The Steps Of Eleutherian: Sci-Fi Novella Read online

  The Steps Of Eleutherian

  By

  Jason R. Hemmings

  Copyright (c) 2017

  Author

  Jason R. Hemmings

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is strictly prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from the author / publisher.

  Dedication

  My wonderful wife Emma.

  Thank you for allowing me to follow in your footsteps, wherever you go.

  Author

  Jason R. Hemmings

  Preface

  The Steps Of Eleutherian

  In the 30th century, at the edge of the Eleutherian system is a mysterious planet named Mauriche 4, where no one has ever returned from.

  Rumoured to have great treasures on the planet, a lone trader ends up seeking refuge there from pursuing ruthless merchants. The city above the waves appears abandoned, except for a thousand year old robot, who is known as the Guardian.

  When the trader discovers a message from a missing scientist, the truth about the city begins to reveal itself and who the Guardian really is.

  Contents

  1 - The Guardian

  2 - Abandoned

  3 - The Steps Of Eleutherian

  4 - Pegasi

  5 - Millennium

  1

  The Guardian

  For some of us, so many days are often lost without notice. They seem to dissolve away like raindrops drying in the sun. And perhaps I felt a little guilty that I wasted too many of them of late, but no matter how you spent each day, the choice of what to do with it was your own. Before long, I would meet someone for which their hand played a considerable part in the matter.

  My approach to the moonbase of the planet came with the dull expectation of another rainy day; although my departure would not be as dreary. The creamy, pearlescent tones of Loren 7 and the name, somehow reminded me of someone I knew once. Her face used to own the same glow whenever I looked at it. I had not thought about Loren for some time. The memory of her only left me wondering where she had ended up these days. I only wished I had been somewhere near there.

  The emptiness of space twinkled from the countless stars embedded on its velvet fabric, as I reduced to point two glide speed and neared the landing pad on the moonbase. It was a remote outpost of the system; the sort of place you had to watch your step, due to the unsavoury characters you could inadvertently bump into. I tried to steer clear of the port, except I had to collect a shipment of leticious, which would pay quite a handsome profit on delivery. It was an unusual crop; greeny grey in colour, with frilly, leafy appearance, but the next system deemed it a delicacy. Even so, I could not stand the taste of it. I had arranged to meet Crevas; a shifty trader I trusted about as far as I could throw a leticious at.

  Moonbase gave me landing rights, so I acknowledged then brought my ship gently down onto the pad, dusting it with the thrusters to cushion my descent. Safely on the surface, I powered down the engines, tapping the instrument panel to leave the secondary systems to idle before leaving the craft.

  I made my way along the arrival passages, until I found the main section of the base, then went to a bar where I would meet Crevas. As I entered, I noticed one or two of those unsavoury characters glance at me as I found a table in a gloomy alcove. I ordered a libation, before watching the small stage in the corner of the room, where the performers drew the attention of the unsavouries away from yours truly, with their alluring dancing. My drink arrived, carried by an android who seemed to have an insolent tone to its programming. Not long after, I noticed Crevas come into the bar, so I signalled him subtly to join me.

  Crevas sat down opposite me and smiled in a way that made me reciprocate his smarmy greeting. His untrustworthy and oily demeanour were a given, but there was still something likeable about him hidden amongst the bravado. We caught up on our travels and I paid him for the cargo being loaded onto my ship, as we spoke. Somehow the topic of wealth came around again; it usually did with each meeting. Crevas bragged he had found a substance rumoured to be priceless on a planet named Mauriche 4. It was called Corell and that was where he was heading for next. He told me of his plans for retirement, once he had obtained enough of the substance. I started laughing, as the dancers on the stage revealed a little more, while the unsavouries’ gaze became more intent. I warned Crevas about going to Mauriche 4. I had heard the rumours about the place; that no one ever returned from there. It was a mysterious planet on the outer rim of the Eleutherian system, which everyone avoided. But my warning went unheard by Crevas. He was lured by the promise of wealth, not unlike the allure of the dancers on stage.

  Crevas got up and started to leave, but before he left, he suggested I leave quite promptly too and if I bumped into Cirinus, just to say I had not seen him. Crevas said it may be safer for me that way. When I asked Crevas to explain, he just smiled and said I should probably not mention my cargo either, then he bid me a swift farewell. I pressed my lips together and began frowning at what he had said. Why did I get the feeling he had obtained the cargo in an unscrupulous way; no doubt from Cirinus?

  I decided it would be a good idea to get out of this place, before he came looking for me. Cirinus was a flamboyant and wealthy merchant, known throughout the system not to be double-crossed. He settled matters like that personally and permanently. Up until now, he was an acquaintance I considered friendly enough and of no real concern to me, but Crevas’ remarks changed that opinion as I casually, but promptly made from my ship.

  I continued along the long, empty passageways, glancing back at times to ensure I had not been followed, until I reached the last corner, only to be greeted by the very person I was endeavouring to escape from. Between the airlock of my craft stood Cirinus, with his arms folded, coupled with a look of disdain written across his face. I stopped in my tracks, knowing all too well what was probably in store for me. I began reaching for my laser pistol, when I heard Cirinus sternly warn me it would be the last thing I ever did and not to try anything else stupid either, as he unfolded his arms, then pointed a laser pistol of his own at me. I snorted frustratingly at the situation I had foolishly gotten myself into. I should have known better than to have trusted Crevas one more time.

  So I stood there reluctantly, listening to Cirinus lecturing me about what happened to people who crossed him, as he brushed a loose hair from the sleeve of his expensive attire. He went on for some time, as he paced around me making sarcastic remarks about my tailor and my stupidity, but his pomposity gave me a chance. I eased a small glass capsule from my belt and subtly disguised it in my hand for an appropriate moment to make my escape. Somehow, amongst all the insults and threats, we had traded places, with me now conveniently standing beside the airlock door; right where I wanted to be. Now it was my turn to prove that perhaps I was not quite the idiot Cirinus deemed me to be.

  I tossed the capsule into the air and watched it fall to the ground, shattering as it reached the floor. Instantaneously, a thick cloud of white smoke billowed up around Cirinus until it consumed him. It gave me enough time to flee into the airlock passage and sprint to the open door of my spacecraft. Once inside, I quickly ensured the door was closed and hurriedly began warming up the engines for take-off, contacting moonbase for departure rights. Moments later, I was cleared to leave. The engines were ready, so I danced my fingers across the instrument panel, then eased the c
raft off from the platform. The thrusters scattered dust while I climbed my ship away from the moonbase and engaged the main engines, which began to roar from the thrust they gave out.

  I edged into the night of space, trying to hide my presence, like another twinkle against it shadows. For a while I felt relieved I had outwitted Cirinus, but my life was not worth much around here anymore. I thought it may be a good time to find some place far away from here to hide out, once I had deposited my cargo. While I was trying to consider the exact destination, the on-board computer informed me four ships were closing in from astern. I let out a sigh in a despondent fashion, as I realised no doubt Cirinus and his friends were not going to let it go at that. I increased to full thrust and the engines began to push the ship to its limits, as I tried to evade them. My efforts came to little as Cirinus closed in and began firing laser beams which buffeted my ship repeatedly. The shields were holding as I returned fire, but there was no way I could outrun him for long. I needed to create another diversion. So I tried the same trick twice, deploying a cloud of smoke and debris from the cargo bay; namely my shipment of leticious. I got the on-board computer to plot a course for the Eleutherian system, then bring the light drive engines online. It was one place Cirinus would not dare to follow me; Mauriche 4. I fired one or two laser shots at their ships, then engaged the light drive. As the engines left a trail of light behind the craft, I said goodbye to Cirinus and tore across the emptiness of space towards the Eleutherian system.

  Safely away from Cirinus’ clutches, I congratulated myself on outwitting him again and yet suddenly, the sobering reality of where I was heading for, somehow seemed to slide its way across my momentary victory. As I let the on-board computer sail us through a sea of night, passed waves of coloured nebulas, I made a drink to ease myself from the drama of my escape. I had a few hours before I would reach Mauriche 4. It would give me time to study the life I had led for years; drifting from place to place, never knowing where I would end up. I had considered it to be care-free adventure, until recently. But the regret for Loren echoed through the emptiness of space, perhaps to remind me of what I had left behind. I kept thinking too about what Crevas had said, with regard to the possible treasures on Mauriche 4. Maybe I could parlay a little of that wealth into a brighter future for myself?

  The hours came and went, like the endless tides of space until I approached Mauriche 4. I cooled the light drive engines reducing the ship to glide speed, as I brought it to idle just shy of the small planet. It was a miniature masterpiece, framed by twin moons; one larger than the other. The planet shimmered from pale greens and tones of turquoise, with hints of delicate lilac bands in one or two places. It gave a sense of forbidden mystery from its gaze. If the rumours were true about the place, I would be more than foolish to go any further than this. Why had no one ever returned from here?

  So I edged the ship a little closer. I tentatively skirted the outer atmosphere, until I descended the ship gradually through the sky, scattered with only a few clouds alongside turquoise tones. The on-board computer indicated a small settlement to the south, so I steered the ship closer to it. My approach was just above the waves of topaz coloured ocean, which introduced the coastline’s pristine beaches. Behind was a torch shaped building, which sat suspended a small way above the ocean, much like my ship. It was at least a mile high, as I flew around it to try and tell if anyone lived there. The huge structure floated effortlessly in the air, with several large ring sections embossing its centre, which narrowed to a fine point at its base. It was two toned, in soft grey and pearlescent cream with huge tinted windows, landing platforms and exhausts to its peak. There were no other ships on the landing bays or a sign of anyone else on other parts of the city beneath. A large sail shaped building reflected the silvery sunlight, whilst domed shaped structures floated on the ocean’s surface, with transparent canopies which appeared to house vegetation; presumably some sort of crop grown for the elusive inhabitants of this place. It seemed curious, there were no others here.

  I continued to hover my ship momentarily, wondering whether I dare loiter here or land; then explore this beautiful landscape and mysterious place. The on-board computer notified me it was an acceptable atmosphere on the planet, so I descended onto the city’s edge, next to the shoreline. I shut down the engines, then made certain my laser pistol was armed, before I let my curiosity get the better of me, prompting me to leave the craft.

  Once outside, the silvery sunlight gave a warmth from its touch and salt air of the ocean became noticeable. The sound of distant trickling water drew my attention. It was coming from a fountain some way off. On the ground next to me was a narrow, long waterway which I followed that led to the fountain. Exotic flowers grew in places, as I walked towards the source of the ornamental river. I kept checking for any signs of life, but the city appeared abandoned; although everything was in perfect condition, as if it were new. My footsteps echoed, one after another, as I neared the fountain. Jubilant water cascaded into the narrow waterway, beside steps which were surrounded by white horse like statues with wings and single horns protruding from the foreheads. As I touched them, they felt cold. They were made from a substance, like nothing I had ever known. As I looked around, tall archways with thin pillars disguised other small dwellings to each side. I stood there just gazing at the spectacular torch shaped building floating above in the sky, then back to the ocean with the giant silvery sail in the distance. Beyond the city were lush pastoral landscapes. As I glanced back as the city, it made me wonder who had created all of this. I thought briefly of the rumours that said no one ever returned from here and suddenly a sinking feeling of uneasiness loomed just from moment. But I brushed it aside, as I admired the beauty of the scenery around me. Still, the eerie emptiness made me glance up at the torch shaped building in the sky once more. Perhaps someone was up there? I decided to fly my ship to one of the landing pads to find out.

  Before long, I touched down on one of the landing platforms and ventured outside again. On the way, I had tried to contact the city, but only silence fell across all channels. The wind blustered at times as I stepped across the landing pad, while my shadow cautiously followed behind, until I reached an enormous doorway, which was open. Maybe I was wrong, but I was fairly certain it was not open when I landed. For that reason, it raised a question; who opened it? I was unsure whether to continue any further, until I heard a distant voice stating that I was expected and to come in. Its polite and encouraging tone, made me curious as to whoever offered the invitation.

  I stepped through the doorway and entered the building. My shadow still seemed reluctant to follow me. Inside was a long walkway which was suspended over many floors. High, slender arches stretched across the walkway, leaving shadows in places, as I moved slowly along calling out for someone to identify themselves. But there was no reply.

  Suddenly, the tall entrance door closed. As I turned to watch it, I began to feel uneasy about all of this. Just then, I noticed a shadow moving in the distance, up ahead of me. Once again, my curiosity motivated me to find out why? My footsteps began to echo through the elegant interiors of this mysterious building. As I crossed the bridge, I could hear a low humming noise coming from somewhere unknown. When I reached the area where I thought the shadow moved, nothing or no one appeared to be there.

  Gradually, I started to notice the faint sound of metal squeaking, coming from behind me. It grew louder and closer, as my eyes began to slip away to the floor, then ever so slowly I turned to find out what was approaching. My gaze fell upon the metallic legs of someone much taller than I. As I tilted my eyes up, it soon became obvious I was not alone here. In front of me stood a robot, smoky grey in colour, slender in stature, with a thin cane which they held to one side. Their face was slightly chiselled with their features which were elegant. Yet they still held an intimidating gaze from their pale blue visor, which I assumed were their eyes. They stood towering above me at a height of twenty feet. I began getting that sinking f
eeling again, which ended up somewhere near my shoes, that I was going to be added to the list of others who never left here.

  I dared to demand who they were. To my surprise, they replied in a dignified and cordial tone, introducing themselves as ‘the Guardian,’ of the city. I was to consider myself their guest, as they outstretched their hand and enticed me to follow them. I did not feel like tangling with them, for the moment, so I let them lead the way. Now perhaps, I would discover the mystery which surrounded this place or was I merely to become just another part of it?

  2

  Abandoned

  The distant memory of raindrops falling in still waters and the sense of being abandoned walked slowly beside me, as my footsteps echoed through the elaborate interiors of the city. Although, I did not feel abandoned here; that was yet to come.

  The mystery of this place had at least begun to unravel, with the introduction of the Guardian. Unlike the rest of the city, they had aged. The cane they used for walking and the repetitive squeak from one knee joint, made it appear whoever had created them had a sense of irony, to have added a touch of imperfection to all they created here. As the Guardian walked beside me, I discovered they were over a thousand years old. They had protected the city for that long and seemed proud of the fact. When I asked where everyone else was, the Guardian explained no one had lived here for some time. There was a quiver of sadness in their voice as they spoke softly, explaining all here were lost after the great wave a hundred years ago. The Guardian paused, lowering their head slightly as if the memory of that loss still haunted them at times like this. They expressed their pleasure to have company here again. I was about to ask what exactly was the great wave, when the Guardian outstretched their hand, then introduced a section of the city known as the Archipelagaan. It was a collection of rooms, where the previous inhabitants known as ‘Medea,’ would come in essence to meet, dine and converse. They spent their recreation time here, when the rains came; the other times they would embrace the natural retreats of the pastoral landscapes and the ocean’s mesmerising tranquillity. There was no conflict on Mauriche 4. The Medea lived in empathetic harmony with one another; unlike other planets I could mention. The Guardian recited a utopian dream which was difficult to believe to begin with. Yet, as they spoke and my gaze studied the Archipelagaan, then beyond to the landscapes of endless beauty outside, maybe I began to believe them a little more.