The Girl in the Tank: #8 Escape to Shin: The Galactic Consortium, #8

By R. J. Eliason

As the rest of the crew returns home to the surface, Cheyenne heads further into the Consortium. But they will all face challenges as they adjust to life after their weeks on board the Corelean. 

The Galactic Consortium: 
Less than five months ago, lights appeared in the sky. Days later the ships started to arrive. They call themselves the Consortium. They are human, or at least Simian, descending from the same genetic line as humans. They terraformed this planet centuries ago, sent settlers a mere forty thousand years ago. Now they are back, ready to begin the exploration of this galaxy. 

For Cheyenne Walker, Chief Petty Officer aboard the Cambridge, a USS destroyer, the arrival of the Consortium is just one more obstacle to finishing her final tour of duty and getting home to her kids. The political upheaval forces the US into an uneasy alliance with the Consortium against China, and puts the Cambridge on the edge of a nuclear blast. 

Cheyenne wakes to find herself aboard the Corelean, a Consortium Medical Evacuation ship. Floating in a medi-tank, she wonders if they really can’t repair the wreck of her body, whether these newcomers are friends or foes and most importantly, will she ever make it back to children?

• Language: English
• Publisher: R. J. Eliason
• Release date: May 14, 2016
• ISBN: 9781533716293

R. J. Eliason

R. J. Eliason writes immersive science fiction and fantasy stories that feature diverse characters. Her writing spans many sub-genres from alien contact, apocalyptic stories and epic fantasy. She also writes in a wide variety of formats, from full length novels to an ongoing serialized adventure. Her writing can be found in digital and print formats anywhere online that books are sold. Or check out her website at rj.eliason.com and sign up for a free book. 

Book preview

I dedicate this to the hundreds of sci-fi fans I’ve met over the years. Your many discussions and suggestions about how things might be and my reactions to those suggestions have gone, in some fashion, into this serial.

CHAPTER ONE

Career Minister Ephram Blumenthal is one cagey bastard, Jack thought. Like most career diplomats, Blumenthal had learned to play his cards close to his chest. It was a joy to see him work, but it was far less of a joy to be on the receiving end. You just never knew where you stood. He could praise you in a way that made you feel like you’d been cut to the bone or lambast your performance while you giving you the vague notion you’d done the right thing. Like right now.

So, let me make sure I have this straight, Blumenthal was saying. You thought it would be a good idea to let Miss Walker take her kids and get on a spaceship headed for Shin Station, knowing full well there may be a pending custody case involving those kids. Someone want to explain why that seemed like a good idea?

There was a nervous silence. Barry, standing next to Jack, coughed. The two were standing in the US Consulate’s temporary office on Shoshone Station. Jack looked out the window behind Blumenthal and was treated to a breathtaking view of the eastern half of the United States sprawled out beneath him. Umm, well, sir— he began.

Actually, Barry interrupted him. It was like this, sir. I . . . He withered under Blumenthal’s stare and then recovered. I took them up to the space port, because, well, Jack there was the one who knew about the custody battle, and I was the one who let them go. So you see, it was a simple misunderstanding.

And, sir, as of right now, we don’t know there’s a custody battle, Jack put in, not wanting Barry to take the fall for everything.

We don’t?

No, sir. We only know there is a potential for one . . . that is, the ex said some things, but he’s not filed any motions.

Well, you’d better hope that he doesn’t. And even more, you better hope the press doesn’t get wind that we let Cheyenne take her kids into Consortium jurisdiction knowing the ex intended to dispute the move.

Yes sir, Barry snapped.

Yes sir, what?

Yes sir, I am certainly hoping that.

Jack bit back a snort. Blumenthal just shook his head. Remind me again why I don’t just fire the pair of you? he asked.

Jack gulped.

Umm, you like us? Barry offered.

We’ll fix this problem, Jack said. Or turn it to our advantage.

You’ll fix this problem, Blumenthal replied, standing. He went over and stared out the window, down on the country they all served. And I think you’ll stay right here until you do so.

What? Barry and Jack said together.

Blumenthal shrugged. We have a new consulate office. Someone’s got to manage it. You two get the job, and you get to keep an eye on the whole Walker situation, right?

Right, of course, sir. Jack responded, his heart skipping beats. Not only were they not being punished, they were being offered a huge promotion, managing a consulate office.

Good, I need to head back Washington today. In a few days, I’m heading to Saras Station with a few senior staff, to set up an office there. This office will be our go-between. You two, flip a coin or whatever to see who stays and keeps the office open. Both of you need to make arrangements to move up here.

Yes sir, they said together.

Blumenthal started toward the door. Barry seemed elated. Jack was nervous, waiting for the hammer to drop. They could not possibly have gotten off this lightly. Blumenthal was at the door when it finally dropped.

Oh and by the way, boys, he said. We don’t have visa or immigration policies ironed out yet. That means you’ll have to review and approve each request individually. I’m sure you’ll do fine.

The door shut behind him with a snap.

Jack swallowed. Review each case individually? Ugh.

######

When Cheyenne woke, her face felt tight and she had a headache. She grumbled and lifted her head from Lana’s shoulder. Oh, my head, she groused.

The gel only works so long, Lana said. The patches are not working, and they are beginning to peel.

Will I be okay? Cheyenne asked. There was a movement at her side. Mackenzie was awake and looking at Lana in alarm.

Will she? Mackenzie asked.

Your life signs are good, Lana said. And we are already starting to maneuver into the station. I have contacted the station and have a tank ready at a nearby facility. You will be fine.

Janda appeared, talking animatedly to a young lady. He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and waved her on as he found his seat. The steward was making his rounds again, helping people get strapped in. James woke groggily as they buckled him in. The ship maneuvered for another half hour or so before there was a muted thud of contact. Another five minutes passed while the seals were set and the ramp lowered.

They were off-loaded in small groups. They headed down the ramp. At the bottom, there was only one round room. There was a railing several feet from the wall of the room. An attendant said, Now, as I am sure most of you know, the ship is docked at the bottom of Shin Station. If you could please all hold on to the railing.

Cheyenne grabbed the railing, not sure what to expect. First, the floor dropped like an elevator. Then the entire room spun like a coin being flipped. There was a momentary vertigo as up became down and down became up. And then it was over. They rose into the middle of a huge room, where they left the circle and made for one side of the room. Cheyenne looked back and saw the circular plate drop again to retrieve the next group of passengers.

A cart was parked near the entrance, loaded down with luggage. They retrieved their bags,