Arrival: Titan: Titan, #2

By Liza O'Connor

Dangers continue even as the crew of soldiers, scientists, and brilliant teens quantum leap to space near Titan.

Captain Drake has his own agenda, and it doesn't include Colonel Lancaster, or the students being alive for much longer. Fortunately, the scientists and students are a formidable group to go against. The attempted takeover is stopped with only one death.

When the AI, Scarlett, lands the ship on the north pole near the methane lake, they discover several sentient life forms.

They also discover that the moon, Pan, is actually a ship called the Death Star, mining minerals in the outer rings of Saturn. Even more shocking—Jupiter is not a planet either, but a disguised 'eye in the sky' watching over the mining interests of a superior sentient planet.

• Language: English
• Publisher: New Authors Online
• Release date: Apr 14, 2019
• ISBN: 9781386167877

Liza O'Connor

   Liza lives in Denville, NJ with her dog Jess. Having an adventurous nature, she learned to fly small Cessnas in NJ, hang-glide in New Zealand, kayak in Pennsylvania, ski in New York, scuba dive with great white sharks in Australia, dig up dinosaur bones in Montana, sky dive in Indiana, and raft a class four river in Tasmania. She’s an avid gardener, amateur photographer, and dabbler in watercolors and graphic arts. Yet through her entire life, her first love has and always will be writing novels. She loves to create interesting characters, set them loose, and scribe what happens in a myriad of genres. http://www.lizaoconnor.com/   

Book preview

Chapter 1

Captain Caesar Drake pointed to a chair. Strap in and avoid movement. He then took his captain’s chair and spoke in his com unit. Prepare for transport, at mark of ten.

As the numbers counted down on the monitor, Drake glared at Lancaster. Sorry, but you’re going to have to miss your court-marshal, because destiny awaits me.

At the count of one, a bright light flashed before Lancaster. He held his breath waiting for reality to return. For a very long moment, he seemed to be in the same instant of time. Then with another flash of light, all seemed normal, except for the image before him.

On the monitor was Titan, a little over seven-hundred and fifty-nine thousand miles away from its massive, ringed planet, Saturn.

Titan, a moon most like early Earth, and now the future of mankind—if they could do what nature had done on its own to Earth. Otherwise, they would simply die here. But they had a chance, albeit slim, to succeed, and that was better odds than those left on Earth.

Given the brilliance of the scientists and students that were in this ship, Colonel Lancaster believed it possible.

The captain wasted no time admiring their orange fuzzy home or the beauty of Saturn and her lovely rings. Instead, he engaged the engines and headed straight towards Titan. After three seconds, he disengaged the engines and let the ship continue on its own momentum.

Will that be sufficient? Colonel Lancaster asked.

His former friend and presently annoyed captain responded. Are you capable of flying this ship?

No, I’m not. However, I do outrank you. So, let’s not start a pissing war. Survival will require all our brilliance. I just wanted you to share your thoughts with me, because you are now a part of this team...unless you have orders to return to Earth.

Drake sighed. No. This is a one-way journey. No do-overs. We, hopefully, will have sufficient fuel to search for an optimal landing spot. Otherwise, we’ll land where we can until your scientists can create some form of fuel that this ship can use. The gravity pull is quite mild here. So, we won’t need to waste fuel on landing if we land somewhere that allows for a long runway drift-down.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Lancaster said, then fought his desire to grimace, knowing his next suggestion would anger Caesar. Would you mind if I contact my scientists, so they might assist you in finding our landing site?

Caesar huffed. Do you think they are capable of providing any real help in this matter?

I am quite certain of it. These are brilliant scientists, even the students.

Hold on! I don’t want the kids involved.

That’s not your say, Caesar. It’s mine. It is also my responsibility to ensure they behave. But when they give an excellent suggestion, and the other scientists and I agree, you will follow it. Treat them like adult crew members, because they are the reason we will succeed.

More likely the reason we will fail, Drake grumbled.

Just give them a chance, Caesar, Lancaster softly, yet sternly, requested.

All right, but on one condition. Stop calling me Caesar. You can call me Captain, or you can call me Drake. You can even call me Captain Drake.

Lancaster chuckled. Drake it is. Now will you please open the com, so I can talk to my entire crew?

If you say ‘please’ to the kids, they are going to have you for lunch, Drake warned.

You’re going to have to share with me what sent you over the edge on teens. But right now, just open the com and prepare to be astounded.

I bet you a day’s ration of water they’ll be in hysterics, Drake warned.

They won’t, unless they have good reason.

As you wish, Colonel, Drake stated and flipped the switch.

The excited voices of twenty-eight scientists and students of all ages came over the com-system. Quiet, please, Lancaster ordered. The group fell to complete silence. Lancaster raised his right eyebrow at Drake. The Captain is putting us into a slow descent towards Titan. Does anyone have any advice that might assist matters?

You’re just trying to cause a riot! Drake hissed.

What was the force of the burst to send us toward Titan? Ben asked.

Lancaster rolled his hand to get Drake to reply.

Two point seven seconds at low boost, Drake snapped and glared at Lancaster.

Perfect, Ben replied. Are we going to drift down?

That will be optimal, but we’ll have to clear the haze first.

Actually, you don’t, Ben said. We can start our drift as soon as we pass the upper-stratosphere. We won’t be able to see, but given our entry location, assuming we wish to land on the North Pole where most of the methane lakes exist, we could start our glide at once. That will get us over the ridges without re-engaging power.

Drake frowned. How old are you?

Don’t answer that, Lancaster ordered. His age does not matter. Do you take issue with his advice?

No. If we are going to land on the north pole, this would be the appropriate action. But would you not rather land where the probe did. That land was very flat.

Ben spoke up at once. Beg your pardon, sir, but if you recall, based on the pictures from the Huygens probe, there were hills in the area and the winds played havoc upon the probe while it descended.

Antonio added, But more importantly, we need to land very close to a methane lake, so we have the ability to create fuel, water, and oxygen at once. What we brought with us won’t last long. I know the gravity is only one-fourteenth of Earth’s, but that could still consume more fuel than we have if later we need to move for some reason. Landing on the north pole is our best bet to survive.

Lancaster spoke, Sounds logical, can I get feedback from my other scientists?

Victor spoke up. The majority agrees. Three of us would prefer the South Pole, given there is slightly more sun and it’s a bit warmer. However, that does make the winds stronger, and there is only one lake, which has never been tested. It is probably methane, but it could be some other liquid as well.

I like the warmer and more sun part, Lancaster admitted.

Antonio spoke up. Honestly, sir. I don’t think you’d be able to tell the difference between warm and cold on Titan. We’d freeze to death in either case within a second if we aren’t wearing our suits. So, in my opinion sunshine, nor temperature should be considered in this matter. Our critical need to survive is methane. We know for a fact that one of the lakes in the north pole is a methane lake.

Lancaster sighed. Any chance Scarlett is up?

Scarlett appeared, wearing a yellow frilly dress with a matching umbrella. Yes, I am, honey bunch! And despite being a southern girl, I’m all for the North on this one. Once we make sufficient fuel, we can check out the south pole, but right now we need to be gliding gently to the North Pole at an angle of 13.7 degrees.

Lancaster was pleased to see Scarlett back in action, but clearly Drake was not happy in the least. Thank you for your excellent input. We’ll disconnect now, so we may discuss matters up here.

Drake flipped off the monitors, then glared at Lancaster in fury. Who the hell is Scarlett, and how did she get on this ship?

She’s an AI. She came over with the rest of the equipment. I’ve no idea how they got her up so quickly, but I’m very glad they did, because she has saved our lives more times than I can count. I expect her to do the same here.

Drake sighed heavily. Sorry for the outburst.

It was justified. I did sneak Amy on board.

Yeah, and I don’t like being crossed twice. But since we have plenty of time to discuss the matter—

First, did you place us in the glide angle that Scarlett suggested?

Drake’s brow furrowed. No. I placed it in the angle I chose, which just happened to be the angle it suggested. Now to the AI. I’m very glad we have one; but does it have a second personality?

I don’t believe so, but to be honest, she is so helpful, that you’ll soon forget her flirtatious ways and southern accent. For she might very well be the finest AI ever created.

Where did you get her from?

Dr. Victor Kiev and David Sarns built her.

Ah, then she probably is the finest AI. Drake paused and tilted his head. Why would they make her so ditsy?

She’s not ditsy. She’s flirtatious. I expect Victor wanted someone to truly love him, which she does.

AI’s don’t have feelings.

Lancaster arched a brow. Just talk to her a bit. She’ll grow on you.

You’ve changed. You used to be Mr. G. I. Regs.

Lancaster ignored the contempt he heard in those words. Well, my job changed, so I changed with it. Otherwise, I would have destroyed this mission.

How so?

Whoever chose me, did so, because they believed my rigid behaviors would traumatize the children and outrage the adults. Brilliant people do not like to be manhandled, tasered, and thrown into isolation chambers.

Drake chuckled. Frankly, no one does. Did you do that?

At first, upon the recommendations and assessments of my troubles, I did order such treatment. However, the one I was warned would be my biggest concern, turned out to be the one who made us all a team. She changed the children, and most of the scientists. She is the soul of our team.

Please tell me you aren’t talking about Scarlett!

No. Scarlett wouldn’t even exist without her. Victor would have been tossed from the team long before he and David built Scarlett.

I hope he had a better reason for building her than his desire to be loved.

He did. The saboteurs were doing serious damage to us. So, Victor built Scarlett and the kids built little bots for Scarlett to use. It was against the regulations, but we needed Scarlett.

When Victor built Scarlett, I believe he only wanted a companion. However, the moment Tamara met Scarlett, she helped the AI to expand her capabilities, increasing our chances of survival. Those two have saved our lives many times.

You sound like a love-sick teen, he stated with annoyance.

I do love Tamara. But I expect you will too, once you get to know her, Lancaster replied.

If you are suggesting I try her out, I will, but be warned, I don’t take second place.

Given the small number of people, genetic dispersion is vital for survival. Thus, the ladies’ night company is decided by the draw of a name.

Are you serious?

Absolutely. I trust you nor your crew will have an issue with time sharing the females because that remains a firm reg. If a couple decidedly dislikes each other, eggs can be fertilized in other ways, but so far, everyone has been contented with the natural method.

What about the girl you stole...is she available?

First of all, I didn’t steal her. Secondly, Amy is only thirteen. So, she is not available to anyone. I have spoken with the boys, warning them off her. I have also warned the men away from all the teens, regardless of sex. I will give your men the same lecture when you gather them for a private meeting.

My men are fine, Drake assured him.

I still wish to speak with them. Exactly, how many are there?

After a pause, he replied, Five.

Without question, Drake had just lied to him. He decided to challenge him. You only have five people running this entire ship?

Drake shrugged. It’s an efficient ship.

He needed to warn his soldiers to be on high alert, but he couldn’t do that in the company of Drake. I’m feeling a bit exhausted. Could you request one of your five soldiers to take me to my quarters?

You don’t wish to watch our landing?

That won’t be for hours. I’ll take a short nap and return the better for it.

You really have changed, Drake laughed and, a moment later, a well-armed guard arrived and escorted Lancaster to his tiny berth. He tested the door the moment the guard left and discovered he was locked in.

Lancaster suspected Drake planned to usurp control of the mission. He needed to warn his people, but he was stuck in his room. Damn it! He should have never left the control center!

He heard something that sounded like a mouse crossing in the tiles above. Curious, he stood on his cot and lifted a tile. A little bot jumped on his shoulder and hung there. He knew the bots could read, but not hear, so he sat on his cot and wrote his worry. I fear Captain Drake is attempting a coup.

The little bot nodded excitedly.

Is everyone okay?

Little bot nodded again.

Is everyone locked up as I am?

Little bot shook his head, then jumped to the floor, hurried to the door, climbed up it, stopping at the lock. Seconds later, the door lock clicked. It then climbed down and wedged itself beneath the rubber trim on the door. Upon checking the hall was empty, it pushed a hand beneath the rubber and waved at the Colonel Lancaster to follow it.

Once they were in the hall, the tiny bot hurried ahead, checking for trouble. Twice, Lancaster had to hide. Once he hid in a toilet stall, and once in a small closet. Finally, they arrived in the lowest level of the ship where the farmers and animals were secured. He was stunned to find all his people inside.

Tamara ran to him and hugged him. Thank God you’re safe. I was so worried! After you cut the signal, all our doors went into lockdown. Then, they took Victor away, demanding him to turn over Scarlett.

Damn it! I should have just kept my mouth shut! I’m just so proud of her, I had to boast.

It’s all right. When Victor wouldn’t tell them where Scarlett was, they hit him in the stomach and he threw up on them, then apologized, stating he had a viral flu strain. That evidently terrified them, for they threw him back into his room and ran off to disinfect themselves. By the time they returned, the bots had set us all free, and we all escaped to the hold. David and Victor sent the bots into the ceiling to locate the wiring for the control center, so Scarlett could take control from here, once they found it.

She leaned into him and spoke softly. "Yarrows decided they shouldn’t wait to see if the bots could do this. They insisted the only option was to take the battle to control center, immediately, before the captain killed you. I wanted to save you as well, but I feared all your soldiers were going to die while trying to do this.

We didn’t know how many crew members there were, nor the strength of their weapons. I tried to convince them to remain in the hold with us, but they were determined to rescue you. I feared we’d not just lose you, but all of them as well. So, I insisted we take a vote, and the majority agreed with me.

Tamara gripped his arm. We still wanted to save you, we just didn’t want anyone to die while doing so. I sent a bot with your scent identifier into the ceiling with orders to find you. Soon after, Scarlett reported the other bots had located the wiring for Control Central, and she would have control of the ship once she figured it out. Less than a minute later, she declared herself the prettiest captain that this ship had ever had.

Lancaster pulled Tamara into his arms as his mind whirled over everything she had just told him. He focused on the positive news: Scarlett had control of the ship, but for how long? He looked around the room to make sure his soldiers were there as well. He spotted Yarrows in the corner with his other men and women.

I need to check on my men, he softly whispered to Tamara.

Tamara nodded and stepped back.

God, he hated to leave her, but the fact his soldiers weren’t guarding the doors bothered him. The moment he approached, he barked, Yarrows, report.

Sir, our colonists have created a situation which very well might get us all killed. Several of his soldiers nodded in agreement.

Tell me exactly what happened, Lancaster spoke softly.

They insisted we come down here instead of locating you and stopping the coup.

He glanced over at Tamara standing by Bruce and Victor with little Amy attached to her leg.

Lancaster refocused on his second. So, you had a situation where you suspected I was already being held prisoner?

Yes, sir, she replied. We were pretty sure we outnumbered them.

By how many?

Thirteen of them and twenty-four of us.

And what type of weaponry do they have?

I suggested doing reconnaissance, but that got voted down as well. Sir, in the future, will you specifically leave me in charge. Tamara took charge and of course the kids and scientists sided with her, so we got outvoted.

Lancaster rubbed his temple to quell his growing migraine. So, let us consider our mission. We have yet to land on Titan. None of us can fly this ship. You believe I am being held hostage, and Tamara suggests you and your men remain in the hold ready to protect everyone here and you thought the better idea was to leave them at risk while you try to rescue me?

He sighed and ran his hand through his cropped hair. "Yarrows, if I die, this mission can still survive, given the extra men belonging to the captain.  However, if more than eight of you had died while trying to rescue me, this mission would be over. The human race would cease to exist. I realize you only meant to save me. But, in the future, you