Displaced: Discoveries

By Pauline Mac

In 2115, the modern city of Edwards was all but destroyed by a phenomenon that has yet to be explained.
Five years later, the city has been rebuilt and Professors Joe Adin and Tim Calder are about to embark on their greatest achievement... Warp Drive.
During the final test, the phenomenon suddenly returns. Nowhere near as destructive, but raising questions. Did it cause Freedom One to malfunction, leading to an amazing new discovery? Or was it just coincidence?
Before Joe and Tim can find answers, they are kidnapped and made to produce the same results by a man they thought they could trust. But things go cataclysmically wrong, and Joe and Tim’s world is turned upside down...
Joe and Tim...
Soul mates... Best friends... Co-workers...
and in a fight for their lives...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pauline Mac
• Release date: Apr 1, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463503058

Pauline Mac

Welcome to my little corner of the universe! I’m a middle aged woman (good lord, can’t believe I’m using that term to describe myself!), who took up writing late in life. In the course of that time I’ve made some wonderful friends from all around our beautiful world, and have learned a great deal about the beast that is story telling. I started as a fanfic writer in 2009; mostly about my favorite show Star Trek: Enterprise (which actually was the catalyst for me to put pen to paper, so to speak). My early writings were about the friendship between my two favorite men, Jon and Trip, but have grown into slash. Why slash? Long story. Another time - maybe... In November 2012 I entered an original story, One Day We’ll Fly, in Americas Next Author. At the end of voting I ranked 27 out of 454. Not bad for a first timer. So, using my two favorite men as inspiration, I started out on my next project. I thought long and hard as to whether to make this friendship or slash. I went with slash. Why? Well, that would be because of Zachary Quinto! His coming out recently (at the time of writing) was a brave move, though in my mind it shouldn’t have been, and his reason for coming out inspired me all the more to go with slash. To quote an excerpt from his recent interview: “Gay kids need to stop killing themselves because they are made to feel worthless by cruel and relentless bullying. Parents need to teach their children principles of respect and acceptance.” On October 25th, 2011, I was absolutely horrified to read about the murder of the young Scottish man, Stuart Walker, because apparently he was gay. Why do these things keep happening in our world? I do not understand! Since I originally wrote this, more and more horrific and sad stories have come to light. It all breaks my heart, but it also solidified my resolve to try and write something where a same sex couple is part of humanity, and not persecuted. In this light, I’m hoping that my little stories will add voices that are starting to be heard, and inspire people to support our young ones, as well as those who a greatly affected by the cruelty of others, instead of shunning them. And in honor of a young man taken too soon, I’m determined, now more than ever, to show people that it doesn’t matter who you’re with – it’s all LOVE. Since I started Displaced, a lot has changed. I’ve changed. I actually went back to the beginning and decided I hadn’t done enough, so I started again. Yup, I spent more than a few years re-mastering Displaced: Discoveries. All for the better, I think. Displaced is my passion, my focus, and I hope to do some justice to the injustices of this Earth. That said: I consider myself to be still relatively green as a writer, so I am still learning. But with the Awesome help of my friend (whom I have never met, but hope to someday), and beta, Alyson, I have learned so much and have become a better writer. I owe Alyson a great deal. And, just a word of warning... I’m no scientist, so I’m hoping the technobabble in this series doesn’t confuse people too much, but, hey, it is science fiction... In conclusion, my site and story are dedicated to Zachary Quinto, Jamey Rodemeyer, and Stuart Walker as well as: Gene Roddenberry for his vision of IDIC... And... Scott Bakula and Connor Trinneer for inspiring my creativeness. Not only are they hot and sexy, but they are awesome actors. I will add that the above people are in no way associated with Displaced (though, wouldn’t it be cool if they were???), they are pure inspiration. Finally, feedback is always welcomed! Thank you Pauline Mac

Book preview

Prologue

The trouble started almost two minutes ago. Tim was visiting his sister, Annie, at the creche where she worked. He was playing around behind Annie’s back, amusing the kids, making faces, when the vibrations started. At first, he thought it was some hot jock pilot buzzing the building to give the kids a thrill, but when the vibrations didn’t stop, increasing instead, Tim knew something was wrong. He helped Annie get the kids down to an evacuation point then turned tail and ran.

Gravel dug deep into his palms, as Tim scrambled to his feet, after being knocked down by an invisible force. He kept running. His heart pounded when he glanced back. Buildings were starting to fall like dominoes, as if being shaken apart, and they were coming straight for him. He didn’t have much time. He turned forward and put on as much speed as he could.

It wasn’t a huge distance, but it seemed to take forever before the Laboratory Block came into view. Tim knew it would probably mean his death, but he ran inside just the same.

Organized chaos was what he came across as he flew through the door.  People streamed out of the emergency stairs and raced for the exits. Out one door, out another. There were no hysterics, but fear and a desperate need to escape, was clear to see.

Tim shepherded people toward the exits as he fought his way through. He had to get to his husband. JOE! he screamed as he broke free of the horde.  A sudden blast of air slammed him to the ground and onto his back. He opened his eyes and came face to face with danger. He couldn't breathe. The imposing replica of the shuttle Enterprise above his head was moving. Despite being tethered by reinforced steel, the big hulking mass of metal was bouncing - big time. Tim felt extremely vulnerable... and small. His pulse raced as he scrambled to his feet. Where’s Joe?

Come on! Joe's order echoed across the massive foyer.

Tim ran towards his husband who was holding a door open, ushering people out of the emergency stairwell. Tim pointed to a young man who was standing at the halfway point between Joe and the exit, ushering people to the exit. Get out, Alex! he yelled as he ran.

You sure? Alex yelled.

Tim nodded. Go! I’ll help Joe. He didn’t wait for a response, but he saw Alex nod as he ran for the exit. 

Keep running! Joe screamed.

Joe! Tim yelled.

Do you know what’s going on? Joe asked as he continued to guide people to safety.

Tim shook his head. Not a clue. He instinctively reached out when one person stumbled over another and fell in their frantic quest to evacuate. What could have amounted to a disaster was avoided when Joe quickly dragged them out of the way, preventing more people from following suit.

Keep running! Tim screamed at the two who fell, when they stopped to check for injuries. Nobody had time for that. The two stared at Tim for a few seconds, blinking wildly, before they found their momentum and ran.

The sound of their feet, crushing segments of ceiling that had already fallen under the pressure of the vibrations, was nothing compared to the sound of Tim’s pulse drumming in his ears. His heart was ready to explode out of his chest.

He tried not to look at the walls that were moving and closing in around him. He swallowed hard against the image of being trapped... 

Keep running!

Joe's urgent plea snapped Tim out of his sudden inertia. He stared in disbelief when Joe disappeared behind the door. What are you doing? he yelled, running as fast as his shaking legs would let him.  He pushed past the last of the workers spilling from the staircase in their desperate bid for safety, He opened his mouth to once again call for his husband when Joe reappeared. 

I was just checking, he said.

Tim grabbed his arm. We’ve gotta go.

They spun as one, ran as one, and headed for the exit - checking for stragglers as they did.

When we get out, Joe said, out of breath.

Yeah?

We’ve got to investigate this phenomenon, ‘cause this isn't normal.

They ran a few steps more.

When we get out, Tim said, just as breathlessly.

Yeah?

Tim glanced at his husband. We’re going for a drink.

Joe chuckled. That too.

As they neared the suspended Enterprise one of the cables anchoring it in place suddenly snapped, causing the nose of the aircraft to drop at an alarming angle. It swung in a slow arc for a heartbeat before, with a sickening grind, the whole thing came down, bringing the ceiling along with it. The noise was deafening…

Tim and Joe scrambled to the right, but there was already a mound of rubble in their way. They turned to the left, then turned again…

No! Joe yelled.

They had no way out.

Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Tim spun around. What’re we going to…

Windows exploded above them, raining down shards of glass. They did their best to protect themselves from the deadly missiles, but it was futile. Tim could feel the stinging cuts as the glass shredded his clothes and cut through to his skin. We’re not going to make it, Joe!

Yes we are. Joe took him by the arm and led them towards the wide staircase that led from the mezzanine floor to the first. It was made of reinforced steel, so Tim could only hope that it would provide them with some protection. They skidded across the floor together, feet first, under the stairs, glass cutting deeper and deeper. 

Then the roar began - a precursor to the coming disaster. Tim tried to breathe. We’re gonna die.

Joe took his hand and squeezed. Not with me around.

Tim kept eye contact with his husband when, all too soon, the building collapsed around them. I love you…

Five Years Later

Get up, Tim!

Tim rolled onto his side, ignoring Joe’s demands, and buried himself deeper under the blanket.

TIM!

He groaned. Go away. They had arrived home at three am - he wasn’t ready to leave the comfort of his bed.

Suddenly the bed rocked under him, and the blankets were stripped away. Tim kept his eyes closed and tried not to laugh as he struggled against his husband to claim his blankets again. Get up! Joe told him.

Tim growled and pulled the blanket over his head. No!

Joe bounced on the bed, sending Tim’s naked body bouncing along with it. Tim, we’ve got a big day ahead. You need to get up and get ready.

Tim forced his sleep deprived eyes open and stared through blurry vision at his husband. Joe had a towel wrapped around his waist, strands of wet hair stuck to the nape of his neck, his face was freshly shaven, and when Joe leant over and kissed him, he had fresh breath as well. It took all of his strength not to pull Joe into bed and muss him up just once more. Tim licked his lips as Joe climbed off the bed, and for a few seconds he allowed himself the joy of letting his eyes drift across Joe’s muscular, and somewhat, damp body. He was seriously reconsidering his decision.

Get up!

When Joe started to move away, Tim grabbed his wrist and pulled him down onto his chest. I’ve changed my mind, he said gathering Joe in for a deep kiss. He groaned in delight in the taste of his husband’s mouth, his lips, his tongue. He kissed deeper, more passionately. He ran his hands along Joe’s bare back, taking the time to savor the feel of his husband’s muscles under his touch, but he needed more. Tim pulled Joe completely onto his body. He ran his hand down to the towel that was impeding his desire. He grabbed the towel, his desire deepening.

Cool air hit his skin without warning. Tim opened his eyes. Why’d you stop?

Joe sat up. We’ve got a big day ahead, remember? he said, a little breathlessly.

Tim gazed into Joe’s beautiful, albeit bloodshot hazel eyes, and saw the uncertainty there. He squeezed Joe’s hand. If he could, Tim would strip away his husband’s anxieties, but he had learned from experience that Joe had to work through this himself. For such a genius scientist, Joe was sure lousy at hiding his fears. Breathe, Joe, he said, checking the digital clock. We’ve got plenty of time.

Joe inhaled deeply. It’s a big day!

Tim nodded slowly. We’ve had plenty of those, this is no different. He kissed his husband again, hoping that his love would help soothe him, but when he pulled back and still saw the doubt, his soul ached. Joe! It’s warp drive! Aren’t you excited about reaching warp speed?

I am, he said. But what if…

God, you know for a brilliant scientist, you sure are...

Yeah, yeah, I know, Joe said, standing.

Hoping to alleviate Joe’s stress, Tim took the opportunity to yank the towel from his waist. Goddam, he said, just a little breathlessly as he took that moment to drink in his husband’s beauty.

Stop gawking, Joe said, throwing his towel at him.

Tim chuckled as he finally sat up. How do you do it?

Joe retreated to their bathroom. Do what?

Tim threw the blankets off and swung his legs around till his feet were resting on the cool tiles. Look so sexy first thing in the morning?

It’s a gift, he said returning. Joe pulled on his hands. Now, get up! We really need to get going.

Tim stared at him for a moment, saying nothing. His only movement coming from his fingers which were caressing Joe’s palm.

Joe took another deep breath as he stood. I’ll put the coffee on.

COFFEE! Tim jumped off the bed. I’m up!

Joe ogled his husband’s bare bum in admiration as he left for a shower.

Stop staring and put the coffee on, Tim said, turning, giving Joe a wonderful view.

Joe held up both hands. I’m going, he said, laughing. He waited a few more seconds, watching Tim retreat into the bathroom. With a contented sigh, Joe went to his walk-in wardrobe to fish out something appropriate to wear. Usually he and Tim would do the casual look for work, denim jeans and a T-shirt, but with the top brass invading their space to watch the final test, he needed to look a bit more professional. He pulled a face as he retrieved his suit trousers and gray polo shirt. That’ll do.

After quickly dressing, Joe raced to the kitchen, hoping to have the coffee ready and waiting by the time Tim was finished. As he set out the mugs, Joe started to think about the day ahead, and what wonders would unfold. His stomach muscles tightened as he mentally went through everything. Had everything been done? Were the calculations right? Were they even ready for a final test? Joe rubbed his face. As a scientist, he was confident in his abilities and results, he had to be, but as a human being? Well, those old insecurities always raised their ugly heads just before each experiment.

Joe’s musings were interrupted by Tim singing his heart out in the shower. He chuckled then grimaced when he hit a high note that went completely awry. Gonna have to teach that man to sing.

I heard that! Tim yelled from the now quiet bathroom.

Then learn to sing! Joe wandered onto their patio to take in the majestic view of the city. It was a clear day with only a slight breeze. The early morning air still a bit crisp, just the way he liked it. He gazed around the city.

They never found the cause of the 2115 disaster, only that it was the air that shook and not the ground. An EM pulse was the prevailing theory, but from where? No one had yet discovered, but the search continued.

The effects, though, were plain to see. The damage was widespread, all the way down the west coast. The death toll was also never known, but the estimates put it in the tens of thousands. The rebuilding had taken years and, for the most part, Edwards was once again a thriving city.

Her skyline was filled with shuttles weaving their way above and around small and tall buildings. Those who didn’t like to fly, drove their electric cars on the ground. Children were playing in the parks. People were hustling to get to their destinations. The city was waking to a bright, brand new day.

Joe had a moment of pride, knowing humanity had embraced clean, renewable energy, rather than the continued use of poisons that sucked the air out of the environment. The sun didn’t dry up, as some had claimed, and the wind turbines didn’t create illnesses, as others deemed. The Earth was healing from centuries of abuse. Joe smiled. It was a great time to be alive.

Joe’s attention was drawn to one of the areas that didn’t survive the events of 2115. The hospital. It had disappeared down a sink hole, and in the rebuilding phase the authorities deemed the area too unstable. So the site was transformed into a memorial park filled with trees and lakes, with the hospital relocated to the hill overlooking the city. A majestic building that quietly watched over and cared for her citizens.

A loud humming drew his attention to one of the inter-space vehicles that had just taken off from the main passenger airport. The size of more than three football fields, the powerful engines of the sleek aircraft roared as it broke free from the bounds of Earth. Full of paying passengers to it’s destination, Mars.

Again, a moment of pride rose when he realized that he had a hand in the technology that made it possible to travel to Mars within weeks instead of years or months. He hoped that day he could convince Tim to take that trip with him.

His heart skipped a beat and he frowned when the handrail trembled slightly under his hand. He hated tremors. Hated earthquakes, and the events of five years ago