Tools of Extinction

By Kristine Williams

The day Alex Marcase became the new owner of a Sha'erah named Evan, his life turned upside down. Dealing with each other took time, and a great deal of effort on both their parts. In the years they've been together, they've been to hell and back on more than one occasion. Each time growing stronger in their trust and conviction. This time, hell is looking for them. Book 3 in the Keeper series

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kristine Williams
• Release date: Nov 24, 2009
• ISBN: 9781452409085

Kristine Williams

Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, I'm an avid reader, writer, and government employee with a degree in Veterinary science (go figure). I write Science Fiction but occasionally dabble in Fantasy, and have been known to explore Mainstream now and again.

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TOOLS OF EXTINCTION

Kristine Williams

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

TOOLS OF EXTINCTION

Book 3 in the KEEPER Series

Smashwords Edition.

© 2009 by Kristine Williams. All rights reserved.

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Tools of Extinction

Alex woke with a start from a dream he had no memory of. A glance at the chronometer showed it was early yet, still no real need to get up. Delving back into the Pendulum Nebula this time around wasn't going to be a race to win, and there was no reason to believe it would cause the death of eighty-six innocent people. But more importantly, it wasn't going to be personal. This trip wasn't going to open up old wounds, or tear down ideals or anyone's way of thinking. He didn't have to feel guilty about what they were going out to find. Not this time.

The fact that Evan didn't hate him forever, after Alex had dragged him out to meet Maker and the horror that came from it, was nothing short of a miracle. And one Alex wasn't likely to ever forget. He owed his friend more than just his life. He owed him a life worth living, and everything that entailed, good and bad.

When the morning alarm finally did go off, Alex didn't mind opening his eyes. The first thing he saw was the ring around his finger, then he raised his head slightly and noticed the Scotian shipyards, still brightly lit and beginning to buzz with morning activity. He climbed out of bed and was rewarded with familiar sounds of movement in the main living area. In a quick detour, he opened the door and caught sight of Evan standing shirtless in the galley, hair still wet from a shower. With a sigh of relief, Alex went to the bathroom and prepared for the day.

Good morning. Evan glanced up as he finished pulling his shirt down over damp, jet black hair. He straightened the shirt, and retrieved the coffee just delivered by the catering unit.

Thanks. Alex finished a yawn and accepted a steaming cup. Did you sleep okay last night? He sipped the hot coffee and eyed his friend over the rim.

Evan shrugged. I know you had a bad dream and woke up, if that's what you mean. But after that, I slept fine.

Alex felt a pang of guilt, but he knew from experience there was nothing he could do about it. Sorry.

What was it about? Evan set two plates of breakfast on the table and sat down.

Nothing. Alex shook his head and joined him at the table. I don't even remember. It was a lie, but he didn't feel like going over it. He'd explain his anxieties, Evan would tell him he was being ridiculous, and that'd be that. I'm just restless again, ready to head back out there and see what we can find.

Well, we're getting responses to the ad for a new crew. I have answers from most of the last team, and a group of applicants to go through.

Good. Somehow the confirmation that Evan had plenty of work to keep him busy and active in staying with him moved out the last of the night's visions. Alex smiled and picked up his fork. We've got our work cut out for us.

Us?

Alex laughed shortly at Evan's raised eyebrows. Don't worry, partner. I'm not sitting back letting you do all the work. I've got appointments with a few suppliers of exploration equipment, then depending on what I find, I'll have to arrange shipments or find other dealers. He stabbed an egg with the fork. It's been a while since I've shopped for gear to land and explore with.

"Do you really think we'll find planets we can explore?"

Alex glanced up and saw an unusual sparkle in Evan's black eyes. He looked for all the world like someone anticipating with excitement a great adventure. I think the chances are better than good, yeah. He grinned at his partner's suppressed expression. You're looking forward to this, aren't you?

Evan blinked. I was just thinking . . . I've never been on a planet no one's ever seen before. He leaned forward and rested both elbows on the table, holding his coffee cup in both hands. Have you?

Been the first to a planet? Yeah, sure. Alex's grin remained firmly planted on his face, just a little off-center.

"No, I mean on one. You've discovered plenty, but you send other people down to search for minerals, right?"

Alex shrugged one shoulder. Okay, in that respect, then no, I guess I've never been the first human on a planet before. I rarely have time to go down. If the geologists don't find what we're looking for, I have to have another direction to search already set, before the competition beats me to it.

But this time we're not racing anyone.

No, not really. We'll just have to get out where no one else is looking. I don't think we'll have much trouble doing that.

So this time we can go down.

Alex's grin widened as the sparkle in Evan's eyes grew. You're excited about this.

His attempt to look hurt and disgusted failed miserably. I just --

No, you are. Alex sat back in his chair. "You really are looking forward to this exploration. Not just the fact that we're doing something, but what we're doing."

Evan appeared to abandon his efforts. All right, yes. I am.

Alex could only stare at him, blinking.

I told you I enjoyed doing what you do. He began collecting the dishes.

No, that's not it. You're looking forward to this just as much as I am for the sheer pleasure of doing it.

Evan rolled his eyes, but tried to hide the motion by standing up with their empty dishes in hand. I just think being the first humans to see and explore something no one else has ever seen before should be interesting. It's not something I've ever had the chance to think about before.

And you like it. Alex stood, still grinning, and carried their cups to the galley. Not just because I'm doing it and you're coming with me, but because it sounds like something you'll like.

"I've told you before, what you do is what I like." Evan gave him a look of extreme patience.

Yeah, well, maybe it's just semantics. Alex shoved the cups into the chute and gave his friend's back a pat. Don't mind me, Evan. You've just put me in a good mood, that's all. The look he received spoke volumes the Sha'erah would never have voiced. It made Alex laugh again. I gotta get going.

I'll come with you. No sense starting to pick a crew if all the applications aren't in yet. Evan turned and watched Alex begin his search for the shoes he invariably shed the evening before.

Alex found one shoe and slid it on. I'm only going a block down from the docking bay. He looked around for the other one, typically not far from the first.

Good. Evan pointed to the computer table at the far side of the room. Then we won't be gone long. I might need to consult with you about the applicants.

Alex looked under the desk and found his other shoe. Sure, I can help since this is your first time. He grabbed the shoe and straightened up. But the final decision is yours.

But this is your ship.

And yours.

You're the Captain.

And you're the Second-in-Command. And my partner. Alex shoved the other shoe on and smiled. Besides, I trust your judgment more than mine.

Evan sighed. But I can discuss them with you first?

Of course. Alex walked to the large round table in the center of the couch and picked up his PDA. And you might want to keep in mind how long this trip could be. Some people might apply with a spouse or partner.

As long as both people qualify for their positions. Evan found his own shoes with no problem, and stood waiting at the door.

Right. Alex grinned and slipped the PDA into the thigh pocket of his pants. I figure by the time people get by your background check, I'll have the most experienced, capable crew in town.

That's what you want, isn't it?

Nothin' but the best. Alex opened the door, still grinning, and led the way down the corridor toward the bank of lifts.

It was strange how easily he could get used to a full ship and constantly busy corridors, and again how easily he could adjust to having the entire vessel to himself in between jobs. Soon the Ascalon would again be bustling with activity, as new crewmembers came on board and familiarized themselves with the ship and their jobs. Alex knew he'd begin to dread the onslaught of people on his peace and quiet, then grow used to having a full ship again. It was a routine of adjustment and adaptability.

And he realized for the first time in a little over eleven months, he felt the routine of his life once again. A feeling that suggested Evan had become a part of him that no longer felt alien or out of his control.

That realization, coupled with the notion that the Sha'erah was actually looking forward to their new expedition for the sheer enjoyment of it put Alex in such a good mood, he completely forgot about the nightmare he'd had.

I saw an article on the wire last night that a team of scientists from Nogalis are trying to put together an expedition back to where we found that anomaly.

Alex glanced up, one eyebrow arching. Really?

Apparently they're still arguing among themselves about what it may or may not have been. Evan's tone suggested a deep feeling of irony he'd never have admitted to. He palmed open the final airlock and stepped out of the Ascalon onto the walkway connecting the ship to the docking bay and business beyond.

Alex eyed his partner for a moment, following him down the walkway toward the main complex. My concern isn't what might have been there, but where it went."

There's no way of knowing, Evan shrugged. Without confirmation that it was something solid, or unnatural. If it were some sort of alien ship, then why was it there for so long and gone only when we drew closer? If it wasn't alien, why hide? And if not a ship, then what could sit there for that long, then move away and leave no trace?

Alex laughed shortly. You've been giving this some thought. He hadn't, actually. Since coming back, and finding other things to occupy his mind, he hadn't wanted to think about the anomaly.

Except in his dreams.

We're about to head back to where we thought it was the first time, and as far as I'm concerned there's still a risk of something being out there. So yes, I've been thinking about it. Evan's tone was matter-of-fact.

Alex smiled a sideways grin and put a hand on Evan's shoulder for a quick pat. That's why I feel safe in your hands, partner. You're always thinking one step ahead.

We both know that's not true. I wasn't one step ahead when Maker lured us into that escape pod.

I was the one who insisted, Evan.

That doesn't matter. Evan shook his head emphatically. That should never matter. I'm Sha'erah, I should have forced you to stay behind.

Then he wouldn't have made his move. Alex was convinced, hindsight being twenty-twenty, that Maker would never have launched that escape pod unless both he and Evan were inside. Which made his own guilt that much harder to bear. If he'd have let the Sha'erah follow his own well-honed instincts, they wouldn't have been together in that pod, and Maker wouldn't have launched it, kidnapping them both and bringing them to him.

They fell silent for the next two blocks and Alex let himself fret about what they weren't discussing. Finding Maker -- or at least where Evan had come from -- had been entirely his idea. Doctor Zane aside, he'd wanted to know, to clear up the mystery and get things out in the open. As usual, he'd been acting completely without regard to anyone else's feelings or desires. Though, to his credit, he had confessed his selfishness to Evan back on Murcadia, only to have Evan agree to continue their quest. But still, he knew it was his idea, his pushing, his being the Keeper that motivated his friend. They'd decided to tell no one of what they'd found, or been through, and consequently tended to avoid much discussion of it between themselves so far. Having come to terms with what they'd seen and done, they felt it best to keep the rest of the universe ignorant. With the exception of the children and the Keepers who'd already paid, only to arrive and find the complex and Maker destroyed.

Alex feared what would happen if word got out he and Evan had destroyed all chances of anyone claiming what they considered their property. And Evan feared what could happen once word got out how desperately rare Sha'erah were now that there would be no more created. In his estimation, the prices had just gone from astronomical to unfathomable, placing all current Keepers in a strange and potentially dangerous position.

The fact that they were about to leave on what could be a very long expedition light years away from the population in general was a comfort that wasn't lost on either man.

Three blocks down from the docking bay stood the showroom of Rabbini and Sons, purveyors of the latest in terraforming and exploration equipment. Alex had dealt with Yitzhak Rabbini in the past, and trusted his workmanship. But now that it was his dime being spent to outfit his ship and crew, he felt the sudden urge to personally inspect his supplies.

Mr. Rabbini. Alex found the owner and proprietor waiting for him in the back office, precisely on time. Good to see you again.

The older gentleman smiled widely, his entire face lighting up behind the profuse, gray beard. Captain Marcase! It is good to see you again! And congratulations on the purchase of your ship.

Yitzhak Rabbini was the epitome of what Alex pictured when he thought of the term grandfather. Not that he'd known either of his. Not very many people did these days, but the sentimental effect they had on society was still strong. His olive complexion bore the wrinkles of time and use earned by eleven children and four wives, all of whom were still alive and happily sharing his company. At least they were the last time Alex had inquired. Yitzhak had supplied nearly all of the equipment the Ascalon used in her past three voyages, and the man stood behind his equipment.

Alex extended his hand and endured the warm, enthusiastic hand shake. In order to free his hand again, he turned to glance at Evan. This is Evan, my Second.

Without skipping a beat, Mr. Rabbini dropped Alex's hand and reached for Evan's. Evan, good to meet you. You call me Yitzhak, like the rest.

Much to his surprise -- and appreciation -- Alex noticed the Sha'erah allowing the man to shake his hand. His only response was a polite nod of his head, but that was all Mr. Rabbini required.

Come, come, I have much to show you today. The older man waved his arm and led the way through a door into a large showroom filled with all manner of equipment. So, you are off on another adventure, eh?

Alex followed, with Evan beside him. Yes, we're planning one now. Going to find some new planets.

New planets, is it? He strode purposefully, if a little slowly, toward a shiny new all-terrain land vehicle. So you're going to get out and stretch your legs this time, eh?

Alex grinned, glancing at Evan. That's the plan. His partner was all seriousness, examining the vehicle closely. My friend here is pretty excited about going where no man has gone before, so to speak.

As well he should be. The old man nodded emphatically.

The fact that Evan had completely ignored his comment wasn't lost on Alex.

What are the ranges of these units? Evan asked.

Alex blinked. It took a moment to register why, but then he realized the Sha'erah had just addressed Mr. Rabbini directly, and of his own accord. All he could do was stare at his friend and vaguely hear the reply.

The temperature range on this particular engine is minus 260 degrees Fahrenheit to a comfortable 240 above. Anything much colder or hotter than that wouldn't be very practical for colonizing, I shouldn't think. Yitzhak patted the side of the machine, then pulled open the side compartment and exposed the engine. This vehicle can carry four people at a time, fully suited, and still pull an additional five hundred pounds up as much as a seventy-five degree slope.

Alex watched Evan as he continued to examine the vehicle top to bottom. This was what he'd always wanted, for his friend to assert himself as a person and follow his own motives. But until this very moment, he never believed the Sha'erah ever would.

What about life support? Evan continued his examination in great detail.

This model can sustain life independently for a maximum of thirty-six hours. Yitzhak pointed to several key points of interest. After that you'll need to recharge the solar cells, or set her up with an outside source. And in here, he opened up a tightly sealed compartment on one side, you have a shield generator that can protect the passengers and cargo, for up to an hour under sustained attack.

I'm hoping that won't be necessary. Alex said. It took some effort for him to keep his mind on the business at hand, and not just stand there staring at Evan.

I'll be making sure it isn't. Evan commented, still eyeing the vehicle.

I'm impressed, Yitzhak. Alex grinned, trying to enjoy this rare sight and wondering if it was a new trend or some fluke of luck. What do you think?

The Sha'erah finished his scrutiny and looked at Alex. They're very well made.

Alex turned to Yitzhak. That means he's impressed.

Mr. Rabbini smiled and stroked his long beard. For you, Alex, since you are such a good client, I will take off ten percent.

Ten percent? Alex raised both eyebrows and shot Evan a quick glance.

Ten percent, and perhaps you think of me when you name one of these planets you discover, eh? Yitzhak smiled widely back at him and held out a hand.

Alex shook it and smiled.

They spent the rest of the morning shopping for more equipment and visiting dealers spread throughout the Scotian shipyard. At each stop, Evan surprised Alex by asking the dealers direct questions about their equipment and at one point telling Alex outright that he didn't feel comfortable with the quality and craftsmanship of a remote camera assembly. It was a new side to the Sha'erah that came as a surprise to Alex, and one he was beginning to believe had very little to do with him.

Alex wanted to mention it, and mentally tried on several approaches during lunch and on the return walk to the Ascalon, but each time he thought he was ready, he choked. Was it something Evan would get angry about and stop if he brought it up? Was it some sort of comfort factor the Sha'erah had finally entered into around him? Or -- and this was what kept hanging him up -- had finding the truth about Maker completely altered Evan's point of view or personality?

That thought was at the same time encouraging and disturbing. And Alex was hard pressed to decide which to vote for. Like a man with a beloved and trusted pet suddenly free of any previously understood restraints, he wasn't sure what this supposed new mental freedom would do to Evan, or their association.

Is something wrong?

Alex blinked and looked up as they stepped through the door back into their quarters on the ship. What?

You've been quiet all the way back. Evan walked to the galley and ordered a pot of coffee.

No, just thinking. Alex shrugged and tossed his jacket over the back of the couch. Planning ahead, stuff like that.

Well, I need to start background checks on the applicants. He retrieved two steaming cups from the dispenser and handed one to Alex as he walked to the computer table.

Yeah, great. Alex suddenly felt as if he had nothing to do and nowhere to go just then. He shook it off and walked around the couch. I've got plenty of work, too. Just let me know if you need help with that. He glanced over at Evan and received a nod in reply. The Sha'erah was already inside the computer and hard at work.

Alex sipped his coffee and watched his friend for a moment, wondering what had him feeling so strange. Hadn't he always said he wanted Evan to express himself freely, exert his own opinion and ideas? The responsibility of worrying about another man's happiness and personal satisfaction wasn't something he was dealing with very well. Hell, he was fumbling through it rather clumsily.

But if Evan was coming to terms with his past, and realizing he had more mental and personal freedom than previously believed . . . where was that going to leave him?

As the days went by, Alex kept his thoughts to himself. Evan was always there, always thinking of him, as usual, and working diligently to weed through crew applications and perform background checks. Meanwhile Alex oversaw deliveries of new equipment and worked up a general route, programming the basics into the ship's navigational equipment for a smooth trip to the Pendulum Nebula. When necessary, Alex stopped what he was doing and joined in on several interviews, and each time he found Evan more than able to conduct the questioning without hesitation and in complete detail.

There's one more you should be here for. Evan picked up the PDA he'd been using and handed it to Alex. It's for Bridge Chief. Reilly isn't coming back.

He isn't? Alex took the PDA and glanced briefly at the screen. Did he say why? He's been with me for years.

Evan shrugged. He just didn't apply. I sent him the notice.

So, who's this?

Carl Jackson. His wife is a physician and also applied. I'll be interviewing her later today.

Alex looked at the screen and tried to actually see what he was looking at. His mind felt as it was trying to jump the tracks for some reason. The face on the screen was nondescript. That of a slightly graying man with black skin and pleasant enough eyes. The list of credentials included a brief stint two years ago as Bridge Chief for the Vision, as well as an impressive history of noble and well-known ships.

Former Bridge Chief of the Vision.

Evan took the PDA back when Alex handed it over. And former Bridge Chief of nearly seven other highly credited ships. He looked up from his position on the couch. If you don't want to consider him because of the Vision --

No. Alex shook his head once, sharply. No, if he applied and he's qualified, that's all I care about. After all, he hadn't blown up Franklin's ship. And this guy certainly hadn't been onboard at the time.

Well he's here. Evan put his hand over the PDA's input pad and the screen changed to a view of the corridor below where Bridge Chief Carl Jackson was waiting for a lift.

They watched the progression from views around the lift and bridge, right up until the man knocked on the office door. Alex stayed behind the desk but stood when Evan opened the door. The angle made it possible for their visitor to glance first at the Sha'erah, then easily see the captain beyond.

Which is exactly what he did. When the door opened, Chief Jackson's eyes seemed to find Evan's tattoo instantly. His smile changed to a look of disapproval within seconds.

Mr. Jackson, I'm Captain Marcase. This is Evan, my second-in-command. Alex felt his jaw muscles tightening in reaction to the man's attitude.

I see. Chief Jackson stepped into the office, noticeably moving around Evan, and extended his hand to Alex. There was no mention of that in the advertisement.

Alex lowered his eyelids slightly. Mention of what, exactly?

Jackson glanced over his shoulder at Evan, who was moving around to stand beside Alex's desk. I didn't realize you were a Keeper.

Evan has authority on this ship. Does that pose a problem with you?

I won't lie to you, Marcase. Jackson set a hard copy file he'd been carrying down on Alex's desk. He now avoided any and all eye contact with Evan, further fueling Alex's growing irritation. I don't like them. And I don't particularly agree with those who keep them. But as long as he doesn't interfere with my job, I won't interfere with his. Personal beliefs aside.

Your job is to manage the crew of this ship on a very long and potentially stressful mission. Can you do that?

Alex was the only one to turn and look at Evan when he spoke.

You've seen my resume. I am fully qualified. But I'll only accept the position if my wife is hired as your physician.

Alex turned back, still somewhat surprised, and saw Jackson directing the response to him and not the Sha'erah who'd asked the question. Evan is in charge of determining who is hired and who isn't. Alex could feel the childish, perhaps dominant side of his brain taking a stand, waiting for the perfect timing to kick this guy off his ship.

As long as we understand each other, I'll have no problem working on this ship. Jackson then shot Evan a glance, one eyebrow raised.

Alex bit down on his first impulse and nodded once, curtly. We'll be in touch.

Jackson looked at him, then pushed his file across the desk. Both my credentials, and those of my wife. Good day to you, then. With that he turned and left the office, closing the door behind him.

What an ass! Alex pushed the file away and sat down with a huff.

He's more than qualified and so is his wife. Evan picked up the file and opened it, glancing at the plastic sheets of information.

I can't believe his attitude. I mean, if he didn't like the idea of being on the ship that played a part in the Vision's destruction, that, I could understand.

Their background checks came out fine.

Doesn't like what we are just because of some preconceived notion.

I recommend we hire them both.

What? Alex sat up and leaned forward, staring at Evan. Did you meet the same guy I did?

He has experience, training, notes of recommendation from every ship he's ever served on, including the Vision, and his wife is a well qualified physician. Evan shrugged matter-of-factly. He said he can do his job regardless of his surroundings, so I say we hire him. Unless you say otherwise.

Alex blinked. He realized, vaguely in the back of his mind somewhere, that he'd been doing a lot of that lately. He also realized his mouth was slightly open. That guy wouldn't even look at you.

He doesn't have to look at me to run this ship.

And what if you had to give him an order?

He would be obligated to follow it, or be in violation of his position. Evan closed the file and set it aside. If you don't like him, we can look for someone else. But if you want me to handle this for you, then I recommend we hire him. His work history proves he's very concerned with a job well done, and a responsible Bridge Chief. The fact that he is uncomfortable around me will make him that much more attentive to doing his job right and keeping you from finding any fault in his performance. Personalities shouldn't come into consideration.

Alex leaned back in his chair again, chewing his lower lip. He had said he wanted Evan to make the decisions in this matter. And he'd said he trusted his friend's opinion more than his own. After all,