Thorga

By D.J. Courtney

In this exciting sequel to Auriel
3, the intriguing tale of mans first unwitting contact with an intelligent
extra-terrestrial species continues to unfold.

Jesse Rigard
has kept his promise to the alien Thorga, not revealing their existence to any
other human. To Jesses dismay, he learns that a scientific research expedition
is going to the Thorgas home planet of Auriel 3. His frantic efforts to become
a member of the expedition end in disappointment. Jesse believes his chances of
ever seeing the Thorga again are slim., and he is
convinced they will think he has betrayed them.

Months later, circumstances with
the research expedition have gone horribly wrong, and .
Jesse unexpectedly finds himself en route to Auriel 3. Success means the saving
of innocent lives. Failure could mean several deaths including his own. . .

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jun 5, 2004
• ISBN: 9781414047805

D.J. Courtney

D.J. Courtney grew up in Arizona.  She lived the first seven years of her life in Prescott with her grandparents, in a home with no television or radio.  Books, reading and storytelling were an early and significant part of her life, and from that beginning grew her love of writing.   For over ten years, the author worked as a cross-country truck driver, but continued writing with a laptop plugged into the cigarette lighter of the truck.  With truck driving now behind her, the author continues to pursue her love of writing.  Arbor is her third published work, with ten other novels currently in various stages of development.

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© 1996, 2004 by D.J. Courtney. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 05/03/04

ISBN: 1-4140-4780-0 (e-book)

ISBN: 1-4184-4510-X (Paperback)

Contents

WHAT HAS GONE BEFORE

ONE

TWO

THREE

FOUR

FIVE

SIX

SEVEN

EIGHT

NINE

TEN

ELEVEN

TWELVE

THIRTEEN

FOURTEEN

FIFTEEN

SIXTEEN

SEVENTEEN

EIGHTEEN

NINETEEN

TWENTY

TWENTY ONE

TWENTY TWO

TWENTY THREE

TWENTY FOUR

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

This book is dedicated in memory of

Charles Michael Bartlett

1938 - 2003

stepfather

friend

honest critic

staunch supporter

WHAT HAS GONE BEFORE

It is the future. Man has mastered space flight. While working on a routine aerial geological survey, Jesse Rigard’s ship malfunctions and crashes on a remote planet, Auriel 3. Through a series of circumstances, the search for him is delayed and he finds himself stranded with no hope of rescue. Determined to survive, Jesse does his best but is soon overwhelmed by the planet’s less than hospitable environment. He would have perished were it not for the thorga, the intelligent indigenous life forms of Auriel 3. The thorga rescue Jesse and allow him to live among them. While Jesse lives with the thorga, a rescue party finally arrives to search for him but, not finding him, departs empty handed. They take with them only a few photographs of some unusual native lizards, taken by the rescue party xenologist who has hopes of returning to study them.

After many months, Jesse and the thorga learn to communicate. Later, when Jesse finally is rescued, he promises the thorga, at their entreaty, that he will not reveal their existence to anyone. Jesse keeps his word and all is well. Then, one day, he discovers the unexpected news that a scientific expedition is going to Auriel 3 to study the lizards…

ONE

Jesse burst into his quarters, out of breath, mind racing. Slamming the door behind him, he rushed across the room and yanked open the drawers of his small desk that sat in the far corner. The drawer contents flew in all directions as Jesse frantically searched for his personal data pack. Finding it, he clutched it tightly with a small cry of triumph. Bounding to the comm unit, he quickly punched in a number from the data pack and then took a few deep, calming breaths to compose himself while waiting for the call to go through.

Amalgamated Space Union Advocate Central; how may I direct your call? the polite automated voice inquired.

Derek Jons, Jesse replied. Oh, please, be available, he thought desperately.

After a short pause, the automated voice was back again: Derek Jons is with another call. If you would like to leave a message, please do so now.

Jesse took a deep breath and tried to speak coherently. Derek, this is Jesse Rigard. I hope you remember me. I really need to talk to you, right away. It’s urgent. Please call me at Lunar One, 555C23. Thank you!

Is this a routine or emergency call? the voice inquired as soon as Jesse finished speaking.

Emergency! Jesse responded impatiently.

There was a slight pause on the line. There are zero emergency calls ahead of you. Your call will be responded to next. Thank you for calling. And with that, the voice was gone.

With a sigh, Jesse keyed off the comm unit. He sat down to wait, but couldn’t sit still. His mind was working double time and soon he was up, impatiently pacing the floor. When the call came through, Jesse literally leapt across the room to answer it. Hello?

Hello, Jesse? This is Derek Jons, Derek’s good-natured voice came across the line. What can I do for you?

Oh, God, thank you for calling me right back, Jesse fairly babbled into the voice pickup. Derek, you’ve got to help; you’ve got to get me out of here. That expedition could be leaving any day and I’ve got to be on it. I’ve got to get assigned to it and you’re the only person I know who can help me, maybe you can.

Whoa! Stop and breathe a minute, would you? Derek interrupted him, astonished at such an outburst from the normally level-headed Jesse. I have no idea what you’re talking about. Why don’t you try to calm down, take a couple of deep breaths, and start at the beginning, Derek said in a soothing voice. You know I’ll help you if I can.

Sorry, Jesse said, somewhat sheepishly, taking a few moments to compose himself while Derek waited patiently.

Are you better now? Derek asked presently.

I’m okay.

Good. Now start at the beginning, and we’ll see what I can do.

I just found out there’s going to be a scientific expedition to Auriel 3. Have you heard about it?

I saw something about it on the news, Derek replied. I understand they’re interested in studying your purple lizards.

Yes! I know they’re going to need a pilot and I want to be the one assigned. It seems to me I would be a logical choice since I’m familiar with Auriel 3, wouldn’t you think? Jesse realized somewhat belatedly that there was no logical way to justify the urgency in wanting to be part of the expedition. Unless, of course, he disclosed the real reason, which he absolutely refused to do.

There was a short silence. Then, Derek asked, aren’t you still on suspension?

Yes, I am, but I’ve got a little less than a month left. I was really hoping you could work some way around my last few weeks.

Well, I’ll see what I can do, Derek offered, sounding none too optimistic. Jesse, why did you say this was an emergency?

Jesse grimaced at the question. Well, uh, since I don’t know how much time there is before the expedition leaves, I wanted to get started on this right away. I’m really sorry if it was inappropriate for me to say it was an emergency. I just felt it was at the time I called. The excuse sounded lame even as he gave it.

You’re sure that’s all?

That’s all.

Okay, I’ll see what I can find out and let you know as soon as I can. Talk to you shortly.

Thanks, Derek.

Derek sat in silence, staring at his comm unit, a puzzled look on his face. He could understand Jesse wanting to be a part of the expedition, but the apparent urgency was strange. There was more going on than met the eye and it was quite likely Jesse hadn’t told him everything. Derek shrugged. Couldn’t make people tell what they didn’t want to. He looked through his contact list, and began making calls.

Jesse stared at the comm unit, willing it to chime with an incoming call. The comm unit stared back in silence. Jesse felt frustrated and helpless. He wanted to be doing something, anything, to help things along, but didn’t know what else to do. He got up, pacing the floor. I’m going to wear out a path in this carpet, he thought humorlessly. Then an idea came; he walked quickly to the comm unit, then paused. Should he do this? The hesitation lasted only a moment. Yes. He punched the button. Location Services, he responded to the automated inquiry. In less than a minute Jesse had the information. Taking a deep breath, he punched in the number.

* * * * *

Vesha sank into the bathing tub with a sigh of contentment. Soft clouds of steam rose slowly through the thick froth of bubbles floating lightly on the water. The froth stuck to the bottom edges of her chin and dark curly hair. Stretching out, Vesha closed her eyes, and ran through everything mentally one last time. Yes, all their preparations were complete. They would be leaving in the morning. The last few months had been hectic, requisitioning an appropriate ship and then obtaining qualified personnel to staff the expedition. It was funny; at first, she hadn’t been able to get anyone to listen. Then,once the expedition had been approved, there were more volunteers than she could possibly use. Vesha was tired from the last few weeks of exhaustive preparations, but eager to get started. This expedition was a dream come true. Allowing her mind to go blank, she enjoyed the soothing effects of soaking in the tub until the water became tepid and her fingers began to resemble prunes. Draining the tub, she quickly showered and had just finished drying off when the comm unit chimed with an incoming call. Whipping a towel into a quick turban so her hair wouldn’t drip down her back, she stepped lightly to the comm unit and flipped the switch. Hello?

I’m trying to reach Vesha Shoop? a pleasant male voice inquired, sounding none too sure of itself.

Speaking, Vesha said, hoping nothing had gone wrong with the expedition schedule.

I hope I’m not disturbing you. We haven’t met, but this is Jesse Rigard, the…

Pilot of the Radia B1, Vesha finished for him, a smile lighting up her face. I’m delighted you called. What can I do for you?

Well, I’ve just found out about your expedition to Auriel 3, Jesse began, encouraged by the friendly reception and trying to sound more cheerful than he felt, and I was wondering if you’re fully staffed? I was interested in being assigned as pilot for the duration of the expedition.

Oh, dear, Vesha thought, a small frown creasing her face, I hate being the bearer of bad news.

I really appreciate the offer, and would love to have you along, but we’re already fully staffed. In fact, we’re scheduled to leave in the morning, she said, adding, I’m really sorry. There must have been some kind of mix-up at Amalgamated. The Amalgamated Space Union was the single entity controlling all working spacer personnel, and they had seemed quite cooperative to Vesha as she had screened the applicants for her crew.

Mix-up? Jesse asked numbly. They’ve probably been preparing for months, he groaned inwardly. If only I’d learned about it sooner.

Yes, mix-up, Vesha continued. When I first got backing from Biologic Research Labs and we started looking for a crew, the first thing I did was call Amalgamated and request you for our pilot. Of course, I had no idea you would have even been interested in going back to Auriel 3 after being stranded there like you were, but…

Of course I’m interested, Jesse interrupted miserably.

Hmmm, Vesha said, I was interested in you being on the expedition because you were familiar with the planet. If you hadn’t wanted to be assigned with us, I at least wanted to talk to you and get your insights first hand, if you were willing. However, when I talked to Amalgamated, I was told you were ‘unavailable’.

Unavailable? Jesse repeated, feeling more dejected by the moment.

Yes, I wasn’t even able to find out where you were assigned. I assumed you were working at some remote location. It didn’t make me happy, but there was nothing I could do about it. We’ve got a pilot now, and I’m told she’s quite good. You know they won’t unassign her. Where are you, anyway? she asked, curious.

Lunar Base One.

Oh! Did you just get in?

No, I’ve been here, working for Megalloy since I got back from Auriel 3.

That’s odd, Vesha said slowly. I wonder why they wouldn’t tell me where you were?

I think I know. Look, I need to be honest with you. They suspended my pilot privileges for six months after I was rescued. I’ve got less than a month to go and I was hoping, that if you and your backer wanted me, Amalgamated would let me go. I’m really sorry, Jesse finished, sounding every bit as dejected as he felt.

That’s okay, you don’t need to apologize, Vesha said softly. Poor guy, she thought, he sounds really miserable. Changing the subject, she asked, would you be willing to tell me about your experiences on Auriel 3, especially about the lizards?

Sure, Jesse replied, but didn’t you say you’re leaving in the morning?

Yes. However, I thought if you didn’t mind giving me your number, I’d get my stuff together and call you back in a few minutes. That way, the expedition expense fund would be paying for the call. That is, if it’s convenient for you to do right now?

I’m not going anywhere, Jesse answered gloomily. My number is Lunar One, 555C23.

Great! I’ll call you back in just a few minutes.

Okay. Jesse keyed off and sat staring mournfully at the comm unit.

Vesha dashed about, throwing on a robe and grabbing a data pack so she could note the important points while Jesse talked. In less than five minutes she was again talking to Jesse, and spent the next two hours picking his brain in minute detail for everything he could remember about Auriel 3. Finally, she was satisfied.

I can’t thank you enough, Vesha said gratefully. This is just wonderful.

No problem, Jesse replied in a listless tone.

I’m really sorry things didn’t work out so you could be part of this, Vesha said sincerely. I tell you what, when we get back, I’ll arrange for you to have access to all our reports.

Thank you. Jesse didn’t much care about her research, but he felt it was a thoughtful gesture. Good luck, he finished, preparing to key off.

I’ll make sure you’re notified when we get back, okay?

Okay. Good-bye, Jesse mumbled, and keyed off.

Bye, Vesha said quietly into the dead pickup. Boy, was he really upset! She hoped she hadn’t added to it.

Derek did not call back that evening and the night passed for Jesse in a gloom of black depression. Unless Derek Jons could literally work miracles, there was no hope of being included on the expedition. All Jesse could do was watch helplessly while a ship full of humans went off to Auriel 3 to tromp around the countryside and poke their noses into everything.

The thorga will think I talked about them, maybe even sent the ship, Jesse thought despondently. To have formed a relationship, a friendship even, with a thinking alien being was something that filled Jesse with awe whenever he thought about it. He knew the discovery of the thorga was vitally important and that he undoubtedly had some obligation to reveal their existence to his superiors. Also, to reveal their existence would make him famous, popular, powerful, and quite probably rich. But, he couldn’t do it. Jesse had a strong code of ethics, and personal integrity that went clear to the bone.

The thought of the thorga being discovered, exploited, and possibly subjugated by humans made him ill. To consider that the thorga would think him responsible, that he had lied to them and betrayed them, was heartbreaking. He lay in the dark, his mind thrashing about in frustration, trying desperately to think of some way to get to the thorga first and protect them. Finally,

Jesse slipped into a troubled sleep, to be jangled out of it less than an hour later by the wake up alarm. He staggered about the apartment trying to get ready for work. He was exhausted, with gritty eyes and teeth that felt as though they had fuzzy little sweaters on them. The black gloom of the preceding day and night hung on, unabated.

Shortly before he was to leave for work, the comm unit chimed. Jesse flipped the switch.

Hello? he grumbled.

Good morning, Jesse, it’s Derek Jons.

What did you find out?

Well, I’ve got good news and I’ve got bad news.

For a brief moment, Jesse’s heart jumped with hope, but his head knew better.

And?

The good news is, they’re willing to consider reinstating your flying privileges early. The bad news is, there’s already a pilot assigned to the expedition, which is scheduled to leave this morning. They will not unassign the other pilot for two reasons; one, it would be unfair to that pilot and, two, she’s been completely briefed and you haven’t. To switch pilots now would delay departure and the financial backer, Biologic Research Labs, is having none of that. So, there you are.

Jesse took a deep breath and tried not to sound as depressed as he felt.

I appreciate your effort, Derek. I know you did what you could.

I’m sorry I wasn’t able to do more, Derek said. I know this was really important to you. However, on a more positive note, if you’re still interested in a scout position, this might be the time to broach the subject with Amalgamated while they’re feeling generous.

Now Derek had Jesse’s full attention. You think so? Jesse said, brightening a little.

Yes, I do, Derek replied firmly. Have you thought any further on what I said about approaching Anton Mazekoran? Anton Mazekoran, the Operations Director for Amalgamated, also currently held a seat on the union’s Personnel Assessment Board-making it, in Derek’s opinion, an ideal time for Jesse to approach him.

I had decided to try to contact him directly after my suspension was up, as you suggested.

Great. I happen to know that he’s on Lunar One for the next two days. Would you like me to see if I can get an appointment set up with him for you?

Can you do that?

I can certainly try.

Jesse didn’t hesitate. That would be excellent. Yes, please set it up if you can. And Derek, if you do get it scheduled, could you be there also?

Absolutely. I’ll let you know later today what I’ve found out.

Talk to you then.

Jesse went out the door to work with a slightimprovement in mood.

* * * * *

Vesha walked onto the operations deck of the Spicer. The rest of the crew was already on board, running through the pre-departure checks. Kelshie Duren turned in her seat at the pilot’s station.

Morning, Vesha, you all set to go? she inquired in a soft voice.

Vesha smiled, enthusiasm for this venture showing all over her face. I woke up two hours before the alarm, I was so eager to get started.

We’re almost finished with final run-through, should be ready to leave even before our scheduled time.

Wonderful. I’m going down to the lab. I’ll be back up shortly.

All right.

As Vesha walked down the corridor towards the lab she smiled slightly. She had thoroughly checked the credentials of every individual considered for the expedition, and those selected were the best to be had. The selection process had contained a lesson in not judging a book by its cover. Kelshie was tall and blonde, with a curvaceous body and a soft southern drawl for a voice, which had no doubt caused her problems in the past. The fact that she was also intelligent, experienced, competent, and had come with the highest recommendations was not lost on Vesha. She felt fortunate to have Kelshie on board.

In addition to Kelshie, Vesha also had Nan Gorley and Jarel Arcadan, completing the small crew. Nan Gorley was the ecologist, and a darn good one. Petite but sturdy, with short cropped brown hair, she was plain and somewhat masculine in appearance. Nan had a no-nonsense attitude about her work, but a bubbly, outgoing personality that frequently shone through and balanced her work attitude nicely. Jarel Arcadan was the microbiologist. Tall and in fine physical shape, he had the dusky skin and curly (though receding) hair that indicated his African heritage, with huge, unexpectedly green eyes that gave away his Irish grandmother. Jarel had a low, soothing voice, optimistic outlook on life, and a ready smile that Vesha found quite pleasant.

Rounding the corner into the lab, she found Nan and Jarel busily double checking the lab supplies. They both looked up and greeted her with smiles as she entered.

Vesha returned the smiles. How do things look?

I think we’re about ready to go, Nan said, glancing at Jarel, unless you’ve found something?

Nope, it looks to me like we’re all set. He finished stowing the supplies he’d been checking back into their cabinet and then looked at Vesha. I want you to know I’m really thrilled to be included in this.

Well, I feel lucky to have you along, both of you, Vesha said, nodding to Nan.

Can’t wait to get started, Nan said, returning Vesha’s nod.

I just came down to see how you were doing because Kelshie has us just about ready to go, Vesha added. How long until you’re all done here?

Oh, about ten minutes? Jarel said, glancing at

Nan.

Ten should be plenty, Nan confirmed.

Okay, see you up on the ops deck then, Vesha said, leaving them to finish securing the supplies.

All preparations complete, with double and triple checks for accuracy, the Spicer uncoupled from its orbiting dock station and departed at 0900, precisely on time. Auriel 3 lay fourteen days away. This expedition was a golden opportunity for those on board, offering adventure, joy of exploration, and hope for increased status in their fields of expertise. The four crew members looked forward eagerly to their adventure of discovery.

TWO

With only a small portion of his mind actually on the job, the work day passed quickly for Jesse. The vast majority of his mental energy was directed at trying to give himself an attitude adjustment. It was unlike him to have come unhinged the way he had, and Jesse didn’t like it one bit. He gave himself a stern mental lecture and, in due time, was able to begin pondering the dilemma regarding the thorga with a logical mind, instead of one clouded by panic. There was also the matter of the scout position to consider. To be a scout was the job he had always dreamed of and worked toward. The fact that it was one of the most prestigious and sought after positions a spacer could attain was not his motivation; it was the prospect of the work itself that was exciting. It was the one thing that overshadowed the thorga on Jesse’s list of priorities. Besides, if he was fortunate enough to be awarded an apprenticeship, the chances of being able to return to Auriel 3 were greatly increased. Also, there was the possibility he had overreacted. The thorga were intelligent, cautious, and supremely suited to their environment. If they didn’t want to be discovered, they wouldn’t be, Jesse reassured himself, resolving to stopthis unproductive worrying. By quitting time, his spirits had improved considerably. On the way home when he overheard the news reporting the departure of the Spicer on the expedition to Auriel 3, Jesse held on to his resolve and did not allow the news to depress him.

Arriving home, Jesse found two messages waiting. The first was from Vesha, thanking him again for taking the time to share his experiences on Auriel 3. The second was from Derek Jons. Jesse listened to the message twice to be sure he had heard correctly:

Jesse, this is Derek. I was able to talk directly to Anton Mazekoran today, and he says he would be able to meet with you tomorrow at 1000. I don’t want to get your hopes up unnecessarily, but I got the strong impression that he is open to the idea of putting you into the apprenticeship program. However, it’s going to be up to you to convince him. So, make sure you spend some time tonight preparing what you want to say. I’ll be there to support you, but it’s going to be up to you to sell yourself. Meet me in the main reception lobby in the Commerce Quad at 0930. See you then.

Jesse turned off the comm unit and sat collecting his thoughts. This was the opportunity he had been waiting for, and was determined to make the most of it. First, he had to get excused from the morning shift to be able to attend the scheduled meeting. Because of his flight suspension, Jesse’s work performance and attendance were being closely monitored. He quickly put a call through to Josh Callin, the crew leader, and actually got a live voice.

Josh?

Yep, who’s this?

Josh, it’s Jesse Rigard. I need a favor.

So, what is it?

I need the morning shift off tomorrow. I’ll work into the evening shift to make up for it if you need me to.

You want to tell me what’s going on?

You know my flight suspension is almost over. I’ve got a chance tomorrow to get my foot in the door for a position I really want. I should be able to be back at work no later than mid shift.

"Okay. It’s not a problem. I appreciate you letting me know tonight. I don’t think we’ll need you to stay into the evening shift, but check with me at the end of your regular