Alaytion Archives: New Moon

By Al DesHôtel

The Alaytion Archives chronicles the evolution of a group of scientists from their humble beginnings on earth in the 21st century outwards into the galaxy ten centuries into the future. Join them on this thrill packed adventure into space & time.
Science Fiction 62,000 words

• Language: English
• Publisher: Al DesHôtel
• Release date: Sep 29, 2011
• ISBN: 9781466170483

Al DesHôtel

Greetings! I started writing science fiction in the late 1980's because I always felt that most science fiction was missing a few things. The routine, every day life occurances always seemed to be glossed over or not mentioned at all in lieu of the high excitement items. While my writings have plenty of high excitement scenes there are also mention of routine things and how they apply from the every day life to the storyline.The Alaytion Archives series started out as an idea of an alien race and how an every day ordinary person with above average intelligence could end up far in the future with them. As it evolved I kept finding more and more of the story to write about and it now currently spans 5 novel length books.Another genre that I've taken up in recent years is action-adventure. From the basic shoot 'em up type scenes to complex interlocking plots of advanced spy novels.Like many authors I weave my every day real life experiences into my work so that it becomes more alive and exciting.-Al

Book preview

New Moon

Book 1 of Alaytion Archives

Al DesHôtel

Registered Copyright 1990

Smashwords Edition License

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Author's note: All characters depicted in this work of fiction are 18 years of age or older. All characters are fictional and any resemblances to actual persons living or dead is a coincidence.

PROLOGUE

As the unaccompanied yellow star rotated about its axis, the planets surrounding it revolved in a systematic majestic parade; the way planets are often times given to do.

After the formation of the third planet, when the surface began to cool and the planet had congealed sufficiently enough, hydrogen and trace elements accumulated to produce a molecule. After several million orbits of the third planet of this system a certain combination of these free molecules collided. This collision was the sort of collision that only occurs randomly and with an extremely low frequency.

The collision of the molecules produced an amino acid. Several orbits later another of these collisions occurred. Thousands of orbits later these acids had accumulated to the point that several of the amino acids reacted with each other to produce a new kind of combination -- life.

This life form was based on the molecules, most of which had atoms containing 12 protons, 12 neutrons and 12 electrons -- carbon. Eventually, enough of these lifeforms had been created by random chance that they joined to produce a multi-celled organism.

These organisms began to evolve quite rapidly and over the course of several thousand orbits of the third planet, had evolved to the point that they began to produce specialized cells. These specialized cells performed various functions for the organism, but the most interesting specialization occurred in the cells that began to produce an electromagnetic potential. The potential occurred across a gap between these specialized cells, this gap would later be called a synapse by the creatures that would evolve with this specialized cell pattern. This electrical potential occurred enough times in the organism’s lifetime to become a regular pattern.

After much growth the pulses became a primitive pattern -- to be later known as thoughts. The creatures eventually began organizing these thoughts. Then one day, something happened. An event took place which must take place in order that a creature can be classified as intelligent. Based upon outside stimulus one of the creatures took a giant leap forward. Instead of performing the usual and expected reaction to the stimulus the creature’s thought patterns took a different path. When the thoughts began to occur in an organized pattern, and without outside stimuli the creature separated itself forever from the rest of its species -- it had learned to think.

--**--

Thousands of orbits later the creatures of the third celestial body out from the small yellow singularity had evolved to the point of being recognizable intelligent beings. This species called itself homo sapiens.

At a particular point in time one of these creatures, known as men stood out among the others so invigoratingly that the rest of the men began counting the revolutions of the third planet from the time of this man’s birth. This one man influenced the rest of the men on this planet forever. An entire social structuralization was built around the actions of this man. The organizations were later called religions. Simultaneously, similar religious organizations began based upon the actions of one individual man. These similar religions occurred in disparate geographical locations on the planet. Whether or not this man actually existed, was an off world visitor or was merely fiction is not the subject of this archival record. It is mentioned here merely as a reference point for the marking of the translation of the 5th xaiu variable. The common reference to the 5th xaiu variable is quoted as time, an increase in magnitude of the variable referenced by the primitive creatures of earth as a later date in time.

One thousand, nine hundred and eighty-eight of these planetary revolutions, called years later a female of the species gave birth to a male-child. This child was given a name of Kaajii, and was born to the house of Morrell.

Kaajii Morrell went to a place of learning in which much of the information needed for these homo sapiens’ lifetimes was instilled into the individual life forms. This learning fulfilled a need that Kaajii had, although the criteria for judging the quantity of this learning had failed to measure just how much Kaajii had absorbed.

One day Kaajii began thinking in a way that no other human had ever thought before, a way that was unique to the race, indeed unique to all but a limited few of the known races in the universe. These methods of thought, while not explicitly referenced, are chronicled in this history of the early years of the life span of the human Kaajii Morrell from the third planet of a small yellow star in the backwaters of a neglected galaxy in the far corner of the known universe.

-- Archives of Sans L’Toriel

R223-12 loo wewn, Chief of level 17 history

ONE

In the setting sun Kaajii could see the large black van several kilometers ahead of him. It was indeed possible to see almost ten kilometers on this desolate Arizona road. With the angle of the sun he could make out the luggage rack on the top and the west coast style mirrors so popular during the late 1980s. He had been following the van for over an hour now, ever since it had turned onto ICH-40 from Red Rock road.

As his thoughts wandered towards the usual microwaved dinner he would find when he got back to the lab he failed to notice that he began to gain on the van. When he came back to reality he realized that the van was much closer now and that the brake lights appeared to be on. Travelling at over 150 kilometers an hour one closes a gap of several kilometers quickly, so Kaajii looked in his rear monitor for any vehicles overtaking him and then started to ease over towards the left side of the road to pass the slowing van.

Then, just as suddenly as the brake lights had come on they went out. A few seconds later Kaajii realized that the van had resumed its westward trek. For some reason unknown to Kaajii he happened to look off towards the shoulder of Inter - Continental Highway 40 and noticed a red and white object rolling away from the road.

It was interesting how it looked like a red and white airport warning sign. But, what would an airport sign be doing here, kilometers from any airport and tumbling away from the highway? After some thought he correctly deduced that it must have been thrown from the van. Kaajii reflected on it some more and came to the conclusion that the object must be very heavy, hard to maneuver or semi-hazardous ... otherwise why not simply throw it from the van at full speed.

Kaajii decided that this needed further investigation. Taking off the cruise control he began decelerating rapidly due to the enormous wind front that the carryall presented. Applying the hydraulic brakes firmly the large truck came to a stop 20 meters past the object. Flipping the power system to standby he thumbed the door lock which would automatically open the door/ramp. Before the ramp hit the ground he had approached the object close enough to tell that it was a white cloth with red stains on it ... a bedsheet mottled with blood.

This wasn’t looking too good. About the only reason a sheet would be stained with blood and wrapped around a two meter long object that was thrown from a speeding van was if it contained a body, normally dead. However, coming from this sheet was a whimper ... a definite sign of some life.

Quickly approaching he located the edge of the sheet and pulled it back to reveal a blood and hair encrusted face with delicate features. Definitely female features. Scooping her up in his arms he walked rapidly back to the carryall and bound up the ramp, barely hesitating as he activated the door switch. As the ramp raised and contracted back into its slot the heavy steel door clanged shut and the latch set firmly into it. Before the final mechanical sounds from the door quieted Kaajii had the girl unwrapped and on the floor behind the driver’s chair.

The girl appeared to be of a very small frame, but not small from lack of age, just simply of a small build. She had dark black hair and numerous cuts and bruises on her face and head. Most were still oozing blood. She was completely nude and the sheet was thoroughly soaked in the area where it had been wrapped around her pelvis.

Suspecting that she had been brutally raped he examined her closely, but could find no evidence of sexual violence. He suddenly thought that there is more than one way this poor woman could have been brutalized. So he eased her onto her side to see if he could determine where all the blood was coming from.

After Kaajii had rolled the woman onto her side he found the reason for all the blood. There was a massive gash just below the small of her back that was dripping with fresh blood. The girl then had a spasm and went totally limp in his arms. Judging from the size of that hole and the blood on the sheets he guessed that she had been bleeding for quite some time.

Damn he exclaimed to no one in particular. Quickly lying the girl back on her back he checked her pulse -- none. Then he checked her breath, again -- none. Listening at her breast he could hear nothing. Kilometers from nowhere and with nothing but a first aid kit there wasn’t much chance for her even if he was lucky enough to get her heart beating and lungs breathing. Best not to waste energy and just be disappointed.

Kaajii said to himself, If I can’t save her at least I can bring her torturers to justice.

Jumping into the driver’s chair he buckled his seatbelt and slammed the power control from standby to forward. Then he firmly planted his foot into the accelerator. Six thousand horsepower of gas turbine fury screamed alive; flames from the exhaust licked the pavement behind the carryall. This was no normal carryall.

With all sixteen wheels smoking from the power surge, the carryall leapt forward on its mission of justice. The large vehicle passed through 300 kmh in less than a minute, the wind fighting a losing battle against the gas turbine.

Not seeing the van ahead Kaajii turned on the ground radar system, normally used for travelling during foggy conditions it also doubled as a vehicle detector in open terrain. He was rewarded with a small echo about halfway from the maximum range of 12 kilometers. The carryall overtook the speeding van with all the grace of a police car catching a bicyclist. The van’s standard gas engine was no match for the turbine of the carryall.

Pulling alongside the van Kaajii motioned for the driver to pull over. The scruffy looking individual at the wheel replied with universal sign language. He then opened his window and pointed a gun at Kaajii.

Reacting quickly Kaajii touched the brakes and the carryall nosed down towards the pavement -- a fifteen thousand pound beast obeying its master. Taking up a position behind the van Kaajii thought about his options.

These people, using the reference loosely, had killed a beautiful woman / girl, he still wasn’t sure about her age. They had unceremoniously dumped her to die and sped away. They had then pointed a gun at him, something Kaajii didn’t take lightly. So, if they would just fire at him it would be self defense instead of simply justifiable homicide.

He uncovered the laser controls.

The carryall was equipped with a laser defense system which was originally intended to disable offensive vehicles on the highway by burning a hole in their tires. It had also proven useful for removing barricades, gates, fences and other otherwise restrictive objects. Now it was time to use it once again for its primary purpose.

Pressing the ARM switch engaged the aiming system which brought a reticule down from the ceiling and provided a sight. The sight was electronically linked to the laser sliding out of its hole on the roof of the carryall. When it was warmed up and ready it gave a bleep to notify its owner. While Kaajii was aiming the laser at the right rear tire of the van the back doors burst open, inside a not so clean shaven slob was pointing a military looking rifle straight at Kaajii.

As the carryall moved through the fireball that was formerly a van, Kaajii realized that he really must look into getting a polycarbonate windshield for the truck. In the split second that it took him to bring the laser up, flip it to full power and fire its red heat he realized he could have been killed. Could have. Only this time the bandit was just a shade too slow ... one day he wouldn’t be so lucky.

Moving through the desert towards Flagstaff he formulated his list of things to do. First he would turn the girl’s body over to the police and hope he didn’t have to spend too many hours explaining things. Things like a beautiful, naked, skinny female of indeterminate age with a gaping hole in her backside, and the charred spot in the road at marker 86.

TWO

Watching the hands of the clock on the putrid green wall slowly creeping around Kaajii grew impatient at police procedure. He could understand the questionable nature of an individual bringing a body to the police station, but what murderer would actually bring the body of someone he had just killed in himself? Perhaps someone trying to throw off the scent by doing such a thing ... not a bad idea, he would have to remember that for the future.

Mr. Kaajii A. Morrell? asked the young lieutenant. The lieutenant’s name badge identified him as Baker.

Yes. replied Kaajii.

Mr. Morrell you have brought in a body which shows signs of mutilation and your story is somewhat questionable. We would like for you take a body life sign analysis, the lieutenant said.

"Lieutenant Baker, I’ll take your test if you wish, but do you really think a man who did what has been done to that poor girl would have the chutzpah to bring her body into police headquarters?" he queried.

Not really, but we do get all kinds. If you agree to the test in the first place then you are probably not our man. Our man would either be running, very fast, or be giving us a full confession right now and saying that God told him to do it. Anyone who would do that has got to be some kind of kook. Besides, she hasn’t been sexually violated, weird for a girl of better than average beauty. You are free to go as soon as we get your rap sheet. We may want to ask you some questions later, the lieutenant said turning to leave.

You know where to find me, he said as the lieutenant left the room.

Finally, after the computer gave him a clean bill of health, except for a few minor traffic violations, he was allowed to leave. Kaajii still had the feeling that he would be watched closely until the police either found a killer or got bored. He already knew that they wouldn’t find the killers, and he certainly couldn’t explain why they wouldn’t, so they would have to settle for bored. In relating his story to the lieutenant he neglected to say anything about the van load of scum that dumped the girl, and judging from the reception he had been given he was glad it turned out that way. After all, an armored, armed vehicle could get police type persons very nervous.

As he keyed in the sequence to the carryall’s lock he noted that the lock had been tampered with. The person or persons unknown hadn’t gained entry, just jiggled with the keypad a little, as indicated by the display above it. Probably the damned cops trying to search without a warrant.

Just a few blocks away from the police station Kaajii noticed a plain, unadorned car lurking in the shadows. Oh well, might as well let them tail him for a while so that they won’t be suspicious. He headed for the industrial district of Flagstaff to pick up the equipment he had ordered.

Arriving at the electric supply store the tailing police car was still in plain sight. Apparently, they thought they hadn’t been noticed. He would fix them good when he got ready to leave town.

After making several stops Kaajii had all the equipment that he needed for this week’s projects. It was getting late and it was time to head back for the lab. One of these days he really would have to make it into town before dark so that he could save some money by not frequenting the 24 hour stores.

With his police escort still in tow he turned south on ICH-17 leading to Phoenix. I’ll bet you’re wondering where I’m going now ... aren’t you? Kaajii said, verbalizing his thoughts. Well boys, time for you to lose me. Quasi secret police tails were not about to pull him over for speeding for fear of giving themselves away. It was time to tease and taunt the boys in blue behind him.

Giving the accelerator of the carryall a firm push he edged its speed up to 250 kmh, plenty enough so that the police tail wouldn’t be able to keep up. After several kilometers of this he slowed and pulled off on a side road behind a rock outcropping. Watching the police car pass he turned around and headed back towards Flagstaff, quickly. Knowing that the tail car would