Starship Genesis

By TeleGraphics LLC

TerraNoor's smaller sun is going supernova as the Starship Genesis crew scours the universe for uninhabited planets capable of supporting life. Its mission changes when the Genesis crashes on an unknown blue planet.

Thousands of years into the future an undercover DEA agent is lost in the jungle wilderness of Peru. Fleeing from the drugs lords, he collapses from a large spider's bite. Falling down into a creek, he discovers a sparkly, crystal object in the water shaped like an egg. Its bright pastel colors radiate like a throbbing jewel. "Who knows? Maybe it would have made me rich"...Then I succumb to my fate.

In another time and place, archeologists Matthew Vaughan, Ray Smith and their team are recruited by former Navy Seal, Mark Valentine, to conduct a secret government investigation of an ancient wreckage in Peru. “Funny,” Ray says. “I’ve always imagined a climb like this on Mount Nebo in Turkey looking for Noah’s Ark. And now we’re hunting for a UFO.”

Mark laughs. “Fact is always stranger than fiction,” he tells everyone.

• Language: English
• Publisher: TeleGraphics LLC
• Release date: Mar 3, 2018
• ISBN: 9780692949993

TeleGraphics LLC

Linda Mobley Miller co-authored Starship Genesis with Marcus De Moberleigh. Starship Genesis, a scify-adventure, is their first book with a second book in the making to form a series of three books. Starship Genesis is not your typical Sci-fy, in that we wanted to combine the story line with Ancient Aliens, UFOs, archeology, mythical creatures, theology, and time travel. And no story works without treachery, humor, and romance. We included all of that. Starship Genesis is fast-paced with action and technology, plus high adventure and is appropriate for all audiences. Linda is a graphic designer/artist by trade. She also owns her own publishing business, TeleGraphics LLC of northern Virginia. Other hobbies include writing music and lyrics, photography, and video editing. Playing chess and relaxing with her family and kitties on the back porch is a favorite as well.

Book preview

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Marcus de Moberleigh

This book was inspired by an archeological dig which occurred in Peru during the late 1950’s or early 1960’s. Archeologists discovered mummies of children and women buried in clay pottery. Each was beautifully dressed. Peru, with all of its archeological sites, including Machu Picchu and the Nazca lines implies a much more sophisticated technology than the early Incas civilization were capable of. Many writers generalize that an extraterrestrial people are responsible.

Generations have studied the night skies, wondering who and where we came from. That often presents a conflict with Christianity and evolution. Did man originate on this world?

Could life be an adventure that God has given us? Is this life’s journey supposed to be a test environment? I deem it very likely that for all the conditions on this world to exist and for life to live upon it, that someone, somewhere had a hand in it. Life certainly gives us opportunities to grow and learn from our mistakes. I believe there is someone out there and He is cheering us on!

Linda M. Miller

Marcus and I both came up with similar ideas for this book and decided to combine our works together. That was back in 2012 when the Mayan Calendar was often speculated to be the end of the world. We decided to have fun with that. I’ve always followed the early astronauts and space shuttle missions. I’m a true Sci-Fi and Trekkie nut. Although, reality tells me I would never want to leave a perfectly good planet.

We owe many thanks to our spouses and others who have contributed their ideas and suggestions, as well as proofing our terrible grammar! Thanks to Melissa and David. We’d also like to thank Miranda for her great suggestions and guidance. We couldn’t have done this without them.

PROLOGUE

One more week and I’ll be home again; no more looking over my shoulder! Its scary stuff romancing a drug lord’s daughter; especially in Peru. My role consists of charming her for information. She is a fellow student at the Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal. It doesn’t hurt that she’s absolutely gorgeous. She’s meeting me at the Plaza Jiron de la Union.

Paulo! She waives and runs towards me.

Juanita, I stare at her fixated. She is a real dish. You look beautiful today. She smiles and kisses me; but not long enough.

Is that for me? she asks.

Oh. Yes. I pass her the cola, while sipping my own.

Thank you. How thoughtful. What do you want to do today?

How about we visit that museum you’ve been bragging about. We can use a diversion from school work.

Excellent choice. she replies. We walk the plaza and board a bus near the Policia Centro. There are officers out front today. Their presence makes me a little uncomfortable, knowing these guys could pick me off as a US Agent. It’s not so much that the officers may be crooked. The drug lords threaten their families and force them to cooperate.

How about we hit the beach on Saturday?

Oh, she laughs. I would love that Paulo. But my father is taking our family to the mountains this weekend.

I put my arm around her and whisper, Couldn’t you skip out on that trip? I ask. She laughs again.

Paulo, I have to help with my little brother. We’re flying to San Luis tomorrow, up in the Mountains. But you can call me. I’ll have my phone.

I feel deserted already. I tell her.

Really? she kisses me and laughs. Well, I wish you could come. You would love the mountains there. My favorite mountain looks like a sleeping woman. And it has caves that are great to visit.

Sounds great. If I follow you, what would your father say?

Hmmm. He would expect to meet you months in advance. My father is very strict, Paulo. Family comes first.

Good man, I respond. I’ll just wait here until you return then. We visit the Museum of the Nation.

You’ll love this place, Paulo. It has a lot of Pre-Columbian and Andean artifact displays in it. We look at a jug in the shape of a man.

What is this?

Isn’t it beautiful? It is called the Lanzon. It’s a replica of the original from the ancient Chavin culture. They were up in the central highlands of Peru. Their religion was the first major religious and cultural movement in the Andes from 900 and 200 BCE. They built many underground passages in the Old Temple.

Amazing. I would like to visit this place. I respond. Perhaps before I head back to Rio. I have the Brazilian accent down; but I’m actually second generation Portuguese in the United States. Rio is my exit zone before I return. Paulo is my cover name.

I should tell you, Juanita. I may be returning to Rio in two weeks on family business. So I will be gone for a while.

Oh Paulo. You’ll never meet my father unless you stick around.

You could come to Rio to see me, you know.

Papa won’t let me go anywhere out of this city without a guard. We’d never be alone. I pretty much figured that out. We’re always being followed, I think to myself.

I will text you, Juanita. What is this mural? I ask.

It is called The Moche Revolt of the Objects. Juanita explains. It refers to the sun’s death where five days passed like nights. The rocks banged against each other. The mortars and grinding stones began to eat men. Many of us believe that this refers to an event at the time of death of our Lord, Jesus Christ."

Amazing. I react.

I wish I could show you more, Paulo. But I need to be going. I need to pack before we leave. I escort her back to the bus. I hold her close and we kiss.

Call me Paulo. I’ll miss you!

She then gets on the bus and waves. Time for me to make a drop. Obviously, Juanita thinks it’s just a family vacation. But I’m certain her father, Nephtali Santos, is going to be visiting a nearby unmarked airfield where he’ll ship a load of cocaine and precursors to Venezuela via light aircraft. I head back to my apartment to compose a note to my colleague, encrypting the information. I then head down to the bus depot to a rented locker to drop the note. My colleague will then text me a confirmation later tonight. I pick up some enchiritos and head back to my apartment to watch the news. My phone buzzes and a text appears.

Let’s meet at the cafe tonight where we met previously. I pack light clothing and usual toiletries in my backpack and head out to flag a cab. A cabbie stops for me and I get in. Airport.

The cafe is actually code for me to meet Ricardo at the airport. All I have to do is look for the gate that leaves for San Luis, and he’ll probably be there waiting for me. I pay the cabbie, and head into the main concourse to check departures. The departures list displays Gate B17. Ricardo is waiting in line at security and he hands me my ticket.

How’s school? he asks.

Great. I visited the National Museum today and viewed some ancient artifacts. It was interesting.

Great. You can probably use that for your paper. He adds. Meaning my report when I return to the US. My ticket shows that our flight leaves in one hour. It’s a small prop plane. We’re only flying about 400 miles.

Our plan is to head out tonight so that we can tail Juanita’s father to where they will be staying. Eventually, we’ll pinpoint the airfield where he ships his drugs from. We grab coffee and sit with our backs to a wall watching who boards the flight. We board last and head back to the last seats in economy. Ricardo and I both are under age 30; so everyone just assumes we are students.

The flight is full tonight. We manage a light snooze, since we’ll be sitting in a parked rental car off the airport when we get there. We are awakened when the landing gear touches onto the pavement in San Louis with a thud! The flight taxis to the gate and we disembark, heading directly to car rentals. Ricardo receives a text about the flights and rental for Nephtali Santos.

His flight arrives around 3:00 in the afternoon. We head to a diner for breakfast and hang out for a while.

There’s a lot to do in this town, I tell Ricardo. The whole area is supposed to be a national park.

I grabbed a map on our way out. He says. Let’s take a look. The map shows a large river with lots of streams flowing into it. Much of it is actually wilderness. Here’s the main highway. It flows by this river and then there are little restaurants here and there with picnic areas.

1:59, I tell him. Time to go.

We head out to the car and drive back to the airport. I drop Ricardo off at the concourse where Juanita’s family will come through. Juanita does not know Ricardo. But Ricardo knows her. Their itinerary shows a car rental on it. I drive around the concourse again and proceed to stop early two gates back, waiting. There are so many busses and people.

Ricardo sends a text to follow the blue bus up ahead. He’s on it, no doubt. I follow the bus. It heads to the car rental. Ricardo gets off and heads for the restroom. Juanita’s family gets out, and they’re accompanied by two strong men who grab the luggage while looking around. The family heads inside and Ricardo returns and gets into our car. We head out of the rental area and park behind cars in the area where the Santos’ rental will depart. We wait 15 minutes.

There! I point. That SUV. We follow it. There’s plenty of traffic. As we thought, we follow the road that parallels the river up ahead. The resort lies at the end of town.

What do we do now? I ask.

We rent a canoe. Ricardo responds. It will make us look more like tourists.

Brilliant. We do that and the dealer throws in the mount for the top of the car for free. We park in the resort and watch the parking lot. The family goes to dinner with body guards.

I’ll bet we’re spending the night in the car again, aren’t we? I ask.

Yeah, probably. Let’s go grab some grub. We hit a road side cafe and eat at a picnic table. I sit with my back to the road. And as I thought, we spend the night in our rental car sipping coffee in the parking lot. The next morning. Nephtali Santos heads out early with one of his guards.

Okay, we’re on. We give them some space and follow in their general direction. We continue further on the road that parallels the big river. They travel for about 30 miles where the topography turns more jungle-like. They turn off the road heading up towards the canyon. A small aircraft flies low over the jungle canopy.

Looks like we’ve spotted the airfield. Ricardo says. A very large green Hummer rams the back of our vehicle and fires shots at us.

We’ve been made, man. Ricardo says.

What do we do, now? I yell.

Run! Maybe we can lose them. Another shot shatters the windshield.

Oh hell! I get out and run down to the river. We split up and agree to meet back in town. The river has a pretty good current and it’s somewhat deep. More shots. I jump in and go with the flow. Good thing it’s a summer day in December. Another shot. These guys don’t give up. There are trees up ahead and I stop in the trees and hide.

Two men pass by me. The hummer follows the road going back to town. They’re anticipating my return to the city. Just great! I need an alternate plan now. I notice a small hidden waterfall and I head for it climbing in an upward direction. Maybe I can skirt these bad boys. I make it to the waterfall and rest. My view is limited to just the basin of the falls. I need to climb higher to get my bearings. I’ve managed to escape from the Hummer. But I don’t know what’s happened to Ricardo.

Santos’ men will be watching the roads to town now and waiting for us. That means I have to take the back country. There are monkeys everywhere and magnificent birds. Going into survival mode makes me hungry and I’m lost. My phone is ruined and that rules out GPS. Sure could use that map Ricardo showed me. I decide to stick to the streams and keep going. I suddenly feel a very sharp stab on my right hand. Oh man! It’s a huge spider and it’s just bitten my hand! I quickly brush it off as my head starts to swoon. I stumble, falling down in the creek on my face. The water is freezing cold and I’m dizzy. Suddenly, a bright sparkly, crystal object catches my eye in the water. I grab it. It’s shaped like an egg. Bright pastel colors radiate like a throbbing jewel. Who knows? Maybe it would have made me rich. But I’m dying now. I stuff it in my jacket. This is it. I succumb to my fate.

What the…? Someone is slapping my face. I feel a hand on my forehead.

Still got a fever? Looks like you’ve been bit by something. You’ll probably be okay.

Who are you? What do want from me? I ask.

I found you in a waterfall just off the side of the road. I could have left you there, so be grateful I brought you to my home. You’re in Las Palmas. You were sick. He offers me water.

Thank you, I think.

What is your name? Can I call anyone to let them know you’re okay?

What day is it? I ask.

It’s Monday, December 5th.

I’ve been out of commission for two days. Can I use your phone? I need to call my family. He then shows me his quaint old rotary phone. I dial the embassy in Lima.

I put my hand in my back pocket for a second, and feel the stone. I thought it was just a dream. I pull it out and look at it, then tuck it away before the man notices it.

IN THE BEGINNING

Stars are born every day, and every day stars die. Our secondary star, TerraValle is dying. Scientists have warned our planet, TerraNorre, our entire solar system will be nonexistent once TerraValle implodes upon our larger star, TerraNova.

The ensuing implosion will create a mammoth black hole and engulf the entire solar system. Denial consumes me and the crew. The Genesis’ mission drives us because of the developing situation on TerraNorre. But our mission is only a temporary escape as we seek out and explore other worlds.

Korban, I’ve found it, Deonna interrupts. A star chart appears before me in a hologram.

Here, in the southern quadrant. An arrow points to a solar system 14 light years away. I magnify the chart to further assess Deonna’s selection.

This planet meets the requirements, Korban.

Deonna, assemble the crew. We have some things to discuss.

Korban, this is the most promising planet yet. It’s incredibly perfect! she exclaims.

Deonna, please. She nods, curiously. The Starship Genesis has a crew complement of ten people. We’re very comfortable together, having served for the past three years on the Genesis Project—our world’s most prestigious space program.

I break out the vass, set glasses, and begin pouring for everyone.

A celebration, Korban? Garner states as he enters the room.

I thought it would be appropriate before we commence the last phase to celebrate. Deonna has made our final selection of the Genesis Program.

Here, here! Noah says. Everyone joins the toast.

First, to Deonna Lyte, who has been searching three long years for worlds devoid of life. So far, we’ve been fortunate to outfit 12 planets that meet the Genesis requirements. A very successful endeavor. And second, to the best crew and friends that have made it all happen. Soon it will be over and we’ll all return home to help with the evac process to Seth 5.

Talon joins in, but is silent.

Something on your mind, Talon? I ask.

Talon is slow to respond, staring at his glass. Talon is my first officer, ship’s doctor, and Senior Scientist.

I know what the Magistrate has told us. But we’re scientists. Our world is too populated for them to evac every person on that planet to Seth 5 in just three years.

What’s your point, Talon? I ask.

I believe our people are being consoled to make a more orderly evac possible.

Garner breaks in. It’s true. Even if we have enough ships to evac, the lunar cycle and the intensifying gravity of TerraValle complicates the process. We’re talking a developing black hole here.

Talon, I would be lying if I didn’t tell you I’ve been considering ending our mission early in order for us to return to TerraNorre and assist with our people’s evac.

Korban, what’s gotten into you? Deonna counters.

We’d only be postponing the last project...not canceling it, Deonna.

We may never get this opportunity again, Korban. Cassie adds.

Korban, I just spoke with Renner this morning. They’re boarding a ship to Seth 5 tomorrow. Renner is Deonna’s husband; a scientist on TerraNorre. He is involved in the evacuation. Renn told me they were going to make it. All we have to do is complete this last plant and we’ll be going home.

A hologram communique expands in front of us.

Your Magistrate.

Korban, there is no time for details. We’re in a state of emergency. You are ordered not to return to TerraNorre. The Magistrate appears disheveled. People are running panicked in the background.

Your Magistrate, we can help with the evacuation. We watch helplessly as the building collapses inside the hologram.

We are proud of your efforts, Commander. We’ve evacuated everyone we can. TerraValle is... An explosion ensues and the communique ends abruptly.

Your Magistrate!

No! Deonna screams. Cassie screams as well.

I turn to Garner, feeling like someone punched me in the stomach. I can barely stand.

Get them back, GET THEM BACK!

Garner can barely talk...Genesis...to TerraNorre. TerraNorre... this is the Genesis! Please respond!

Back to your stations. We’re going home. I react. Everyone scrambles.

Korban..., Garner yells desperately. I’m only getting space static. It’s like...there’s nothing there.

A giant wave has crashed on me. I struggle to set navigation. But Garner is right. Nothing is showing in that sector.

Korban, we’ll only be returning to an enormous black hole. We can’t risk getting pulled in. Talon advises. He has his one hand on his chest and he looks like he’s trying to catch his breath.

Options, anyone!

Korban...our families. Can we check for survivors? Deonna asks tearfully?

No one could survive that. Garner counters.

I see Deonna trying to hold on, but she collapses and we all realize her family was leaving the next day, which means none of them made it.

Deonna. I’m sorry! Garner says remorseful.

Deonna runs to her cabin. Garner starts to go after her.

Hold on, Garner. I think she wants to be by herself right now. Talon counsels.

There’s nothing we could have done. This wasn’t supposed to happen yet, I reply. Even though it was predicted, we’re all in shock. Our families are gone. The pain is too great to bare and it sears my mind like fire. Many of the crew weep silently and can say nothing.

Maybe we should head to Seth 5 to see if there is anything we can do to rescue those who were in transit. Garner suggests.

Seth 5 is all we have now. Noah adds.

It seems logical. But I’m pretty sure none of us has any family on Seth 5, Talon interrupts. I’ve never been there. Anyone else?

I’ve seen footage of Seth 5, Noah replies. It’s mostly industrial- commercial, thus far. Military facilities. Living quarters are going to be tight because of the refugees.

Right. I admit.

Cassie is bent over on her console, My mother, my family... Cassie is the part of the crew I’m the closest with. I care for her loss. I walk over to comfort her. I touch her hair.

Continue, I say.

Talon speaks first. "Seth 5 is going to be chaotic. We’ll find desperate people scrambling for everything they can grab... Think about this ship. Supplies may or may not be a problem for Seth 5 and us.

Who is in charge on Seth 5, now that the Magistrate is gone? I ask.

Bonner Rye. Garner replies.

Talon looks him up, He’s a politician mostly. A very good orator. But I’m not impressed with his actions. He made his fortune off of trades between the asteroid colonies in the Terra System. He shorted them cash-wise when the demand for copper and ore hit bottom.

It doesn’t matter, people. Seth 5 is our new home. Garner counters.

I don’t want Seth 5! Cassie cries. I want TerraNorre! I wait for anyone to counter with a better option.

Alright then, I’m setting a course for Seth 5. 0800 is our arrival time. I look over my crew and they are drained of emotion. We should all take a few hours to compose ourselves. Everyone leaves the area. Cassie looks at me, her face red, in tears and in pain. I embrace her and try to comfort her.

I’m so sorry about your family, Cass.

Korban, your family too. All gone. I can’t take this... knowing...I’ll never see them again. I kiss her head.

Noah walks in.

Korban, I think...Oh...I’m sorry. I didn’t know...

It’s alright, Noah.

Can we talk, when you get a moment? Noah asks. I’ll come see you later. I turn back to Cassie. Korban, what about us...and the rest of the crew.

Cassie, we’ll all have to make a new start on Seth 5. It won’t be easy. But we have each other. She collapses into my arms again and weeps. I need to visit other crew members, Cass. Do you think you can help Deonna through this? She’s lost Renn and the children. A pause ensues and she wipes her face.

Yes... I’ll go talk to her. She touches my face lightly. We all need you now. She kisses me and leaves. I head down to medical to see Talon. Noah is already there, and Talon is pouring a beverage into three glasses.

This is the only prescription I have. Talon stares out the portal. I never thought it was actually going to happen. He adds.

I’m hearing thousands of voices in my head, Noah replies.

Drink up, Noah. It will help you sleep. Talon advises. I can’t help wondering if all of those life seeds we’ve planted will take hold out there. There’s no guarantee; but I wish we were going to be around to see it all happen. Talon finishes his drink and pours another round.

Have we got any of this for the crew? I ask.

It’s my private stash. Talon says. But I have enough to share.

I think we should hold a memorial before we reach Seth 5. It will give us closure. Noah adds.

Good idea, Noah. What do you have in mind?

We should have a service and naming of the deceased that we know of. I can set that up. Maybe you could find some words to say.

I’ll work something up. How about 1900 hours?

Done. Noah replies.

I try to wind down in my cabin. But I can’t forget my family and my home. Holographic pictures of my sisters and older brother adorn my walls. My parent’s picture at our beach home is my inspiration. Each picture carries a message and I listen to their voices, knowing I’ll never have real conversations with them again. I pass out, finally. My mind drifts and I view an entire seascape all around me. I’m at the sea shore with my sisters. The ocean waves are calming. My oldest sister takes my hand and smiles at me. She says nothing. But she puts a stone in my hand. I look down at the stone. It’s in the shape of an egg, like the life seeds we’ve been planting...is it a sign? I drift off again.

Next, my brother, Arb, stands next to me laughing. He puts his arm around me. I want to tell him I’ll miss our hikes together. He pats me on the back and disappears. Then I see my mother. She smiles at me...straightens out my hair...she fades away. I wake up.

What are the words that will comfort my crew members? I too, am overcome with my own grief at the moment. A luxury I can’t afford. I must rise to the moment. 1900 hours arrives. I’m still unprepared. We’re gathered in our ready room. Everyone is silent. A flame is burning in a chalice in the center of the table. Cass and Deonna wear veils on their heads.

I begin the service.

I know that words are never enough to comfort. Nothing I can say will bring our loved ones back. But we can let them each live on inside us, if we let them. We are their survivors. Let’s live to make them proud.

Cassie nods. The others line up and we each tearfully call the names of our loved ones who have passed. Deonna’s husband Renn and her two little daughters appear before her. She nearly collapses, and Talon catches her. Each of us has written their names on paper and we cast each name into the flame to send them to a heavenly place.

I tell the crew, Remember. Remember them always.

The memorial adjourns. Hugs and embraces are exchanged.

Deonna, I’m deeply sorry for your loss. Talon tells her. They were beautiful girls, and Renn was a good man."

Thank you, Talon. I really appreciate that. She wipes tears from her face.

"Korban, why don’t I take the con so