Milli Lands Onward

By Alpert L Pine

Eight-year old Milli is learning to fly a starship. She is one of the most naturally gifted pilots that Franklin Abe, Captain of the Onward, has ever seen. Even if she is so small, her feet don't reach the pedals and she can't see out of the windscreens.

Together with the Captain and Milli are the young woman Carmen Peach, the ship's greenthumb; Flint, the gruff old mechanic; Sanja Souza, the strange boy whom the others call Gifted; and a cat and dog. A strange family, but one Milli enjoys being a part of.

When an emergency places the lives of everyone on board in Milli's hands, it's up to the young girl to bring the Onward safely down to the ground. The only thing is -- she's never attempted a landing before. Now, the lives of those closest to her are in her hands.

A stand-alone science fiction adventure short story set within the universe of the Many Worlds Saga. Approximately 4800 words.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alpert L Pine
• Release date: Jan 16, 2016
• ISBN: 9781310665998

Alpert L Pine

Alpert L Pine lives and writes in a small cabin, off the grid, in the Northwest United States. Once per week, he treks to the nearest town on foot—rain, snow or shine—and spends the day transferring his material into a digital format, with the help of the kindly librarians whom he has befriended. When he's not writing, he spends much of his time with a metal detector, looking for a rumored Templar treasure which is said to be buried somewhere nearby. To date, he's found a few nails, an old Liberty head penny, and a strange amulet.For free stories, news about past and future releases, and more, visit his website: AlpertLPine.com

Book preview

Milli Lands Onward

by Alpert L Pine

Copyright 2016 Alpert L Pine

Rowing Upstream Publishing

Smashwords Edition

Contents

Milli Lands Onward

About the Author

Also by Alpert L Pine

Milli Lands Onward

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Are you sure you want to press that button?" Captain Abe peered down his nose at Milli, one eyebrow arched. He rubbed his gray and black beard.

Milli looked at her finger, poised above the green button. There, just beside it, were a pair of circular temperature dials—the needles right where they should be. On the other side, a trio of switches. All three were flipped to the 'On' position.

Which meant the green button would fire the launch engines.

Yes, she said. And then she pushed it, held it down for a second. The ship shuddered; the engines roared to life.

Now? prompted the captain.

"I set the angle of the thrusters to go up. For an ascent, she clarified, reading correctly his narrowed eyes. She turned the wheels controlling the two engines. Like this." Milli set the appropriate angles.

And then I give it some gas.

Throttle.

Right, said Milli. She stepped on the gas—throttle—pedal and the engines responded. The ship lurched upwards, away from the ground. She and Captain Abe rocked in their seats.

You've got it, he said. There was a smile appearing on his face.

Milli guided the ship up into the air, away from the landing pad.