Culture Clash

By Kevin Berger

The second book in the Tyler Jonz series.

Tyler Jonz is about to embark on the adventure of his life. A General's son, he knew he was different, but still had much to learn about his unique fate. Our story starts in the year 2184. Tyler is working his relatively mundane job as a beat cop on the space station's domed city; in preparation for military missions to Earth. After a tumultuous war a century earlier, life on Earth is an ominous unknown for Tyler and all the other space station dwellers who orbit around the home planet. It was time for Earth to be reconquered; but the true nature of his mission, and Earth life in general, would not be quite what he expected.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kevin Berger
• Release date: Jul 2, 2013
• ISBN: 9780991990511

Kevin Berger

I was born and raised in Montreal. I was educated in Systems Analysis and Software Engineering, but have worked in more domains than I would like to admit. Throughout it all, after my wife and kids, my one true love has been writing. There is nothing that can quite compare to the creative process.Book 3 in the Tyler Jonz Series is now available.

Book preview

Culture Clash

By Kevin Berger

Copyright 2013 Kevin Berger

Smashwords Edition

This ebook is lovingly dedicated to my family.

For a complete book library and contact info, visit Kevin Berger at

http://www.bergerbooks.net

Chapter 1

The fresh mountain air did me good.

It was looking to be a glorious day.

Breathing in deeply, I sat at the edge of the plateau, just on the edge of town, looking up at the majestic mountains that surrounded us. I could never take this for granted—not with my history.

I rose and started heading back to the village. There was much to be done on this beautiful day.

The village was primarily uniformed rows of pre-fabricated buildings; each building was home to a different family. The buildings were nothing fancy, just a hastily constructed village.

Morning neighbour, old man Alvaro said as I walked down our street.

Morning, Gino, how's the wife?

Gotta be great, she's married to me, he laughed. You always first one out in morning. You baby wake you up early again?

No, no, my little Sean's an angel. He never does anything wrong.

Gino laughed again, the creases on his old face were long, but part of his charm. That's a good poppa--always love your kid--no matter what. You space station people, you like to get up early--no?

Eh, I think it's more the army or police way. I was always forced to get up early by someone. Morning, Mrs. Lee!

Mrs. Lee grunted in response.

She not nearly as nice as her husband, Gino whispered to me as Mrs. Lee disappeared back into her house. Why for she stick her face out? If she not want to say hi? I don't envy her husband.

Now Gino, this town is too small and tightly packed for gossip--especially with Mrs. Lee. She'll eat you alive.

You right, you right Tyler. You a smart boy--like my boy always was.

The smile disappeared from his face.

Thanks, Gino,. I gotta go in for breakfast. I want to spend time with my baby before work.

My row house door groaned as I opened it.

Shhh, shhh, Melissa’s mother, Mary, ordered as I entered as quietly as I could. Melissa got her good looks from her mom, but in the morning, Mary always had on pyjamas and a thick housecoat--and her long blond hair was twisting every which way.

What can I do? I whispered.

Shhhh, shhh, Mary said again.

The interior was as stark as the outside. It consisted of an open living room and kitchen area; and a staircase on the side leading up to two humble bedrooms. Our row house was slightly different from the rest along the street. Melissa insisted we convert the back pantry on the main floor to our bedroom. Sean slept in there with us. She wanted us to be closer to the kitchen and bathroom. Our baby son Sean slept with us.

I crossed the living room area to peer into the bedroom. Melissa's lay sprawled on her back, her mouth open and snoring. She was cute and beautiful in her exhausted state. Her beautiful blonde hair was as frazzled as her mother's. When I opened the door, the morning light shone in on the bed. I closed it hastily and quietly.

The baby finally fallen asleep, Mary said.

Good, they both need some sleep. I can't wait until he starts sleeping nights.

That's normal. He just came out of the womb, no night or day. You have to give him time to adapt to our world.

Yeah, I know; but not more than two hours in a row. It's brutal. How long did it last with Melissa?

Well, it can vary with different babies. Some adjust to sleeping nights right away. Some it takes longer...

Yeah, but how long was it with Melissa?

I remember my friend Johanna's baby was sleeping ten or twelve hours a night after a couple of months. She even used to wake her up to make sure she was okay.

Mary laughed but I just repeated Yeah, but how long with Melissa?

It was about a year, she said gravely, wiping her dishwashing wet hands on her housecoat.

A year! I moaned.

Ssssh, sssh, she warned again.

Okay, okay. I went over to the sofa and sat down heavily; feeling exhausted, defeated. I looked out the window. It was a view of the uniform row of identical lodgings just across the street.

Only Mr. Alvaro and Mrs. Lee are out yet this morning.

That's cause you get up at the crack of dawn. You even beat the old people like the Lees and Alvaros.

I don't get much sleep anyway.

Mary came over and put her hand on my shoulder: ...but look at what you get out of it, little Sean, the love of your life.

Tired, I gave Mary a faint smile, then looked back to the street.

A delivery vehicle was passing soundlessly; its square box storage in stark contrast to the hovercraft base that powered it--a hybrid of old style Earth trucks and modern technology.

I better get my ass in gear,. the delivery trucks are already starting to arrive.

The baby cried. He wanted to be fed. Mary got up, opened the door wide, and went into the bedroom. She went to the crib we kept beside our bed and turned to Melissa.

Melissa, you shouldn't have the baby in bed with you! You know that's dangerous.

Mom, please. When I know the baby's beside me, I never move in that direction...

You don't know that, Mary insisted, you could move in your sleep. You don't know.

Okay, okay, I promise, I won't, Melissa waved her hand sluggishly.

Mary looked at me and rolled her eyes as I came into the bedroom and she stormed out.

Did you learn your lesson? I asked, closing the door.

Drop dead Romeo, she said as I leaned over for a kiss. You'll have to stand over the crib and pass Sean over to me every hour or so, twenty four damn hours a day.

I lay in the bed beside them, my arm reaching around my newborn baby and joining hands with Melissa, our arms surrounding, protecting Sean.

That sounds like woman's work, I said.

I'll make you a woman if you want. Lean over here and I'll remove those precious family jewels of yours, that men are so proud of.

Her head was still on the pillow as little Sean started sucking on her breast.

Wow, nasty! What did I do to deserve that comment?

Nothing, just offering--don't mess with a tired, hormonal new mother.

With that she fell asleep again, the baby feeding beside her. I looked at the two most precious people in my world.

A natural mother.

A natural child.

Sean finished feeding and rolled over, like a contented little fat man after a big steak dinner and a couple of beers. He was just starting to feed properly. In my ignorance, I had never thought of that; the dilemma of getting a baby to breastfeed properly. It was not part of my military training. I looked at this precious new life in wonder. I gently tucked one of my hands underneath his head and neck, the other underneath his bum. I raised him gently as he dozed, laughing at the drop of breast milk drooling down his tiny open mouth. His arms stretched out momentarily as I raised him in my arms, but he stayed sleeping, content with his full belly.

I carried him out to the living room.

Going to get some food for the day, Mary said. She had just pulled on her coat and was getting ready to leave. Bye bye.

Carefully, I sat down in the living room, happy to have a few minutes alone with my little Sean nuzzling up close. Daddy was still foreign to him. He was still all Mommy's property. It was only in his sleepy state that he didn't notice it was not Mommy holding him. That was okay. I knew it would change soon. Melissa and her breast milk might have been his whole world, but Daddy was at the door, biding his time until he would be let in. The warmth of my little family was healing the wounds of my bizarre life; replacing my artificial memories with real ones. I wondered if I would ever feel normal; have enough distance from my past--my secrets that I only shared with Melissa. I cherished every moment of true natural family life. I suppose all new parents did, but I knew I was different.

Aww, we’ve got no more time for this, I said to my little boy as I noticed more and more activity in the street.

Our town was a simple one; the first one built after the infamous Exodus.

Some things I wanted to forget.

Others, I didn't.

Over near the convenience store was a Recharging Station for all types of vehicles and aircraft. There were all the necessary landing pods and recharging units. That was where I worked. Being a blended town, everyone was always asking and telling their life stories. I suppose that aspect attracted me. It meant the population was more tolerant, willing to accept and appreciate different cultures. Yet, that was also a danger for me. Those inquisitive people wanted to know my story too. The Earth citizens in our town were naturally curious about Space Station life, so they'd ask. I managed to sell my personality as kind of reclusive--not much of a talker. It wasn't really who I was, but it was a great disguise for someone with a lot of secrets. I liked neighbours like the Alvaros, but I mostly kept to my little family.

I just wanted to blend in--not be seen.

Night and sleep were always hard for me; too much thinking. In my young life, I had learnt how different I was; but having a regular family, a regular job, and a regular life--it made me feel like I could fit in. It brought peace of mind.

Sean turned in his sleep, nuzzling up to my chest. His tiny little arms reached around me--probably looking for a breast that was not there. Mistaking me for Mommy, he rolled towards me; seeming to place an affectionate hug. He was still sound asleep, but I could feel his tiny heart beating against me.

So fragile.

So tiny.

A loud explosion filled the air.

The front door exploded; ripped open, smoke and wind billowing into the room. The door flew from its hinges and cart wheeled across the room like paper in the wind. Smoke and sunlight filled the room.

I was stunned, frozen, unprepared.

I clutched Sean tightly to my chest.

Three figures swept through the door and burst into my home.

They were soldiers in uniform.

What do you want?! I demanded. Who are you?

Don't make this harder than it has to be, one of them said through his helmet microphone.

Take off that helmet! I shouted as I started to rise, holding my baby tight in my arms. I want to see who's invading my home--you coward! Starting to rise, I held my baby tightly.

One of the soldiers grabbed my arm, jostling Sean, whose eyes opened wide, startled and he began to cry.

Quickly! The soldier closest to the door ordered.

I could hear Melissa starting to call out Tyler, Tyler, what happened?"

What are you doing? I said.

The soldier closest to me pulled harder at my arm, his other arm reached for Sean. Lashing out, I kicked him as hard as I could. He staggered backwards. Sean wailed. It was then I noticed the third soldier aiming his weapon straight at my face.

And then everything went black.

Chapter 2

Tyler! Tyler! Where's Sean?! Where's Sean?!

I was being shaken. I tried to see, squinting. Dust, smoke, and sunlight swirled in my face, blinding me. Melissa's voice was trying to break through; her desperation, terror, cutting through my unconscious stupor. Her voice, her violent attempts to drag me out of my daze; she was trying to bring me back to her world--to reality. Awakening with her two fists grabbing my shirt; heaving me upward, she was pulling me into consciousness.

Was this a dream?

The slap hit my face like a ton of bricks. With it, the memories rushed back; of the door flying across the room, the soldiers in front of me—the explosion—the baby!

Sean! I screamed, clutching my arms around my chest.

There was nothing.

My eyes opened wide.

Awake.

Conscious.

Terrified.

I saw Melissa's face in front of me; not its usual beautiful form. Her face was contorted, red. Her lips twisted in an unnatural shape. Tears were streaming down her face; her eyes—desperate. If there were any remnants of my peaceful stupor; my beloved wife's painful grimace dashed it away more rudely than the slap.

Tyler, where's Sean!

I don't know!

I'll look upstairs, I said, scaling the stairs three at a time and checking each room, banging open closet doors, flipping over my mother-in-law's mattress.

I ran back downstairs.

My baby, my baby, Melissa said, running out of the bedroom and heading towards the couch--throwing the cushions in the air, bewildered, illogical.

A crowd of neighbours were talking, loud and confused, curious and intrusive. The front entrance was now a giant jagged hole. Outside invaded our home.

What's--what's going on?! Gino said, pushing through the stunned crowd that was growing in numbers.

They've taken, they've taken Sean! Mary said to him. Out of my way! Out of my way! Don't just stand there--look for the baby--don't let them get away, she yelled at the crowd.

Melissa, Melissa, Gino cried, trying to grab her as she ran by him, pushing through the crowd,. Calm down--tell me what happened?!

I ran out—and looked up. Smoke was still sifting out the hole where our front entrance used to be.

Who were those people? Why would they take my child? Where did they take my child? I said, standing in the middle of the street. Other neighbours came out of their houses.

My window--it cracked, Mr. Lee said. His normally well-groomed short dark hair standing up in all directions.

My baby, they took my baby Melissa screamed to everyone and no one. She was already across the street, banging on doors.

I looked up in the sky. There was only a bulky delivery vehicle descending to my workplace on the edge of town--the fueling station.

The neighbours were starting to talk to each other:

What happened?

I don't know, that explosion--was it a bomb?

Not here--the Earth base is right beside us. It's impossible!

I saw them! Mrs. Lee said. I saw it in the sky--saw it come--saw it go!

Her voice was so loud and high-piercing; and she usually never raised her voice. Most of the crowd turned to her.

What you see? Gino said, holding his wife Maria in his arms, What you see Mrs. Lee?

She pointed up to the sky with her skinny arm exposed out of her worn housecoat. I saw it come down--huge--outa de sky--right down here. First, I thought it was getting cloudy. The whole sky got dark. Then it came down--right here. She pointed to the ground out front of our homes.

Look, look at the marks, Gino pointed to where Mrs. Lee said it landed. There were four large stamp marks--indents in the earthen road.

Yeah, yeah, Mrs. Lee said, It landed right here, then they came out, three of them, in uni--

Where did it go?! Where did it go?! I cried, grabbing Mrs. Lee's frail shoulders.

Straight up, Tyler, straight up in the sky.

I saw it too, another man said. I was down the street. I could hardly believe my eyes. I'd never seen a ship so big--not even a delivery vehicle--but that thing didn't move like a delivery vehicle. It darted through the air like nothing.

I saw it after the explosion, another one said. I was in the street and looked in the direction of the explosion right away. The ship left up--off in the sky--like so fast. I never saw anything move like that. I couldn't believe me, me eyes, he stammered.

The technology, I said, it had to be a government craft--who else?

Martina Lever.

Samuel Rollins.

I had to contact them.

People led me away. They talked excitedly. I was in a daze. Nothing was registering. The calm, simple life that I had managed to arrange for myself, for my family, was ripped from under my feet; and I was falling into the unknown. Melissa was somewhere on the street. I could hear her plaintive cries, but couldn't see her anymore. We were getting divided. In my paralyzed state, they had grabbed me, but Melissa was raving mad--unable to be controlled.

I could hear her screaming:

Get off of me! Get off of me! Sean! Sean!

I broke free from the arms that were holding me.

Then my next door neighbours, Gino and his wife Alyssa, grabbed me.

We go to the tower. They look at the skies, Gino said.

It's not far Tyler, Alyssa said, hugging me against her wide soft body. Look, the tower is just ahead--they'll see where they went.

As I approached, the morning sun was bright in the sky, blinding. The mountains were ominous and dark as they jutted up to form the skyline surrounding our town. Clouds were starting to creep in to what had been a perfectly blue sky. Like a tall dark shadow, the air traffic control tower stood high over the recharging station. Walking that way was my morning routine. Normally, I'd be busy preparing to charge the array of vehicles that were already starting to form a line near the various recharging bays.

I ran into the entrance of the Air Traffic Control tower. Monotonously, the security system's voice requested identification; robotically unaware of the urgency of the situation. I raised my palm before the detector and the elevator door opened. Entering, it quickly took me up to the only stop, the Control dispatch at the top.

When the doors opened, I could see Gene Weinstein and Antoine Riberdane were on shift.

Antoine jumped to his feet as I got out of the elevator, his long, skinny body at attention. He looked at me like he had something to say but couldn't quite get it out. Gene, normally quick with a sarcastic wisecrack and slow to move his giant potbelly, also looked at me, dumb faced.

Tyler, we, we, it's a ter-- Antoine said.

Did you detect the aircraft that took my son, I said.

Tyler, I don't know what… Antoine began.

So don't….answer the question, I said coldly. Where's Zane? Now that I finally need him. You gotta have seen something? You must've detected it?

Yes, we did, of course, Gene began. It was not typical though.

What do you mean?

Its maneuverability and speed were outstanding. Even before it landed here, I thought it must be one of the more advanced government aircraft. It was arriving with such speed. It set off the speeding sensor, you know, like when the government vehicles pass, but it was so low. That's what was unusual about it right from the beginning. I said to Antoine. ‘What's it flying so low for?’ The government vehicles usually are much higher...just zoom by our airspace at a very high altitude. If they're going to the Earth base they'll drop after the town. This one was coming down BEFORE the town. It wasn't normal.

My mind raced--who were these people coming for my son?

Gene continued.

Then it came right down in town, right at your house. Then the explosion. Then it left. I'm telling you…it was like it disappeared!

What do you mean----disappeared?!

I'm telling you…it went straight up in the air…and took off like…like…like it just disappeared!

This was no rinky-dink commercial vehicle transporting bottled water. This was state-of-the-art technology, I said.

Robert Zane came in, walking straight, as rigid and tall as he could make his military uniform in his short, slight frame.

Okay everyone, I'm here. Weinstein, are you tracking the ship that attacked our town?

Well Sergeant, it's not--

Zane, I interrupted Gene, shouldn't we be dealing directly with Earth base dispatch. The dome's right there, for God's sakes!

Jonz, please, let me do my job.

Gene, get Earth base dispatch on the communicator, I said.

Jonz, Zane said, I told you to let me do my job. Earth base dispatch has already been contacted. I told them I'd let them know if they're needed.

Cut the bullshit Zane! You're out of your league and you know it!

Jonz, I realize this is difficult for you, but…

But nothing…you don't have a clue how to proceed with an investigation of this magnitude!

I advanced towards Zane. Antoine gasped as I grabbed Zane's wrist, trying to pull his wrist identifier over the communications sensor.

Jonz, what do you think you're doing?! Zane protested. You know I could arrest you just for this--keep your head.

Yeah Tyler, come on, calm down. Antoine held my shoulders, pulling me away from Zane.

Maybe he's right, Sergeant Zane, Gene said. Maybe you should contact them. You're our military representative after all.

Nothing matters but getting Sean back, I said. Melissa--oh Melissa--she's somewhere in the street.

We go, we take care of her, Gino said. I had forgotten that Gino and Alyssa had brought me there. They were standing to the side, out of their natural element in the dispatch.

The elevator opened.

Don't worry about your wife. We take care of her, Gino called out as the doors closed again.

I know you're going through a difficult situation Jonz, but you still better realize there are limits, Zane warned.

Just contact Military command, get me Martina Lever…at least do that.

Zane looked at me, frowning. Who's that?

A friend, a former beat cop from the Space Station. We worked together.

Do you really think she could do a better job than--

Look, I cut him off. Just get them to find her and let me talk to her. I know you'll handle the investigation professionally. I just want to consult a former colleague..

Okay, I guess I can do that for you, Jonz.

**

Back out in the street, people were waiting out front, staring at me. My son's kidnapping had thrown the whole town out of whack. Our sleepy little town was thrust into turmoil; and they looked to me like they were children--wanting it all explained.

What the hell you want! I said.

I brushed aside a few strangers who were crowding too close to me. I went to search for my wife.

I spotted her, still on our street, people still trying to appease her, but she was moving frantically. Then she spotted me.

Tyler! Melissa cried, running into my arms.

Did you find him? she asked, looking at my face.

I looked at her, steadying my voice, and said:

No. It was a ship. They took him, but listen, I guarantee you Melissa; I'll get him back.

In the midst of her panic and pain came a fleeting look of peace to her face, belief in my declaration.

It was then that my communications wristband beeped., and Robert Zane's voice said:

I found your friend, Martina Lever. Robert Zane said. She wants to talk to you too.

Chapter 3

The office door was prestigious and large; a craftsman's loving work of carved and stained hardwood. It struck me right away. I marveled at the intricate carvings depicting scenes of people holding hands and the world complex itself. I ran my hands over the fine details, wondering how many hours it would take someone to create.

The World Council buildings were filled with these personal touches; contributions from artists and craftsmen of the community it served. It was a sign of the belief and hope that people felt were contained within those walls. I was unfamiliar with wood construction. Everything on the Space Station was far different--cold and utilitarian--made from metal and plastic composites. For me, the look of the Council buildings was exotic and different. It gave me a sense of community and history; like the walls of the building contained something beyond their inanimate nature. On the magnificent door, written in dark letters on a golden metal plaque were the words:

Mr. Samuel Rollins--World Council American Delegate

The World Council building was brand new, in the central part of the city. I heard that the city, Seattle it was called, had been a major centre with millions of people living there during its heyday. Like everywhere else, that city had been devastated, but there were still remnants of the life that was--growing in the ruins like weeds in a cracked road. I was awe-struck at this newly constructed city section near the ocean.

Flying in, you could see the ruins everywhere, with several impressive new buildings at the bay on the ocean. The city must have been beautiful before the wars. Construction was going on all around this oceanfront section, spreading the reconstruction through the ruined parts of the city. It was like a vast garden trying to survive a long hot dry summer where the gardener only had time to water one section.

That area was flowering and beautiful, surrounded by dried husks.

I pushed the door open to find my friends waiting in the office.

Tyler, they both said simultaneously. Martina was hugging me and Samuel quickly came around his desk and put a hand on my back.

Look at you two, I said, still working together.

Well, Martina said, pointing to the older Samuel, he's definitely the boss.

Yeah, things have changed a lot, eh Samuel--or I guess I should call you Delegate Rollins.

Samuel laughed and waved his hand dismissively. Martina stood tall and proud in her officer's uniform.

In here, we can go with Samuel, my boy, he said affectionately, hugging me. He tapped me on the shoulder and said: but out there, let's go with Delegate Rollins. The population might not understand a young whipper snapper like you treating me so informally.

"That's fine with me