Anasazi

By Peggy Johnson

Discover a timeline of history, you may have never thought possible.
There's nowhere to go, Terra is their only hope now.

Four hundred survivors of a now dead world face the unknown on a planet three thousand years in the past. Their past or is it ours?

From the pyramids of egypt to the jungles of the Amazonia, no one's life will ever be the same.

Death, life and love wait for every member of the crew. Can the old learn to live with the new in peace? What happens when two cultures clash in ways no one thought possible.

Who built the pyramids and why? Will no one survive..the clash of time?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Peggy Johnson
• Release date: Jul 16, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465708199

Peggy Johnson

I've been writing/storytelling as long as I can remember, they tell me I spin a fun yarn. If I can make you smile, think or laugh out loud, then, my day is complete. Enjoy my stories, ebook trailers. Come, play with me!

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Anasazi

By Peggy L. Johnson

Anasazi

By Peggy Lee Johnson

© 2006

ISBN 978-1-4303-0138-7

©2011 Smashwords Edition

All characters are purely fictional; any resemblance to people living or dead is purely coincidental.

ANASAZI

Kayla unbuckled her seatbelt and walked over to the computer console. The ship had slowed to sub-light speed now and soon her job would really get hectic. The three other vessels were scheduled to be radioing in for the proper co-ordinates at 0800.

She had to have the entire set of figures ready by then. Nimbly her fingers danced across the keyboard, entering the pertinent information. Silently the computer worked as the information was being processed, and new yet familiar readings crossed the screen. Kayla’s mind slipped into memories,

Eight years had gone by since they had left their home base. Kayla was only eighteen years old when she had boarded this ship. Her schooling had been completed here. Somehow eight years seemed like forever. Now for the first time, she was afraid. She also was excited about the whole thing, but wasn't sure which feeling was greater. They hadn't been gone a month when the meteor had hit just as they had predicted. It had been determined by the best minds of the times that it would miss. Others had foretold that it would make a direct hit and that life as they knew it would cease to exist. There weren't any minds left now.

The only survivors she had heard about were here on these four ships with her. She remembered that day well, but no matter how often she'd tried to put the thoughts away, they returned. The ship was still within range of local broadcast stations. It was too late when the meteor's true course had been tracked. These odd ball extremists, as they had been called were right. Thank God her parents had been two of them, or she wouldn‘t be alive to remember anything at all.

She remembered the last program being broadcast when it finally struck. She used to have nightmares about that night. Not as often now though. Bad memories have a way of fading.

Kayla's fingers ran nimbly across the computer's keyboard again. She watched the monitor as the figures compiled and stored themselves. She smiled and shook off the feeling again. This had been a great trip, so far. No one could have possibly contemplated its success those many years ago.

The computer hummed and then methodically printed the sheets, delivering them into her waiting fingers. She tore them carefully from the machine. She smiled again, remembering her first days in school here on board. All of this work was old hash now. She'd accidentally erased, how many programs way back then, learning. She'd finished her schooling right here in this chair as had so many others during the long voyage. Seemed like light years ago.

A Four to A One. Kayla? The voice from the comm. unit brought her back to reality. She punched the button activating the proper channel without even thinking.

Go ahead A Four. A One here. Is that you, John? She switched the video receiver on and a familiar face was there to greet her. She and John had become great friends this way. Before the trip she had only casually met him in person. Their training had been in separate areas, preparing each for the ship they would work on.

Hi ya, Kayla! Have you got the numbers ready for us yet?

Got 'them John. Have your terminal receive them for hard copy and internal. Okay? You know old Captain Cord’s going to want them in his hands. These old timers just won‘t take a screen as the truth. I guess it’s easier to carry the papers around with them. Ahh, who knows?

He looked down from the screen and typed the information into his console.

Okay Kayla. Go ahead. We're ready here. You can start transmitting any time. The excitement in John's voice was evident, too.

John, are you as excited as I am, or am I the only one on this whole trip about to have a heart attack?

He smiled at Kayla and winked at her. Oh, I'm excited all right, but I've got so much stuff to get done here that I really haven't had time to think about it till now. Well Kay, I have a lot of things to do in the next few minutes, so I'd better cut it short till later. Besides, we'll be seeing each other before the night is over anyway.

Yeah I know John. I can hardly wait to see you. Heck, it's been almost eight years since I've seen you, other than on this screen that is. Well, you're right about getting out of here. I’ve got more things to do than I really want to think about myself. So, till later, A One clear, after you.

A four clearing channel. Bye, Kay. The computer was still humming as she walked away from the console. She couldn't help but think about how far they had come to get to this place. She transmitted the information to the other ships and began to think about the past again.

Everyone knew the risk, yet over four hundred people had decided to come here. Most of the others were her age or slightly older, although some of the crew were well into their fifties. They were the teachers, doctors, engineers, and architects. Their number included most any craft that a new civilization would need in order to survive, grow and prosper.

She had been trained and excelled in the communications field and had made number one position in less than two years. It was a lot of responsibility, but she enjoyed it and was proud of her accomplishments.

As soon as the last message was transmitted, she took the small diskette out of her terminal and inserted it into a small portable computer. She checked the functions, reserve power and closed the cover.

Kayla pushed back her chair, stretched and headed out of the communications room. Now all she had to do was wait. All everyone had to do was wait.

She walked briskly down the hallway, just as she had done a thousand, thousand times before. She looked at the doorways she passed. This could be the last time she'd ever walk this hallway! The thought was a somber one. She'd grown up here. Soon everything would be dismantled and serve a different purpose. The ships had been constructed with just this in mind, the reuse and reclamation of almost every part.

She made a sharp left turn and walked into the normally busy lounge area. There were only a couple of people seated inside. They too were looking lost in thought. Maybe they were remembering. As she nodded acknowledgement towards the room she noticed that each had different smiles, but the same excitement in their voices as they greeted her. Michael, the ship’s botanist grinned.

You ready Kayla? Looks like today’s the day. If my calendar’s right, the wait is finally over! My plants are just about touching the ceiling now. They won‘t mind a bit getting off of this ship.

Suddenly a voice filled the main room as the public address system cut in,

ALL GROUP LEADERS TO THE MAIN LOUNGE. TEN MINUTES. MECHANICAL CREW REPORT TO DECK THREE. ALL OTHERS MAINTAIN YOUR STATIONS.

Now what? she thought.

The room started to fill with people almost immediately. She knew that the same thing was happening on all the other ships. The murmuring of their voices sounded like a low hum until the captain walked into the room, then they quieted almost as one.

Captain Cord smiled at the people surrounding him and walked towards the serving area where a raised platform was waiting for his arrival. There was a small table next to it covered in stacks of papers also. He was a large old man, maybe forty or forty five.

He had dark brown hair and eyes. He was the most knowledgeable person about this particular planet on board any of the ships. He had found it himself, while on a routine mapping expedition fifteen years earlier. She wondered where they would all be today if his crew hadn't gotten off course that day and found this place. God must have been guiding his ship.

The captain was sorting and stacking papers that lay on the table, and began handing them out to the heads of his future ground crew. She smiled at him as she walked by. Kayla blushed slightly remembering that she'd had a crush on him at one time, years back. She grinned, realizing she'd outgrown that too. Thank goodness no one had ever told him!

The captain walked back to the front of the room and stood on the platform, then smiled at the crowd.

Well everyone, I suppose, that by now you all know where we are. This is what we have all trained and worked for so long and hard. This is the future, yours and mine. There have been a few developments since I was here last. I want you to know exactly what's going on and keep you up to speed on all developments as they happen. There'll be no secrets aboard this vessel. No one is any better than the next person. We're all in this together, understood?

There was complete silence now as he studied their faces. Pointing at the blue glowing hologram of the planet at his side, he continued, "This is where we will all be making our stand. As you already know from your studies, this planet is much like our little old Tri-Com except it is much wetter, and warmer in its summers; colder in its winters.

Terra here, though much larger, has a much shorter complete orbit around her closest star, Sole, three hundred sixty or so days, point to point, of only about twenty four hours each. Knowing that gravity is considerably greater here, our ships have automatically provided a psychological timestretch and an increased weight pull on us all for the last five hundred metric dayslots, for perfect accommodation.

Also, it may take some getting used to, seeing only one huge moon, and only occasionally, in a very bright blue sky, rather than the golden triplets of our old home.

There is one small glitch, a minor problem, nothing that’s going to stop us though. Well, as you already know we're not the only inhabitants on this world. We might be the most technologically advanced people here but remember we are not the only kids on the block. So let’s keep this in mind first and foremost while we manage the landings.

Now for the glitch. We're going to have to locate A Two and Three slightly off course. Half way around the planet in fact. We’ve had a few minor problems with climate and localizations and we will not want to disturb any progress the inhabitants have in their present villages. Hence, we relocate.

That should be no problem. Our mapping and geological surveyors have made the arrangements and new coordinates are now available. Anyway, it'll be up to you folks on the computers to reprogram our monitoring stations and all other phases of communications.

It's only a matter of a few degrees on our map. But to some of the natives down there it would be poor diplomacy on our part for us to land in somebody's garden! We don't want any premature contact with these people." Captain Cord picked up a laser and pointed to darkened areas on the hologram hanging next to him.

"Okay, so after landing here, we will begin the process of building a future. We've all trained long and hard for this moment and I'm confident that each crew member will do their job. The main base will be here, and just a few klicks away will be A Three.

The hospital ship will remain in atomized orbit until further notice, just in case we need a way off of this big rock. But other than that, everything’s a go. Our Rovers are charged and ready, built just for this day. Now if all of you are ready, we have us some building to do! Any questions?"

He looked around the room again, Okay then, we have less than three hours till touchdown. Everyone stay on your toes and let’s get this ship on the ground. Good luck. I'll see you all below.

He saluted the crowd, turned and headed toward the exit. The room full of people was still completely silent. Everyone was thinking of the landing, memorizing the maps and their orders. Suddenly there was a loud yell.

All right, everybody! This is it. Let's go! I don‘t know about you but I‘m ready for a change of scenery! That joyous comment certainly did the job. Soon the room was filled with voices, and excitement was in the air. People pushed in chairs shaking hands with the person across from them, and then hurried to their assigned posts, nervously laughing and joking with each other as the room emptied.

Hey Kayla. Are you about ready? It was Carl. He was the evening engineer officer and a good friend. A sturdy looking man with a square jaw and laughing eyes. A smile was never far from his lips and a practical joke was always hidden somewhere near him. He made sure of that.

Kayla picked up her half empty cup and waited for him to make his way through the crowd. He plopped down in a chair next to where she stood.

Aww, don't go yet. You got a little time left, don't you? I don't know when we're going to have time to just sit for a minute. Come on, have one more cup with me. You just got off didn't you? I go on in fifteen minutes. I probably won‘t have any spare time once were down, so I‘m going to take advantage of this moment.

He patted the tabletop with his hand. Kayla reached over for the thermal tea pot and Carl surprised her by pulling a cup out of his pocket.

Why do you always carry a cup around with you? Why don‘t you stop down in the mess and pick up a new one? That one is in pretty bad shape. Just why are you still hauling it around? Oh, all right. Just one more cup Carl. But remember, I'm still not finished packing yet.

She filled his chipped cup with the hot tea. Smiling at his friend, Carl blew the steam rising from the drink and took an appreciative sip.

Well, me and this old cup have been through a lot together. I've had it ever since, well let's say for a way long time. Some things are just too good to throw away just because they’re old.Now wouldn’t you agree? So, you are ready with everything else aren't you? I mean if you haven't been packing, you’ve been working. Right? You have done all the programs and all the important stuff right for the ultimate success of our mission right? You‘ve not gone and messed up the landing coordinates or anything? Don‘t go scaring me this way!

Carl pretended to shake in fear. Kayla playfully slapped at his arm. No silly, I've been daydreaming, just like you. I hope I’ve gotten everything done. I’m sure if everything goes off without a hitch that I’ve done my part right. I guess you’ll just have to wait and see what happens like the rest of us. Well, I'm about as ready as I'll ever be!

Carl laughed and gave her a pat on the head. Yeah, I'm all finished too. I've still got some packing to do for the maintenance department. Other than that I’m pretty sure most of it's ready and I think I've got all the medical units out of the way. I sure hope we don't have to break that stuff open for a while. Mostly biological emergency containment stuff.I made sure that comes with us first, you know, just in case you ever try your hand at preparing food!

Kayla giggled and shoved him toward the lounge door. Aw, go on. Get out of here, you and that stupid cup!

He was laughing as he went out of the lounge door, giving the thumbs up sign as he went. Kayla returned the mess cup to the counter and headed back towards her quarters. She checked her desk for any forgotten pencil or tidbit of memory. She closed the door to her cabin, probably for the last time while in they were in flight. She moved down the hall towards Docking Bay C and headed to the clerk who was patiently waiting, clipboard in hand.

Hi Kayla, looks like you’ve packed just about everything but the mess hall sink. Go on down and let’s get you going. Good luck, see you later tonight.

Kayla signed the invoice. You take care and don’t get too flustered. Its going get a lot more hectic before this day’s over my friend. As soon as I‘m done in here I‘ve a lot more to get finished, that is if you want to sleep on the surface tonight.

The clerk grinned. I’ve got to stay in here a bit longer than you lucky stiffs.I’ll be there soon enough, so go on. Get out of here.

She finished checking in her personal possessions and luggage at the cargo bay, then went back into the communications room. She went over the numbers again and again, checking the new co-ordinates against the old. They would equal only a few thousand kilometers difference. As long as their solar cells held up, that shouldn't be a problem. Lights flickered on the monitors, and she knew they we‘re adding the back up storage units. The flickering stopped.

The hours seemed like days now as they waited for the announcement. Everyone had finished up their jobs and was waiting patiently, as calmly as could be expected under the circumstances. You could almost smell the anxiety in the air. Finally the PA speaker came to life.

ALL RIGHT EVERYBODY, TWENTY MINUTES AND COUNTING TILL TOUCHDOWN. EVERYONE TO YOUR RESTRAINTS AND PREPARE FOR TOUCHDOWN. GOOD LUCK. SEE YOU ON THE PLANET. SEE YOU ON OUR NEW HOME!

Kayla pulled her shoulder harness snug and she noticed the others were doing the same. Oh God, I hope you're not too busy today, she prayed under her breath.

The whole ship seemed to fall asleep. The only sounds she could hear were the steady muffled roar of the retro-rockets as they kicked in. She thought she felt the braking power of them, but knew she had to have imagined it. Kayla shut her eyes and waited for what seemed like an eternity. Then there was a gentle thud, and a muffled static sound from the terminal.

People looked around at each other, expecting another thud.Everyone just stayed there, secure in their harnesses for a few more moments, waiting for it to be over. Suddenly the silence dissipated as the voices of her fellow travelers began to rise above the eerie hum.

Someone’s voice finally broke the silence and burst out.

We made it!

That did it. Everybody started to cheer, including Kayla. She unbuckled her harness, walked over to the computer console and sat down. Soon many other crewmen from around the Comm room had