Soldier Where Art Thou?

By Chris Troman

Journey once more to realms of possibility, to explore just where the future might take us. As the human condition is set against a backdrop of infinity, and the measure of the soul is put in the balance. A new flavor is given to the mix of science fiction tales of wonder to make you cry and laugh, and perhaps send a shiver down your spine.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chris Troman
• Release date: Aug 15, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370179237

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

Book preview

Soldier Where Art Thou? (And other stories)

By Chris Troman

Copyright 2016 Chris Troman

Smashwords Edition

Other books by Chris Troman

Star Wars Vader's Sister

Aardvarks to Planet X

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 second 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.

Chris Troman has fantasies beyond my pricing scale Dr. Schaden Freude psychiatric institute of Deutschland.

This patient is obviously making this up. I prescribe a course of being hit with a wet haddock Professor Natas, Goatham University.

Lock him up and throw away the key I say Dr. Oubliette the institute on Mystery Island.

Nancy finds out what's on the menu, while Bernard tries to keep off it. On the next table Francois and the professor finally decide on wine with their lunch, and Bruce plumps for the local barbecue. Just over from him Phinn and Mr. Gimlet get a taste of things to come, and Tom enjoys a bottle or five of Champaign with Jerry. For a full three course's of futuristic tales of wonder to get your literary juices flowing, tuck in to the second volume of the Hexology in seven parts.

As you may have gathered from my short description of this book, we are off to meet some old friends as well as getting cordially introduced to new acquaintances. While various worlds flesh out more, mainly to keep them spinning on their axis. So enjoy this second helping of scientific exploration.

Contence

Soldier where art thou?

She's not you

Space zombies to the rescue

Sinkholes in the sun

Someone to watch over me

Soft-top

Switch

Stats entertainment

Meeting mister Banks

Sheep in wolves clothing

S.W.A.T. part 2

Secret room

Scarecrow

Suit you sir

Smudge

Star map

Stego saw us

The longest day, a hicher's tale

Steps to Heaven

Sans nacelle

Stuck in time

Squirrels store nuts

Sedna

Superfast teleport

Surplus

Sine quo non and on and on

End notes

Soldier where art thou?

The white marble tombstone occupied the patch of grass, like a single tooth. On it were just four words, soldier where art thou? There were millions of monuments exactly like this one. One for every village, all across the globe. A testament to a profession no longer needed, on a world without war.

The tall green professor entered his lecture theater, and through a speaker he addressed his students. "Galactic warfare lesson forty two, the pacified population. I present the case study of the Spindleywick's invasion of planet Earth. The planet had been under observation for some time. In fact the Draconix Empire had placed a communication cloaking net about the planet. But by chance, a Spindleywick scout ship found the net. Prompting a full invasion force by that civilization.

Although the Earth supported a lesser race, it didn't seem to have even the most basic defense warning system. Not that they would have been much use against a Spindleywick death flotilla. So the battle fleet surrounded the planet, to defend their prize from surprise attacks off more advanced civilizations. You remember the Draconix Empire had an interest in the planet. Then the ground forces descended and pacified the locals. This proved surprisingly easy, and very few locals had to be shot. Before the commanders realized the population, far from mounting any resistance. Actually welcomed the troopers. While their fellow humans, lay dead at their feet."

The lecturer paused after his introduction, and indicated the screen above him. Which had begun to shimmer. He continued, We will first view an extract from the video diary of high lord Carbonetti, of the fifty-third Spindleywick battle fleet. The screen showed a Spindleywick command room, of a D class battle cruiser. Various tentacled blue technicians were pouring over the flashing controls, as the ship approached the blue green planet.

One technician broke off from his desk and approached the high lord, resplendent in his jewel-encrusted uniform. Sir I have a report on the Draconix net. It seems to be an ancient design, but it also is in very good repair. The Draconix Empire must have been monitoring this planet for eons. High lord Carbonetti stirred in his commend chair, and let his underling be privy to his private musings. So they were either waiting for this backward race to become worth invading. Or they expected them to destroy themselves, and make way for a more promising civilization to harvest. He fixed the technician with a steely glare, and then continued to bounce his speculations off the junior officer. Well I think the time is ripe, after all while the Draconix is away the Spindleywick can collect the pay. Prepare for planetary attack.

The screen went blank, and the lecturer paused for his students to finish making notes before he continued. We will now view an extract from the archives of one commander Panchetta. The commander in charge of the occupation of where the locals called North America. The screen sprang to life again and emblazed across it read the words, Personal log of commander Panchetta, Subject, invasion of planet 327.3, locally known as Earth. Galactic star date 37652793384.271. The scene was in the commander's ready room, and a medical officer stood before his superior. Sir, I have prepared a report on local physiognomy. He shifted restlessly in the stare of such an impressive figure before him. Go on man Panchetta prompted. All the locals seem to have a prosthetic attachment on their left fore arm. He tried to indicate with his tentacles, but the anatomy of the Spindleywicks being somewhat different from Humans, made it a poor impression. So he continued verbally.

It seems to be a device for controlling their emotional state. Which is why they remained passive during our initial wave of the occupation. The commander leaned forward, intrigued by the medical officer's report. Can you get one in here? I'd like to question the beast personally. Are you sure the device is not dangerous? No sir, we examined the devices removed from dead Humans, and they seem to be of a medical nature only. It detects the level of certain chemicals in their blood stream, and the administers drugs to suit. The Commander waved him away, and then the time on the film jumped to several hours later.

A man in a simple smock was led in between two Spindleywick troopers. A metallic device covered the whole of his forearm. It was not too cumbersome, but it was impossible not to notice it. Ah Human, don't worry I haven't got you here for dissection. The man blanched at these words, he was getting over excited at this. Then suddenly the device on his wrist intoned levels of adrenalin too high, administering 50cc of Phenol Carbonate. His expression immediately changed, he was a dullard once more.

The commander continued, What is the purpose of your arm jewelry? He waved a tentacle at the item. The man swallowed, as if unaccustomed to interrogation. It is for the Uppers, so we don't forget, He blushed. Forget what man? pressed the commander. The end of war sir answered the figure, as he stood now trembling before commander Panchetta. May I go sir, it's curfew. The man was visibly shaking now. Oh I think in the present circumstances, you may stay up late the commander chortled. But struggling between the two guards, the prisoner began foaming at the mouth. Within seconds he was slumped dead between them. What a duce strange fellow remarked the commander. Then turning to the medical officer he enquired, What are these upper of which he spoke?

According to our research sir Uppers along with Downers, seem to be slang terms on this planet for drugs that keep their mood in a neutral state. They do seem to refer to them a lot. I think it may be how they have eliminated war. The commander laughed. Fools, did they think they were alone in the universe. And one day some one wouldn't come down and get them. Mind you it's lucky for us they did. Even luckier the Draconix didn't get here first. So why did he sort of die when I wouldn't let him go? They must take this curfew of theirs pretty seriously.

The medical officer checked his notes. I think it's a function of the arm device sir. It obviously needs recharging with the drugs it administers and power. So if it is not plugged in at a set time, it may run out. They must have developed a curfew. If broken, the subject is administered Cyanide. It seems to be deadly to this species. You learn something new every day chortled the commander, and the film ended.

The lecturer let the last of the studious note takers finish, before continuing. "It seems that the idyllic life the Humans had forced upon themselves, had backfired on them. And until the Spindleywicks arrived it had been an idyllic set up. Each toiled according to his will, in an entirely agrarian civilization. Every person was content due to his or her unusual use of drugs, and as we shall see they had even erased illness.

The lecturer indicated another film about to begin. The title read, meeting between under lord Bolnogya and lieutenant Vastinu. The two Spindleywicks sat in a site office. Through a window was a strip mine, with Humans toiling to dig out earth with hand tools. The lieutenant spoke first. Sir, despite our best efforts, we seem to be unable to find any ore in the top layers of the planet's surface. It's as if they have been mined out long ago. He superior looked none too plussed as he ruffled his papers. And what's this about you having problems with importing labor? The underling showed embarrassment as only a Spindleywick could. They seem to die if they can't be returned to their assigned hut by curfew. We shipped a load in to help with this mine, and by the end of the day it was cyanide-ara for the lot of them. We wouldn't even be able to export them as slaves. They wouldn't last the journey.

By now his superior was clutching at straws, for any positive news. But we seem to be getting a good work load out of the ones already here. I didn't see any of them in the medical station, when I did a tour of inspection. The lieutenant clearly didn't seem too happy with this supposedly good news. The thing is sir, that if they become too injured to carry on working. Those dam wrist things finish them off, like it's putting them down. It does the same with illness too. We had a few down with Beatazoid flu. I thought it would spread through the population, but no. The wrist devices detected the virulent nature of the disease, and euthanized the ones that had it before it had a chance to spread. His commander signed. It looks like these Humans are of little use, you can't even torturer them for fun. Once they've endured so much, they just foam at the mouth and fall down dead.

The scene ended and the lecturer announce to his students, there will be a short break, please be back in a quarter of an hour. Then he headed for a side door. After the break the lecturer continued. Finally one bright spark did have an idea how to handle the Humans. As is shown in this interview with sub lieutenant Pyrenees, and his commanding officer. It must have been mid summer, as both Spindleywick officers were sweating. Sir, if we can get hold of humans young enough, surly they won't have had time to get those dam arm bands fitted. His tired looking commander shuffled some papers on his desk. You've not been on the ground for long have you Pyrenees. Feel free to study the life cycle of these creatures, for all the good it will do you. As far as I can see, they're born fully formed with the bracelets on." Then he waved his subordinate away.

The film faded, and the follow up interview some little time later began. It was the same office, but now the fresh face sub lieutenant looked haggard too. Sir, these Humans are just impossible. They seem to appear full size, with the armbands attached. It doesn't help that they look so alike. Whenever we find one has turned up we set a guard, but then no more come until we have gone away. As you know torture does no good, they just up and die on us before we can get any useful information out of them. I tell you this planet with its lack of useful minerals, and the weird unusable population is just a waste of Spindleywick time and resources.

The film faded, and all eyes fell once more on the lecturer. Which is why high lord Carbonetti finally gave the order to eradicate all the humans. There were a number of coughs among the audience, as students shuffled uneasily in their seats.

She's Not You

The pain was almost unbearable, but now he had no choice in the matter. And at least this would end. Not like that other pain, the dull ache in his heart. That had driven him to this.

The blood colored the ice-cold water. He had thought it would deaden the feeling in his wrists. But still it hurt so badly, and he wondered for how much longer. Aaron's mind drifted back through the pain, to that fateful day. It marginally dulled the pain swilling about his mind, as well as his wrists.

He had begged them not to bring her in. It was a travesty. How could anyone, let alone a thing replace Sarah? And then he saw her. She wore that dress; the same one Sarah had worn when he first met her in the park. Then Aaron caught that aroma of sweet Lilacs. She turned her head the way Sarah always did, and smiled. And Aaron's heart had melted.

It could have broken in to a thousand pieces where he stood. But the experts at Loved Ones Ltd. knew their craft, and plied it well. It was as if Sarah had never died. Her soft blue eyes bore in to his heart, and dragged him back from the brink of despair. He had fallen in to it, when Precious, Aaron's pet name for his beloved, had died so suddenly.

He had taken her in his arms, and they had just stood. Lost in a moment snatched back from the cruel hand of death. And Aaron caressed that soft hair he knew so well. Sarah, the new Sarah had been meticulously created from Aaron's memories. She matched his every expectation of his dead wife. She was perfect in every way.

When Aaron became distracted, as if he were remembering the accident. And she could tell, it was in her very make up. Aaron's new wife somehow always found some little way, to subtly cheer him from the blue funk he had slipped in to. She found him playing a record of that song. The one he and precious had first danced to. And tenderly slipping her hand over his shoulder, she drew him up in to her arms. Aaron moved around the room with her in a daze of memory. The one word ever on his lips that he never dared to intone, precious.

Until she drew him closer and their lips met. And like the sealing of a spell, Aaron knew she had returned. But still in the bliss he had returned to, somewhere deep down, in a locked chamber of his heart. The truth still sat in an endless scream of she's not you. Ever present, but just on the edge of his consciousness. It gnawed at the joy he seemed to have snatched back.

But the voice was too quite to give more than ripples on the surface of his soul, until today. When the waters of despair had broken through the man made dam of his heart. And Aaron found himself staring in to the fateful mirror hung over the basin. He knew what he must do. And so as the last of his life's blood ebbed away, Aaron sank to his knees. Like a sacrifice at the alter.

That was how she found him. She tried to stop the flow, but it was all too late. How could he leave her like this? They had been so happy together. If only he had told her, given some sign. Crouching over his now still frame, Sarah took in every mark on his face. The now dead eyes, the final pained expression. Then looking down through her tears she noticed the card in his top pocket, Loved ones Ltd. and a telephone number. Numbly rising like automation, Sarah stumbled over to the telephone. She dialed the number, and choking back her tears she waited for the salesman to answer. Hello, I want to place an order, yes it's my husband.

Space Zombies to the Rescue

The sleek craft rose from the surface of Rhea. And flashed as its metallic hull caught the faint sun's rays, mirrored by the glistening rings surrounding Saturn. Its path took a textbook arc, ready for its journey to Earth. That was when Watch Station thirty-two, orbiting Titan noticed the craft's ping on its radar. This is watch station thirty-two, please identify your self. The officer of the watch demanded, over the airwaves. There was a faint hiss, then a cracked reply emitting for his speaker. This is research vessel Kappa Two Delta, on rout for Earth, over. The officer checked the identity against his list of known vessels. It checked out, O.K. enjoy your trip. There was a crackle but no reply. Ignorant scientists, the officer swore.

But just then his attention was drawn from the radio, as he noticed the second radar. The reply had not come from the vessel, but from Rhea itself. Come in vessel Kappa two Delta, what is your security code? There was no reply, but on the screen he saw the errant ship suddenly take a direct rout towards the rings of the planet. He slammed his hand down on a red button, and over the loud siren now ringing in his ears, he heard the pilots of the sleek death ships. As they announced their launch cries, Let slip the dogs of war.

The two hawks of space shot like arrows, on a course for their prey. They were almost within firing range, when the target changed course. It dived in to the icy river flowing round Saturn, mere seconds away from electric death. Cursing the pilots changed direction too. But each time they tried to catch this