Milky Way Tango: The Belt Stories, #1

By Roger Alan Bonner

Milky Way Tango launches the Belt Stories - a quest motivated by romance in a space opera setting. Jimmy and Sarah, childhood friends, become lovers before leaving for college. But on the Big Date, they encounter a cruel twist of fate resulting in Jimmy's incarceration at the far end of the Belt. For ten years, he will be the sole occupant of a navigational array near the North American nebula. It is a beautiful, explosive, turbulent neighborhood. However, the annual mortality rate is thirty percent.

The likelihood of his surviving the next ten years is close to zero.

Sarah is left behind to get on with what remains of her life. She attends a college and tries hard to study. But she must forget Jimmy and the plans they had. That is difficult; for Sarah, all roads lead to Jimmy.

For Jimmy, life is simpler - he is determined to survive, which will require all of his will and energy and optimism and resourcefulness.

The story continues in Milky Way Boogie and concludes in Milky Way Gala.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Red Frog Books Company
• Release date: Apr 2, 2019
• ISBN: 9781386580270

Roger Alan Bonner

Roger Alan Bonner is a retired economist and ersatz mathematician, now busy creating works of fiction. He works primarily in science fiction because science is exploding these days.   He retired from Washington, D.C., spent time in waterlogged Florida, and then escaped to the Triangle are of North Carolina. It is a beautiful place, which the hurricanes often miss, filled with warm, bright, interesting people. He has two daughters and usually does not know where they are.  He likes baseball, the Outer Banks, chocolate cream pie, dancing, music, and is a huge fan of painter Vincent van Gogh, home run king Barry Bonds, guitarist Al DiMeola, and actress Minnie Driver.  Contact him at rogeralanbonner.com or leave an email at [e-mail].

Book preview

Also by Roger Alan Bonner

Novellas

Sentinel

The Vote Trader

Psychodrama

Red Night Revenge

The Belt Stories

Milky Way Tango

Milky Way Boogie

Milky Way Gala

The Nebula Tales

Thirds

Thirds Rising

Thirds Aflame

MILKY WAY TANGO 

First of the Belt Stories

A novel by

Roger Alan Bonner 

Red Frog Books Company

April 2020

Copyright, Disclaimer, and Keywords

© 2019 Red Frog Books Company. All rights reserved. Published by Red Frog Books Company. Except for brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews, please reproduce no part of this book in any manner without written permission from the copyright owner. 

978-1-386580-270.

My thanks to Evgeni Tchercasski and Pixabay.com for the beautiful image used in the book covers. Book covers © 2019 Red Frog Books Company. All rights reserved.

This is a work of fiction created to entertain the reader. All legal or natural persons, places, events, and institutions mentioned herein are either products of the author's imagination or fictional elements of a story. Any resemblance to a real person, place, event, or institution is coincidental and unintended.

Keywords

Artificial intelligence, cosmology, faster than light, fusion, homicide, hyperfusion, imprisonment, lost love, navigation, propulsion, quantum entanglement, quantum structure, rape, robots, romance, salvage, science fiction, search & rescue, space opera, space travel, topology.

Acknowledgments

I am grateful to Michael Klein and the Arlington Writers Group, of Arlington, Virginia,  Jonathan Giles and the Durham (NC) Writers Group, and Nathan Berger and the Raleigh (NC) Critique Group for helpful comments, patience, skill, and support.

Thanks also to Robin Lawrence, Joseph Cox, and Chris Becker for their insights and comments.

The Big Date

Athin cloud of steam drifted off of Sarah's skin and hair as she emerged from the shower and walked across her bedroom floor, stepping around the pile of clothing. She stopped in front of her personal unit, glanced into the mirror, and touched an electric contact. Her hair rose, stood straight out from her head and emitted more steam that soon dissipated. She ran her hands through her hair, pushed it behind her, and waved a body scent over her neck and body - Evening Rain. Her breath caught; the scent felt cold on her skin. She straightend and shivered.

She paused and stared into the mirror - I am no model, but I'm not bad either, fair skin with no blemishes, a thin body, wiry and athletic, a flat stomach. Not bad at all. Okay, my breasts are small, but the nipples are erect. That's sexy, right? Plus rich hair, big hair, light brown, some blond, falling below my shoulders. Great lips, kissable lips - she pursed her lips and grinned. Brown eyes; she frowned - that could be better; don't blonds have blue eyes? She shrugged and smiled at her reflection - all things considered, not a bad package.

Gods in heaven, look at me. This body screams 'fuck me.' Tonight's the night. 

Jimmy will like me, all of me. I am certain of it. A holiday gift, Seasons Greetings in June.

Yes, tonight's the night.

I should not doubt. All doubts, begone! Jimmy wants me. It is obvious he wants me; he has always wanted me, yet he held back. I never had to push him away, but if I did, he would still adore me. I am sure of that too. 

But forget all that, tonight is the night. He's been patient; now I am the impatient one. In three months, we leave for different colleges, on different planets. 

I want a summer to remember. It starts with this evening.

She touched a contact on the personal unit. A drawer slid open, and she selected her filmiest undergarments; they would be invisible through the dress. Sarah put them on, paused, and smiled briefly at her reflection in the mirror. A closet unit rose to eye-level, and she reached in, flipped through several garments, and extracted a light blue, translucent body shirt. Her arms rose, and the shirt dropped over her body. Now dressed, she paused again, then turned and cast an appraising gaze into the mirror.

Wow. I could turn pro. Maybe. For the right clientele. When she moved, the body shirt floated, covering everything and concealing little. She stood straight and spoke into the mirror, Jimmy, I hope you're ready, because tonight I'm coming for you.

She laughed - that's right; I am so funny.

She slipped her feet into low cut, gray dancing shoes, then left her bedroom and skipped down the ramp to the lower floor of the cabin. She walked through the living room and out onto the front porch; her footsteps made no sound on the polished wood.

The evening was warm. A breeze flowed through the surrounding forest, carrying aromas of pine and wildflowers. The cabin sat in a clearing under the shrouded light of Garak, a gas giant that hung, motionless and massive, occupying a third of a cloudless sky. The system star, Vega, would be below the horizon for several hours yet. Sarah heard her mother walk up behind her.

So, are you ready? her mother said.

Yes.

You look beautiful.

Thanks, Mom. Sarah caught her mother's eye and saw a look of admiration and some concern - she knows what I plan to do; of course she does. This outfit is for hunting, designed to be torn off, an invitation to delicious, urgent, long-delayed recreational violence. Mom is no fool.

Sarah waited - will she object to my outfit? But she did not. 

Her mother's eyes scanned her. Jimmy's coming at eight?

Yes. We'll take a taxi over to Cee One.

Her mother nodded. He's still attending Lambert in the fall?

Sarah's gaze dropped. She tried and failed to hide her sadness; she tried to maintain a neutral tone and failed there too. She nodded. As far as I know.

Sarah felt her mother's hand on her shoulder, a consoling touch. I'm sorry. It's sad, but that's graduation. I'll miss him.

Yeah, me too. Sarah's voice was throaty. She glanced at her mother. Lambert was a tech school, almost a thousand light years away, with an orbital affiliate where students studied physical science and engineering. Since Sarah would attend a college on Ambrosa, in choosing Lambert Jimmy was saying goodbye. He would move off-planet, to Rigel. Move off and move onward.

Sarah stared at the evening stars and frowned. I never thought he would move on. That was stupid of me; of course he would move on. He's a smart guy, one in a million. A corner of her mouth turned down, then she lectured herself again - both of us need to go to school and develop. We're too young for permanent attachments. That is unfortunate and unfair, but we need to be responsible, especially when Time catches up and hurls us towards adulthood, ready or not. At our age, we cannot bet our future on a romance. Everybody says so.

I believe them. Yeah, I believe them, but I would give anything to keep him.

It's always like that. The good ones move, even to the other end of the Belt, her mother said. But there will be others.

Sarah grew impatient - am I so easily read? Others? You think I'll find someone as good as Jimmy?

Her mother hesitated. I didn't say that.

Sarah's mouth twisted into a half-smile. Me neither.

Sarah thought, enough, it is okay. It is, dammit. It is okay. I don't want to hold him back, but he'll always be my first, so tonight we'll celebrate as hard as we can. That is my gift to him.

And to myself.

Sarah stood on the porch, admiring the evening, feeling the breeze move through her shirt, watching the far end of the lane for the taxi. It soon emerged from the forest, approached at a safe, robotic speed, slowed, and stopped in front of the cabin. Sarah walked down the front steps just as the bubble top opened. Jimmy emerged and stepped onto the walkway.

She walked down the steps to him, stopped within arm's length, but did not reach for him. He stood there smiling, his hands in his back pockets. Hi there. You look like the reason the riot started. 

Sarah smiled at him. You look good too. Nice shirt. In the royalty of muscles, energy, brains, and just plain goodness, Jimmy was a prince, someday a king.

We should dress up more often.

Sarah got that warm sensation inside, grabbed his hand, and pulled him towards her. He did not try to kiss her but instead looked up at the porch. Hello, Mrs. Richardson.

Good evening, Jimmy. You'll have her back by midnight?

Yeah. A mischievous gleam crossed his face. Good idea. Thank you for suggesting it. Hopefully, we won't be delayed. He grinned at Sarah's mother. You know how twitchy these robots can be.

Her mother laughed. Right. Well, you two have fun.

Sarah turned and gave her mother a last look. Don't wait up.

I will anyway. But I promise not to complain. Her mother watched them get into the taxi. They sat side by side on the cushioned seat. Moments later, the bubble closed over them, and the taxi moved away.

The ride was smooth and soundless. Jimmy watched the scenery go by. Sarah turned and admired his outfit. You look almost formal.

Jimmy touched his shirt; it had long sleeves and an extended collar in a glaring, pure white. Grandpa says I need to learn to clean up, for occasions, whatever those are. He didn't explain.

Yes.

All part of turning into an adult, so I'm told.

Sarah nodded.

Weddings, funerals, baby showers, graduations.

Occasions, Sarah said.

Jimmy paused for a moment. I was almost late. I spent all day checking the application package for Lambert. Again.

I thought you sent that off.

Sure. I'm just fussing with it. That's me being neurotic.

You'll get in; I know you'll get in, Sarah said.

You do, eh? Well, I hope so. He turned to look at her. Trouble is, the more I think about it, the worse I feel. We'll be so far apart. He reached out, touched her arm.

Sarah almost said, don't go, stay here with me. The scenario flashed through her mind - we'll talk about it, profess our love, and then admit, with regrets, that going our separate ways is the sensible move. 

I don't want to be sensible. I want this guy by my side. Oh... hell with it. Don't dwell!

She felt depression rise, a dull, choked ache. I cannot put this into words that make sense. Why is that? Is it because what I want does not make sense? That's what everyone says. Everyone goes through that, Sarah said. We're making plans and graduating. Time to go. Time to be adults.

Yeah?

So they say. Chinch will attend the CyberClinic in Alpha Ceti. Nilstrom is going to the Merchant Marine Academy.

That'll get him away from his parents, Jimmy said.

Edgar and Sue Ellen are heading off to Reparo.

Both? Are they an item?

Not yet, but she's gunning for him.

Good for her. He paused for a moment. I don't know Reparo. What is it?

A mining company. They'll have their school paid for. But God knows where they'll end up.

Out past the edge of the Belt.

Digging up asteroids.

It sounds interesting. But did they have to go so far to dig asteroids? We don't have asteroids here? Jimmy said.

That's not how it works. Once you're in the Black, distance doesn't matter. Everyone is chasing precious metals and other valuable dirt. She paused and straightened up. And there's you. You'll be at Lambert.

Not too far. Nine hundred light years, give or take.

But we'll be apart.

For the first time, Jimmy said. He bore a sad expression. I hate that.

My mom tells me to find someone else.

Jimmy nodded. 

And she likes you.

Jimmy nodded. I know. Puppy love. Nobody trusts it. Also, some idiot out there thinks I'm a puppy. I don't much like that. The same conversation repeats - we're young, we should see the world, experience life... for the sake of comparison, I suppose. Blah, blah, blah.

Sarah grinned. They mean well. She sat there and soon fell back to lousy. Then she told herself, stop this; Jimmy's here now. Don't waste this. 

She told the bot to dim the canopy; then she reached up and pulled the body shirt off and over her head. Nearly naked, she turned to Jimmy and said, I don't want to talk about leaving anymore. She reached for him and leaned in to kiss him. In fact, I don't want to talk at all.

LATER, THEY WERE ON the bench seat, Sarah on top. They were breathing heavily and sweating. Finally, they stopped moving against each other, separated, and looked around. 

I think we're slowing, Sarah said.

You mean the cab? Jimmy pushed himself up, blinked his eyes, returned to reality.

The canopy became transparent. Sarah straightened up and looked out. They were slowing to a stop, surrounded by buildings and a crowd of people. A young woman, her mouth open, stared into the taxi. Their eyes met, and the woman's mouth dropped open; then she grinned.

Taxi, Jimmy said. Resume driving, random course, more than a mile from here, less than five miles. Return here in thirty minutes.

Yes, sir, the A.I. said.

Taxi, amend that, Sarah said. Return here in one hour. Sarah stared back at the woman. The taxi moved, and the scene blanked out as the canopy changed to a light gray.

Yes, Ma'am. One hour. Very good, Ma'am.

This will be an expensive ride, Jimmy said. 

Sarah snugged back into Jimmy. Maybe I can make it worth your while. 

Sated, they moved apart. Sarah sat in the cab, chilled. The air conditioning worked harder to handle the heat. Jimmy put his pants back on and turned just as Sarah raised her arms and slipped the shirt over her body.

All Gods, you're so beautiful. He reached out, put a hand on her back, and stroked her.

You think so? Good.

Yes, I think so. I am seeing you from a new perspective.

You mean, naked?

Jimmy laughed, Not exactly. You know, we may have entered a new phase in our relationship, a more physical, more tactile phase. That may sound superficial, but that's okay - it's just a phase. We'll soon return to a more balanced relationship, with - you know - conversation... His eyes widened, and his eyebrows rose.

Sarah laughed.

... about, you know, stuff.

You're wacko, she said. She reached for him and kissed him.

I'm trying to connect my brain, but I feel drunk. I've never been drunk on girl.

But Jimmy, my love, I'm a person, not a beverage, Sarah said. 

You are that and more. Is this what happens when people start having sex? They get drunk? At least, I imagine being drunk is like this.

I eagerly await your recovery, Sarah said.

They dressed before the taxi stopped. Sarah reached over and adjusted Jimmy's collar, which had folded inward.

He was still for a moment. Thanks. He extended both hands in a pose and looked into her eyes.

She nodded. You look good.

The canopy swung up to open. Thank you for using Blue Star, the bot said.

They stepped out of the cab and crossed the sidewalk to avoid the pedestrian traffic. The canopy closed, and the taxi moved away. Jimmy scanned the neighborhood. Sarah looked down the street.

In front of them was a large traffic circle with heavy, stop-and-go traffic among a busy mixture of vehicles. Beyond that, Sarah could see a park inside the circle. A concrete walkway soared over the traffic and provided access to the park from several directions. In the middle, a large pool of water and a fountain sculpture sprayed a mist through colored lights. A large crowd was in the park, and several dozen carts served food. 

Outside the traffic circle, small bars, kiosks, restaurants, and shops lined sidewalks moving outwards in several directions.

This is like a circus, Sarah said.

There was noise. The rise and fall of crowd noise, of laughter, cries, music, and shouts in several languages danced around the steady hum of traffic. The blend of turbines, electric engines, brakes, and hydraulics played against the steady baddadumming of dance music. Rubber and composite tires and treads added a steady background hum.

The smells from the food vendors made Sarah's mouth water. Then she smelled something different and leaned towards Jimmy. She said in a low voice, Jimmy, I think we smell like sex.

He leaned towards her and sniffed. His face wrinkled in concentration. He shrugged. Perhaps. I can't tell.

Sarah put her arms around herself. This is weird.

Jimmy looked around. In this crowd? You'll get used to being an adult. We're not the only ones who smell like sex.

These people have a lot of sex? You think so? Like mom and dad?

Jimmy chuckled. Your mom and dad? Count on it.

Who else?

Jimmy nodded towards a blond woman on the arm of an athletic young man. For starters, the guy with the blond. The young man faced the woman while making a point.

She's tall, Sarah said.

Yes, 'strapping' comes to mind. She's a big healthy girl.

So it's okay?

The way we smell? Jimmy said. Yeah. In this crowd, it's okay.

SARAH HELD TIGHT TO Jimmy's arm. A storefront lined in white lights advertised 'girls and girls, boys and boys, boys and girls.' The store next to it offered Muscle Show. Next to that, a door promised to foretell the future and detect lies. Beyond that, another storefront promised Fireman Dancing.

A group of girls in skin-tight pants walked down the sidewalk arm-in-arm; Jimmy and Sarah stepped to the side to let them pass. Two girls, supported by the other three, cast glazed eyes at the sidewalk. Sarah wondered, was it drink or drugs? Or both? Surely it was not sex. They were too young for that, weren't they?

Sarah stared - no, that's ridiculous. They're about twelve years old. Fourteen, tops. She frowned and thought, or maybe I'm wrong. Their dress is mature, but I still don't believe it. 

They passed a young man slouching against a wall. He caught Sarah's eye, straightened up and said, Hey, angel. Want to make a little money? I know someone who would pay for fifteen minutes of your time.

Sarah shook her head and tried to move past.

The man reached out. "Hang on, angel. It's worth