corner of his eye. Now it was her turn to blush. Torben smiled inside. He was enjoying this twist to his mission, even if one of his crew had died. They walked in silence for a few moments before Kyra, for once at a loss for words, piped up.

  “So, you’re from Walvak.” Kyra said. It wasn’t a question. It was a statement.

  “Yes. And I believe you’re from neighbouring Cantis. A beautiful place. The glaciers are stunning. I have spent many a happy time there.”

  “Are you one of the adrenaline junkies who try the Cantis-Ebris challenge?”

  “I am. I even came second a few years ago. That was the last time I was there.”

  “Really? Where did you stay? Kyra was becoming chatty. Unusually so for her with a man.

  “At Mrs Alto’s camp. We pitched next to the waterfall. It was amazing.”

  “Ah. Slumming it with the rabble. I’d expect a pilot, especially a captain, to have stayed at the Fazal.”

  “Not me. I’m more a rough and ready kind of guy. A bottle of suds and a hard floor are okay with me.” He suddenly regretted that last statement. He didn’t want Kyra thinking he was a lowlife. Shit.

  “I’d probably join you in that view. Although occasionally a girl does like to be pampered.” He chuckled as they rounded a corner, arriving at the double doors of the med-wing. “Follow me, Torben,” Kyra said as the doors opened with barely a whisper. The med bay was like the rest of the ship. White walls were gently subdued into various colours that floated up from the recesses by the ceilings and floors. All surfaces were spotlessly clean. In the centre of the room, a large egg-shaped table lay beneath a holographic display. On it, Torben could see an X-ray of his dead porter. He suddenly felt all happiness and brevity leave him.

  “Such a shame,” he said, as he followed Kyra to a single door in a far corner of the room. It too opened silently, leading them into a long narrow room with several small square doors set alongside one wall. One door had been opened and a long chrome shelf jutted out of the doorway. On it, covered in a white sheet, was Elion. His skin was a mix of grey and blue. Torben noticed that his face had already sunk somewhat. “Poor guy. He was the same age as me, there or thereabouts. So much to live for.”

  “He would have felt nothing. He has a nasty lump on the back of his head. Probably from the impact after he’d died. Shame.” Kyra covered the body and ushered Torben back into the lab. “I will fill out a D.O.A report. I will brief our operations on Biflux so they can contact his family. I’m glad someone else has that job instead of me.”

  “Yes, I agree,” Torben said as he stood looking around the lab.

  “Would you like to join me for dinner this evening, Torben?” It was out before Kyra even had time to think about it. She looked at the pilot with a mixture of expectancy and embarrassment. Torben noticed that the woman had a lock of red hair. It was a nice contrast to her darker hair, drawing his eyes to it easily. He’d never noticed it before. She nervously tucked it behind her left ear, the overhead lights catching the colour for a split second, making it shimmer.

  Torben looked into her deep brown eyes, noticing a few freckles on her nose. She was impossibly good looking. “Of course. That would be nice,” the captain said, feeling a swell of happiness and awkwardness wash over him.

  “Okay, great. Shall I meet you in the foyer in an hour?”

  “Yes. See you then. It should be a good choice tonight. First dinner and all.”

  “I look forward to it.” Torben could see that the skin around Kyra’s neck was flushed like she’d been on a taxing run. He diverted his gaze before excusing himself. He made his way back to the bridge. Rex was sitting casually in his seat, his drink finished in the holder next to him. He turned around to see Torben. “Hey, Captain. Everything’s five-by-five.”

  “Great.” Torben sat down next to the hominid, looking out at the black void around him. “One of the porters died not long after take-off. Heart attack. Completely out of the blue.”

  “That’s too bad. Have you been down to see the body?”

  “Yes. Kyra, I mean, Officer Zakx informed me and escorted me to the med bay.” Torben could see Rex looking at him.

  “So, you’re on first name terms with Officer Zakx. You didn’t waste any time.”

  “Knock it off. It’s not like that. Although she did ask me to join her for dinner later.”

  Rex whistled through his shiny blue teeth. “Maybe she will invite you back to her cabin for dessert. She’s very attractive, for a humanoid.”

  “I’m sure it will just be dinner. Nice and formal. I am Captain after all.”

  “Well, you enjoy. I have my lunch here. That will keep me going until tomorrow.”

  Torben placed his hand on Rex’s shoulder. “Thanks, Rex. I don’t know what I’d do without you.” As Torben left the bridge, Rex sat in silence as the cosmos sped past him. A serene smile framing his furry face.

  Four

  He rounded the last turn before the ship’s mess hall, spotting Kyra looking at a series of pictures adorning the wall of the foyer. They were galaxies, placed there at Torben’s request. They were as varied as they were beautiful. They were all holographic pictures. The galaxies and nebula moved slowly in each frame, captivating the viewer with the promise of far-off wonders and mysteries. He noticed she was fidgeting. She had her hands on her hips for a brief moment, before chewing on a thumb. Then back on the hips before she seemed to slap her thighs. She sensed someone was looking at her and turned to see the ship’s captain appraising her. Kyra fidgeted some more, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. Torben approached her. “Nice artwork,” she said, instantly regretting how lame that sounded.

  “My indulgence. I think they give an otherwise sparse ship a bit of character.” He motioned towards the mess hall, “Shall we?”

  She made a slight bow of her head and walked alongside him through the doorway. A few minutes later they were seated in a far corner of the hall, away from most of the other occupants. “So, are you okay with the mission that you are about to undertake?”

  Torben looked up from his plate of Makamaka, a local Biflux delicacy. Large cuts of dark meat, drizzled with sauce, served on a bed of red rice. “I think so. Why do you ask?”

  “Well, we’re about to travel to a far-off corner of the universe to abduct members of another civilization.”

  “Hmm. When you say it like that it does sound kinda bad. To be honest, I knew what the parameters of the mission were, but I got so excited about travelling to that far corner of space that I forgot about the actual task.” He looked at Kyra, who was pushing her food around her oval plate with a fork. “How about you? Are you okay with what we’re about to do?”

  “Not totally. But I needed this mission. I needed to put some distance between myself and the wars.”

  Torben could see that there was more that could be gleaned from her statement. “I don’t mean to pry, but how so?”

  Kyra put down her fork, took a swig from her glass of beer and dabbed her mouth with a towel. “I lost someone. My partner, Relkon. He was a pilot.” She composed herself, trying to remain in control. “He was shot down on the eve of the last battle. His body was never found as he’d crashed down in the tundra.”

  Torben nodded sadly. He knew that the tundra of Biflux was a place filled with predators. Even if Relkon had survived the crash, without weapons or rescue he would have lasted less than an hour. “I’m very sorry, Kyra.” He thought about placing his hand over hers, then dismissed the idea. That’s too much too soon. It might spook her, he thought.

  Kyra regained her composure as she continued. “So I decided to take on a mission. No, I’m not totally happy about the task in hand, although under the current circumstances I can turn a blind eye to it. Does that sound heartless?”

  “No. What if the people of Earth are living a horrible existence themselves? We may be giving some of them a c
hance of a new start.”

  She smiled at him as her face softened. The smile reached her eyes and seemed to transform her already beautiful face. “I like your optimistic outlook, Torben.” She reached across the table and briefly squeezed his hand. The static in that fleeting contact was almost audible.

  He smiled back. It also reached his eyes, smoothing out his serious face. “Believe me, I’m not normally that optimistic.”

  Members of the crew came and went. The noise around them was enough to keep their conversation private. It also made them lean close to each other as they spoke, which they both seemed to enjoy. They were oblivious to anything or anyone. Kyra told Torben about her childhood, even adding the embarrassing moments that she’d never thought she would share with a relative stranger. She sensed a deepness within him. A sorrow that bubbled under the surface, never quite showing itself. He spoke about his childhood too. She sensed, though, that he omitted certain things from the conversation. Maybe they would come in the fullness of time, she hoped. She was attracted to him. Kyra sensed it was mutual, although her confidence had taken a battering over the last few months. She tried to play it as cool as possible. As plates were taken from them and beer glasses replenished, Kyra became aware that she was under the influence. She needed to be careful. Alcohol had a habit of letting the truth come out. She needed to come up with an excuse to head back to her quarters. The woman glowed inside when she saw a brief flash of disappointment as she tried to wrap up the evening.

  “Oh,” said Torben. Shall I walk you back to your quarters?”

  “That would be nice,” Kyra said, almost too eagerly. The journey only took a few minutes. They walked in silence for most of the way. Their swaying hands almost touching. Torben could almost feel the static crackle as they swished passed, to and fro. She turned and addressed him as they reached her door. “Thank you for a pleasant evening Torben. It was nice to finally get to meet you properly.”