Aardvarks to Planet X

By Chris Troman

Come on a journey through space, time, death and reality.
To learn what it truly is to be human, even when your not.
Revel in mankind’s greatest achievements, and bear witness to our darkest hours. Search for life at the ends of the universe, and beyond.
Drawing on the inspiration of classic science fiction books, films and television.
All set to the backdrop, of a soundtrack for every generation.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chris Troman
• Release date: Mar 17, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311982599

Chris Troman

I took up writing as a hobby and it has given me a great deal of pleasure. If you find reading my stories a pleasure too, then why not drop me a line at [e-mail] I'm sorry I don't do Facebook, Twitter or any of the other new style ways to chat, l grew up when an email came in an envelope, and we learnt about computer programming rather than information technology. Which I think tells more about me than an autobiography. Many thanks, Chris Troman

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Aardvarks To Planet X (And other stories)

By Chris Troman

Copyright 2016 Chris Troman

Smashwords Edition

Other books by Chris Troman

Star Wars Vader's Sister

S.W.A.T.

It Might as Well be String Theory

Merry Go Round Broke Down

Can't wait for the next thrilling instalment. Then why not visit my profile page at Smashwords .

This ebook is licenced for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favourite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Any characters or events portrayed in this book are purely fictitious and any resemblance to real people, businesses, companies or institutions either current or defunct in this universe or any parallel ones is purely coincidental.

Dedicated to Sue and Alice

I have to thank my many scientific advisors, if you don't know who you are then I picked your brains successfully, but if you have an inclination that an idle chat with me has somehow made it in some form into my works, then you will have to forgive my less than adroit burglary skills, none the less I salute you.

Welcome to my first edition of this Hexology (a set of six books, no dark arts ok). In this busy world a short story is just the job to dip in to on those spare moments of your valuable time. Come on a journey through space, time and reality in bite size morsels.

Kafiristan gazette - an instant classic, novo cuisine in novel form

Caspak times - Mr. Troman’s genius is unquestionable

The daily Pellucidar - a truly thrilling roller coaster of a book

Come on a journey through space, time, death and reality. To learn what it truly is to be human, even when your not. Revel in mankind’s greatest achievements, and bear witness to our darkest hours. Search for life at the ends of the universe, and beyond. Drawing on the inspiration of classic science fiction books, films and television. All set to the backdrop, of a soundtrack for every generation.

Contents

A Nightmare in code

Aardvarks to Planet X

Advivum

Appyness

AGATAC Wrath of God

A Girl Can't Help Herself

Another Century of British Rule

Ambulance Chaser

The Loyal Lodge

Albert and Victoria

Auto Psy

A Before E

A Brief Delay Around Calisto

An End to the World is Nigh

A is For Alpha

Angel on a Plane

Asteroid '49ers

Alter Idem

Aggressive Behaviour

Appointment with Death

Tale form Another Generation

Apes Mix the Best Drinks

Atoll of Doom

Available now

Abyss of Infinity

Another go

Actions Speak Louder Than

Attractive Forces

End Notes

A Nightmare in code

Tony flangewood was happily typing away on his tablet, as he sat on the living room floor. He was learning python, a language of the computer. The lines of instructions altered as he added bits here, deleted there, but then it all started altering like some one else was doing it, and his control was slipping away. From the speaker on the back, a slow laconic mid American voice crooned, We have your passwords, we are in control, we can see your files, and access your accounts.

Feverishly Tony tried every button but he was locked out, a passive prisoner to this invasion of his property and privacy. He flipped the tablet over and scrabbled for the back, it came loose and soon the batteries were in his hand. But still the voice continued, how could that be? Laconically stating we are draining account number. It was coming from next to his ear; the stereo was now being utilized in this macabre game of cat and mouse, as he was informed over the airwaves of his electronic dismemberment.

We are sending e mails to your friends and loved ones, inviting them to open the virus we've added. He spun the dial but all stations were broadcasting the same laconic message. Diving round the back Tony pulled the plug out, but still the same voice carried on. This time from the television, just a blank screen and his tormentor’s voice. We have erased your cherished photos from all the electronic devices you own, and wiped your cloud account blank. Tony sank to his knees and sobbed as his world fell apart.

Then a new voice came out of television. This is a general announcement by the F.B.I. internet division, the malevolent force you were just listening to has been neutralized. Tony looked up, all their claims are false, and you have not been hacked, in fact. The voice took on a more jovial tone, "This has been a multi media broadcast from the Mercury Theater wishing you a happy Halloween. And remember, don't have nightmares Tony.

Aardvarks to planet x

I first heard it through the screams of hysterical laughter,Aardvarks to planet x. It was coming from a roped off area of an exclusive nightclub, Why I was there is not important, a chance mistake on the guest list, I took it and glad I did. It meant I was there right from the start.

Let me explain, a group of very rich wiz kids were whooping it up and loudly out bragging each other. I can build a bridge across the Atlantic. So I could tunnel strait through the earth. Each getting louder, then James Conrich the wealthiest wiz kid of them all yelled Aardvarks to planet x. The others looked bemused Waa slurred one, talk sense another. Well Conrich reconsidered his statement blinking, I could make a sky lift to take animals with no ill effects of g force and lower them back on say, the Moon, smooth as you like. The others just sat and stared, then a babble of can’t be done, impossible, and just the booze talking.

Incensed by this obvious objection to his claim, he looked at the group with a withering gaze, stood ramrod strait and intoned. Gentlemen within the year I will do as I have said, and a million bucks says I will. Then he just sat back down and eye balled each in turn. Jerry, a squat chap put out his hand and laughed. Your on, I could do with a few new yachts. They shook hands and then with the ball now rolling, each of the others shook James hand firmly, pledging to honour the bet. That was how I first learnt about the most ambitious project man had embarked on in the history of the world.

A few weeks later I was flicking through the positions available in the Daily Planet. I like to keep an eye out for a better opportunity, although my job at the university chemistry department paid enough, the work seemed too much of a treadmill. I wanted cutting edge, and I just had safe. Just then an advert caught my eye, James Conrich is seeking fresh ideas in the chemical industry. If you can cut it at the edge of engineering, he wants to see you. There was a phone number, which I immediately dialed. The automated voice began after a couple of rings. Please state name and university or company attached to. I reeled off the required information, then nonplussed I went to work.

By mid morning I was engrossed in a tricky problem with covalent bonds between amino acids, when a knock came at my laboratory door. A man in a grey suit was waiting outside, and he asked if I were Doctor Henry Mallow. Yes I am. Then would I spare some time to have a chat with Mr. Conrich? Startled, I assented and grabbed my coat, and locking up the lab followed him down the hall. He led me to a plain car, one of the new Electro 3000's that Conrich’s factories churn out by the million. Sat in the back, I was driven across town to an impressive office building, and was soon zooming up to the fifteenth floor. My temporary chauffer led me to a closed door and knocked. Please wait here he intoned, and departed back down again.

The door flew open and my hand was being shaken with vigor, as James Conrich warmly welcomed me in. He was like a Walt Disney of engineering from what I had read. Doctor Mallow, a pleasure to meet you, sit down. He indicated a luxurious white sofa, which I was soon ensconced on, as he paced up and down telling me what a fine fellow I was. Read my history and knew I was just the man for a job he had in mind. Have a drink and he thrust a glass of juice in my hand. I sipped it, while he explained how he had got the car industry all turned round, with his popularizing the electric car. The thing is to see the whole picture he stared at me with those warm blue eyes, I agreed and on he went. When he got resistance he just plain fought it, fire with fire.

They said my cars were too quiet, they'd sneak up on pedestrians. So he got a team to recreate a muscle car feel. All that noise and vibration, electronically recreated in one of my zero emission cars. They said the power stations supplying the electricity still burned good old oil. So he looked to the wide-open spaces, bought up plain desert cheep, and installed vast arrays of solar panels. His were the best, based on infrared antenna to collect the power. Just heat he laughed. You know Tesla was on to it way back then, wanted to transmit power through the air. Well some genius got to thinking with that set up I wouldn’t need to send it, just get it free. Spent a lifetime and got nowhere, then I came along and bought the patient. Great deal but I saw him right, wouldn't do a man down for not reaching the finishing line. Then he put a team on it and got the final pieces in the jigsaw.

So free fuel for my cars and no need to send expensive delivery trucks to the middle of nowhere. I could build my refilling stations anywhere, so you never got stuck between two towns out of gas. Not too good every ware though, some places don't get enough sun, but the south made up for that, and we even installed our collectors where people were just letting heat float off into the air.

He paused for a moment remembering where he was. I broke the hold those oil barons had, but they’ve still got industry and the domestic market for now. He winked but I'm not here to rattle on about me, as I said before, read your achievements and thought that's our man. I interrupted him is it for your plan to build a sky lift? That stopped him in his tracks like a freight train, suddenly looking like he was x-raying me.

How do you know about that, if Jerry's got to you to scupper my bet. I cut across him, keen to allay his fears. No Mr. Conrich sir, I happened by chance to be in the Roxy's ghost the night you made your claim, aardvarks to planet x and smiled weakly. Then just like a passing hawk he beamed again. Good man, but don't go all formal on me Mr. Conrich was my father, James or J.C. if your into that wiz kid chat. We're all equal here, if you've got an idea just come out and say it that's what feeds the world, some bosses think the world revolves around them, and off he went again with the passion I always saw in him.

Some time ago the powers that be, thought our world was at the center of the universe, then science proved them wrong. But current big band theory says that the spark which set all this going, he waved his hands as if to embrace the world didn’t happen in one place. Like spots on the surface of a balloon that expanded, so every ware is the center of the universe. Which I suppose makes those old guys right, except everywhere else is the center too. He paused to recollect his thoughts, the thing I'm getting at is everyone is at the center of the universe, and every idea we have is just as valid. So do you want to sail on my ship to a bright future?

I nodded my assent yes Mr. Con. and I stopped myself leaning forward to grasp his hand firmly, James, I would love to. He beamed, as he stood there fully charged, like an athlete after a good work out. I felt invigorated too, he had a way of charging your vigor with his presence. Conrich turned to the intercom on his desk. Miss Jones can you arrange for Doctor Mallow to have a leave of absence from his university post. A generous donation to the deans pet project.

He turned to me and asked if tomorrow was good. I had little to pack and nodded in assent, next he scribbled a figure on a note pad and passed it over. Will this plus benefits suffice? It was ten times what I was earning. Gladly I replied and with a curt nod he beamed. I don't like to talk money, but if a man's worth anything I'll let him know, so it's settled. Henry is waiting to return you to your home, or if you need anything from your lab? I shook my head, then I’ll see you tomorrow. We're moving the nerve center of my operations out to the project ground zero, so to speak. I was soon home packing what scant effects I might need. Mostly it was reference books.

The next day dawned and I pinched my self in case it was all a dream, but no, there were my cases packed and ready for the off. The bell rang and Henry ushered me into a large car. For your things he replied to my enquiring look. Soon packed we set off towards the airport. I had expected to be taken to a private lounge, but after assuring me my bags would be taken care of, my driver directed me through the main doors.

Conrich was standing inside just chatting to a group of suited men, when he saw me he walked over and clapped me on the back. Glad to see you Henry he said as he led me across the terminal. When I fly I like to use the same planes all my customers use, no private jets. He indicated the check in desks, one of which read fly Rich air. I don't need a better slogan than that, it sells itself, of course my planes do have that extra twist. He had pioneered the single wing design, effectively the whole plane being one wing, it still used aviation fuel but the design dropped the liter per kilo of the load. True there were no window seats, but with the micro cameras installed all round the outside, every seat could be a window seat. Of course I wanted every seat to be the same. All first class, but the number crunchers showed me their figures, and folks just don't equate one class with first class, just no class, he sighed.

So the planes still had that exclusive area reserved for those who had, while those who had not were content with thinking they had a bargain. The thing is first class service costs a lot less than the price difference, but that's human nature for you, he looked glum. Then in an instant he was back to normal. When I fly I like a party, a captain of industry must be in control of his ship, but for a short while at least I can hand over the wheel to the pilot, can't do much else really.

We had reached the desk where a well-dressed lady was haranguing the check in clerk. I don't want another flight, I'm lady Fits Milton and I want a first class seat on this flight. The check in clerk was trying to politely explain that a special party had booked the whole of first class, as Conrich strode up to the desk. My dear lady Fits Milton I'm afraid I'm the cause of your distress, I would be honored if you would join me and my party on our journey. He turned to the clerk who was much relieved, and asked him to check the lady’s bags, no charge. She's my guest. She proffered her hand, and he took it.

My thanks Mr. Conrich, and call me Cynthia, it seems rank does have it's privileges. If I hadn't needed a first class seat I wouldn't be getting a free lift as it were, and from such a gracious host. Conrich smiled. Exactly, and now if you will accompany my friend Henry to the first class lounge. I'm sure my associates will welcome you into our happy throng.I turned to follow, but she was already striding off, her sunglasses now blocking out the world, and a pink hand case rattling behind.

As I quickly followed intending to catch up, I glanced over my shoulder and saw Conrich instructing the check in clerk. The clerk was beaming as he nodded. By the time I caught up, Cynthia was surrounded by the group from the lobby. They were politely laughing at her comments. Just then the announcement came over the Tannoy. Flight RA376 to Benson Arizona is now boarding, as Conrich came through the double doors.If you will accompany me lady and gentlemen, I cordially invite you to my cocktail party on the wing.

We were soon ushered through security, and passing down the flexible corridor connecting the terminal to our jet. Every now and then I got a glimpse through a window of the huge triangle, gleaming white and emblazoned with Rich air at strategic points. The first class cabin with wide spaces between the seats looked more like a club, with a finishing touch of a small portable bar at one end. A myriad of coloured bottles were strapped to the back wall, and an inscrutable looking bartender stood at attention. We took our seats and I saw the bar tender did too. Then amid polite chat we were soon up in the air. With the seat belt sign off I made my excuses and headed for the lavatory at the back of the room.

Refreshed I stepped out, and heard the muffled tones of our pilot coming through a door that led to standard class. Conrich had his way with that. No economy class, pride should cost nothing. And I would also like to extend a welcome from Mr. Corich, owner of Rich air. He cordially invites you to a free trip on him, vouchers for air miles are being handed out to the value of this flight. Once more enjoy your time with Rich air. Cheers were breaking out as the general level of babble rose. This side of the door all this went unnoticed as I returned to my seat. I noticed lady Fits Milton displaying enough jewelry to pay the air miles now being dished out.

I turned to Conrich but he had stood and was now addressing the company as a whole. May I introduce you eminent men and lady, nod to Cynthia to our guest speaker Sam Wellerby, a professor no less. He paused for effect "of mixology. What Sam doesn’t know about the chemistry of the cocktail is not worth knowing. So without further