The Mortalis: Beyond the Stars: The Mortalis, #1

By Larry Cockerham

In eternity, there was no hurry. 

In the year A.D 3196 humankind is thriving and striving for the stars. Among them stand the Mortalis, flesh and blood beings who can live extensively by xulon, a life-preserving plant that gives health and vitality when ingested. Then there were the Ascended, immortal transcended beings that can reside in both the natural and supernatural elements. 

Follow Lieutenant Colonel Marion, a two-hundred and something (friendly warning: never ask her real age!) woman about to lead an expedition across the stars to scout and colonize planets. 

"When angered, her eyes flashed; with a black vengeance that struck her enemies with dread."

She is the third centennial officer and the commander of the famed Black Warrior Battalion, a small squadron elite skilled in every art of battle. And she runs a tight ship. 

"I want everything to run smoothly once we reach Midway Station. We don't have room for mistakes on our mission."

But the stars harbor dangerous exotic worlds and alien kingdoms on the brink of war. Soon Marion finds herself and her crew caught up in this political whirlwind, with betrayals, gunshots, loss, and death at every turn. It isn't long until Marion begins to question her faith and life purpose. 

The Mortalis can live a long life, but that doesn't make them immortal. 

All hands! Battle Stations!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Larry Cockerham
• Release date: Jan 1, 2015
• ISBN: 9781386271895

Book preview

1

The New Beginning

BY A.D. 3196, THE MORTALIS finished the last phases of preparation for travel to the stars.  Like the legendary Phoenix, the New Earth had risen from the ashes of the old. The population of New Earth had now reached unsustainable limits. The Ascended had already prepared for their arrival; their mission was to have the infrastructure ready and to maintain everything within acceptable parameters.

Their technology had evolved, and they were now ready to begin the next step in their progression.  The first colony would number more than twenty thousand and included a small battalion of military—Black Warrior class descendants skilled in the deadliest art of battle.  Now that the rebellions had ended, peace reigned supreme throughout the universe.  No more death, no more tears; all was now new and everyone was eager to taste the fruits of The New Beginning.

At the forefront was the escort ship Orion, a gleaming galactic cruiser, measuring some three hundred meters in span and capable of exceeding light speed by a factor of ten. It moved swiftly through the blackness of space like lightning falling from heaven.

Lieutenant Colonel Marion Stefanova seemed mesmerized by the changing landscape of nearby stars as they sped past the large, windowless portal. She was a third centennial officer and the commander of the famed Black Warrior battalion.  She noticed Second Lt. Adrian Hart, a first centennial officer, watching her closely from across the span. His dark wavy hair and soft brown eyes displayed a genuine compassion for his fellowman.

Beautiful isn’t it, Colonel? Adrian asked as he crossed over to speak to Marion.

Marion was well into her two hundredth year, yet her physical appearance was no different from Adrian, who was many years younger.  Although she was well over six feet tall, her slender frame was well proportioned.  Her dark brown hair was usually up in a ponytail tucked through her military style cap.  When angry her eyes flashed a blackness that brought dread to her enemies.

Although the Mortalis were eternal in their outward form, the life-preserving leaves were what gave them their health and vitality; fortunately, they were given permission to bring these along to cultivate for their new settlement. 

Exquisite, Marion agreed as she leaned intently against the bulwark.  I never dreamed we would be moving out among the stars, at least this soon.  She had known for some time that Adrian had an attraction to her, but she was finding added satisfaction in his recent attention. Have you finished the duty roster that I asked for, Lieutenant? she asked abruptly. 

Yes, Colonel, Adrian remarked, snapping to attention.

Everything is ready as you ordered.  Adrian knew that a good report from his superiors would serve him well when they reached their destination.  All the officers would be given positions in the new government based on their faithfulness to serve. 

I want everything to run smoothly once we reach Midway Station, Marion added, smiling wryly at the young officer’s overly energetic snap to attention.  We won’t have time for mistakes, and I would like some time to go over our mission reports once we arrive.

Out of the more than 256 nearby extra-solar  planets, only a handful were capable of sustaining life and this one already had a small outpost. However, it was large enough for the colonists to spend time outside of their cramped conditions aboard the eight ships speeding toward their destination.  Midway Station was about halfway between the New Earth and Albea Prime, the Class M planet they would be colonizing.  It was one of seventeen planets circling a type G2V main-sequence star, similar to their former yellow Sun.

The colony would become the hub of activity for the rest of the satellites as the settlers began to branch out.  The Ascended would continue their work of engineering the planets’ environments for the incoming colonists.

Eventually, they would move on to other systems farther out, terra forming these and so on.  In eternity, there was no hurry.

The Ascended did an admirable job terra forming the planet’s atmosphere, temperature, and topography; Albea Prime was now ready for habitation.  This concept of planetary engineering had once been hypothetical, but had now become reality.  The environment of most earth-like planets could be quickly altered to within tolerable limits. 

The Ascended were not like the Mortalis. The Mortalis were flesh and blood with the ability to procreate.  Nevertheless, they were thought of as eternal, although they still depended on the life-enhancing plants to sustain their health. 

On the other hand, the Ascended were transcendent and could move without the limitations of bodily hindrance.  They did not require the spaceships but could transfer at the speed of thought.  They did not procreate; they were immortal, and fitted for both realms—the natural as well as the supernatural. 

As Marion settled in her cabin, her thoughts continually raced back and forth to the insurmountable tasks that lay ahead.  She had no interest in starting a family now. When she had established herself as the new commanding officer, there would be plenty of time.  As soon as they arrived at their destination, things might change, but for now, she intended to stay aloof; stick to the game plan. Then who knew where this might lead?  Once the colonies branched out to the other planets, she might eventually become the acting commissioner of the new system. 

She would just have to close everything out of her mind until she achieved her objectives.  Then, maybe, who knows?  Things might swing full circle.

A LOUD WARNING ALARM woke Marion from her dreams and she found everyone scurrying throughout the ship.  Somehow, a seam in one of the outer compartments had weakened and was coming apart.  The giant ship was slowing to a complete stop.  The other ships were slowing as well.  Several of the engineers were pouring over the design plans, trying to figure out what had gone wrong and the best way to solve the problem. 

Marion’s sleep cycle would end in an hour, so she decided to go to the bridge to see if she could find out what had happened.  Rear Admiral Richard Byrd was in his quarters and First Lt. Anna Dakova saluted Marion as she went about her duties. 

Yes, Colonel? she asked politely.  Is there anything I can help you with?

That’s not necessary, Lieutenant, Marion replied, looking out over the huge bridge that stretched over several meters.  I was just curious to see what had happened.

I can take you down to Level Twenty-Three, Colonel, she replied, if you’d like to see what’s going on?

Fine. I’d like that, Lieutenant, Marion said, slightly smiling.  As she looked over the smooth lines of the bridge and the gleaming instrumentation that seemed jammed into every corner of the compartment, she could not imagine how anything could have gone wrong.  Everything was double-checked, tested, and retested. 

Without the help of the Ascended, they would never have gotten this far this quickly.  However, their ability to move outside of the current point in time gave them the ability to work on something as long as necessary and then insert the results anywhere along the time continuum.  That was an advantage that the Mortalis would never have.  The Mortalis were locked in time.  This had been one of the misconceptions: that eternity was timeless, but this proved untrue.  Even in eternity, there was time. 

As they entered the main elevator, the lieutenant spoke and before Marion could answer, the door opened into a large corridor—Level 23A.  Smoke was billowing out at the far end of the hallway, so the two decided to wait for clearance before proceeding further.

I think it’s safe now, Colonel, Lieutenant Dakova announced with a tone of assurance.  You can go on ahead, if you’d like.

Thanks, Lieutenant, Marion replied as she peered into the smoke-filled passage ahead.  As she moved through the walkway, she saw several of the engineers checking out the overhead seam that connected to the main hull of the ship.  It had separated, and a large opening extended for about twenty meters along the upper passageway.  They were working frantically to reattach the overhead section. 

As Marion threaded her way through the workers, she was beginning to see more plainly as the smoke cleared.  As she turned, she thought she saw a flash out of the corner of her eye.  There, standing directly in front of her, was a being: tall and slender with a look of nobility, an effervescent radiance emanating from within.  The light was not coming from any outside source, yet the glow radiated out several meters.  The being was one of the Ascended, sent from the New Earth to help, coming from the Divine Himself.  Only He would have known that they were having trouble this far from home. Other ships from the New Earth were not capable of reaching them, as this was a one-way trip—at least for now.

Marion had had little interaction with the Ascended, as she was part of the military and stationed outside the New City.  Only once had she encountered one, and that was only for a moment.  He had come and gone with little fanfare.  She had never even heard one speak for that matter.

However, here was one, standing in the middle of the entranceway in all his radiance.  Suddenly, she felt hesitation and anxiety.

Do not fear, Marion, he said, his voice both reassuring and with a tone of authority.  Your concerns have been noted. He was there to help.  She should not have to worry; they were completely benevolent.  Together the Mortalis and the Ascended enjoyed certain advantages.  Back on the New Earth they worked together, but here only a handful of teams of the Ascended had been sent ahead to prepare for the coming settlers. Before she could speak there was another flash, and he was gone.  As Marion looked up at the ceiling, she was surprised to see that the huge gap was now sealed.

What had he meant by ‘my concerns had been noted’?  What concerns?  Could he read my thoughts?  Could they do that?

2

Midway Station

THE LEADING TRANSPORT arrived, and people spilled out like angry fire ants after a fresh invasion to their habitat.  They had reached their first destination: Midway Station.  It was a stopover consisting of several large dormitories, a few outlying warehouses, and a central facility, a medical clinic, numerous kitchens, and recreational rooms dotting the landscape.  Scrubby little trees and small cactus-like plants covered the hillside.  Beyond the enclave, tall, jagged mountain peaks jutted upwards into the low-lying clouds. 

Beyond the Orion, some of the massive transports were still lining up to deliver their occupants as well as much-needed supplies.  Marion surveyed the huge dorms and set about enlisting a number of her people to initiate an inventory of the sleeping arrangements.  The dorms would not be enough room for everyone; some would have to stay on the transports.

Marion could only smile as she looked out at the colonists.  At present, they were all officially strangers on a lonely world.  There would be no going back—not now, not ever.  Most of them left several generations of family and friends behind.  They knew what was expected of them: to explore and colonize those planets that were made habitable, ultimately going out to the ends of the cosmos. 

We'll stay here, Marion said, as she pointed to a small section of one of the dorms.  Several of her contingents began bringing in some of their gear and readied the rooms for the night. 

Yes, ma’am, responded Pfc. Sofia Marinov, one of the young female soldiers.  She was one of the youngest of the contingent, only a little over one hundred-years-old, but still as agile as when she was in her twenties.

Sergeant Rimes, Marion ordered. Set guards on watch throughout the base.  And rotate them every four hours.

Yes, Colonel, Sergeant Rimes answered, carefully checking his weapon as he had so many times before. He was a brave and loyal soldier and an expert marksman.  He had helped with many of the rebellions that had occurred at the close of the third millennium.

Now that the millennium had concluded, everyone was eager to venture out into the heavens.  Marion was one of the first ones given the opportunity to enter the program.  She had the experience in leadership as well as the skills needed in off-world survival.  She had completed several stints in some of the closer planetary encampments.  However, those were quickly filling up with mining facilities and exploratory scientific expeditions.  This was different in so many ways; this was her opportunity to make her mark in colonizing new worlds and more.  She could not pass up this chance to further her career.

Marion could not seem to settle down for the night, so after an hour of tossing and turning on the hard pallet, she decided to take a stroll around the facility.  Maybe she would check-in with some of the guards to make sure everything was in working order.  Soon she could see Sergeant Rimes patrolling near one of the outlying dorms. 

Sergeant, is everything going smoothly?

Yes, Colonel, Rimes responded, sounding a little bored. You couldn’t sleep?

Just trying to walk off some of this stiffness from our time on the ship, Marion responded, trying to sound nonchalant.  It’s still a little early for me.

So you’re a night owl, Colonel? Rimes questioned ever so politely. I’m kind of like that myself.

I’m just eager to get to our destination, that’s all, Marion added as she sized up the sergeant.  He was a large man; Marion felt safe around someone like him.

As Marion and Sergeant Rimes stood peering out at the distant horizon, they could both hear something slowly moving in the tall brush, approaching in their direction.

Heads up, Sergeant, Marion spoke with a cautious tone of authority.  Has there been any indigenous life reported here?

Not that I know of, Rimes replied as he raised his weapon.

Soon the sounds became evident that whatever was approaching was huge and swiftly bearing down on the two of them.

The creature was still coming their way.

The ground beneath their feet was beginning to shake.

Marion could feel her heart beating in her chest, her eyes wide, straining out into the darkness and trying to catch a glimpse of whatever was coming their way.

Quickly, Sergeant Rimes fired twice in the direction of the sounds, but it was still approaching.

Rimes fired again.

This time whatever was coming let out a deafening roar.

Soon they could hear the sounds beginning to fade. Whatever it was seemed to be turning back toward the outer perimeter of the base. 

Then there was silence.

Is this possible? the sergeant asked, shaking his head in amazement.

That’s not what’s bothering me, Marion said as her heart rate began to slow. This wasn’t supposed to happen here.

Animals have been docile on the New Earth for more than a thousand years, but I’ve never heard anything that sounded like that, the sergeant responded.

Contact the others, Marion ordered, adding, Make sure everyone is on full alert.

This changes everything, Marion thought as she cautiously looked out at the dark night beyond the horizon.

AS MARION SETTLED DOWN for the evening, she realized she would have to call a meeting early the next morning with all the supervisors of the colony.  This meant no one wandering around the facility without being armed or with some sort of escort.  What was troubling Marion was what may lie in wait for them beyond Midway Station.

The next morning, Marion awoke with a start.  All night long, she had had nightmares about an enormous hairy beast stalking her. Soon she was dressed and ready to meet with the leaders of the colonists.  This was not going to be pleasant to say the least.

As Marion entered the large conference room, all the colonial leaders were sitting and waiting for her to speak.  The leaders numbered about twenty, each one responsible for more than a thousand colonists.  They were enlisted for colonial leadership and overseeing the needs of those in their charge.

A towering, overly large man soon emerged from the group.  It was Eric James, the acting colonial president.  He was an arrogant and ambitious person, sometimes bordering on obsessive.  He spoke first.

Hello, Marion, I heard that you and the sergeant had a little excitement last night.

Hello, Eric, Marion replied, trying to hide her lack of sleep.  He had certain past indiscretions, but he did have certain qualities that led to his leadership position.  Eric supervised several of the outlying mining operations off world and was a top-rated engineer.

Yes, we did, Marion replied, trying to downplay the situation.

I would hope that your men would be able to keep us safe at all times, Colonel?  Eric asked.

You don’t have anything to worry about, Eric, Marion answered.  If you have any concerns, just be sure to report them to the Council.

The Council consisted of delegates from both the civilian and the military sector.  Marion was one of the main committee members and had been instrumental in appointing Eric as president of the colony.

As Marion turned toward the group, she waved her hand, indicating quiet.  Soon the room came to a sudden hush.

As each of you know, we had an incident outside the facility last night, Marion announced. A dangerous predator was stalking Sergeant Rimes and myself.  We had no choice but to fire on it.

Soon, hands were quickly rising to ask questions.  One of the delegates stood up and asked, Colonel, isn’t this an unexpected development?

We all know this is unprecedented in our lifetimes.  Some of the scientific group is studying the situation, and as soon as they’ve come up with some answers we’ll be sure to get back with everyone. 

Until then, no one ventures outside the facility and certainly not at night until we can figure out what is going on here.

Following the meeting, Marion contacted several of her commanders from the battalion to discuss the incident.  Most agreed everyone must either stay in the dorms or be escorted to any location outside the perimeter.  No one would wander the facility after dark.  Guards would also be doubled