The Sixth Ship

By Stephen Alexander

A passing black hole forces humanity to send the largest ships ever conceived, the Great Journeys, deep into the abyss of space to find new worlds to live on. Families such as the Grovers of Ventura city are divided between those that stayed behind and those that braved the journey to the worlds found by our real-life telescopes. The brothers of the divided Grover family made a pledge- to one day try to reunite the family if they survived after 2166.

Now it is 2505 and humanity has joined the powerful Horto Confederation. Carl Grover learns learned of his family's pledge and of the Sol Sphere's first FTL capable ship. Led by the Horto's best engineer Antathon and joined by a reprobate cyborg with an attitude, they go forth to find human colonies on the trail of 'bread crumbs' left behind by their ancestors and the ships themselves. Can they find all of humanity's Great Journeys on the red-tinged worlds that became our last hope? Or will others find them first? Grab this new page-turning space adventure and turn those pages today!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stephen Alexander
• Release date: Apr 27, 2020
• ISBN: 9780997456134

Stephen Alexander

Stephen Alexander is a world traveling English conversation teacher currently residing in South Korea. You may find him in coffee shop and train stations typing away on his broken keyboard, or online at numerous websites like SFFChronicles.

Book preview

Prologue

Interstellar space, 11 light years from Earth, Cygnus Constellation

2200 C.E

The space probe, long ignored by its creators, continued its long, stellar observation of a seemingly quiet area of the galaxy. Only one intelligent species formed in this stellar neighborhood. The species that made this probe came from much farther away, replete with curiosity as to how local civilizations would respond to the crisis affecting them.

Observation was all the probe’s makers could do for them. They were too far away to arrive in time to make any sort of rescue. This lonely sector’s inhabitants were on their own.

The space probe had long since sent word to its masters that the inhabitants of the life-bearing planet around a yellow sun had taken action. The probe noticed the departure of ships, great colony ships the inhabitants called Great Journeys. And one was going to pass right by it, just as its creators surmised.

The probe aligned itself to take scans of the approaching Great Journey. This ship had taken a far different course than the other ships. It was heading to Kepler-186, a world 561 light years away from Earth. The probe determined the direction based on transmissions sent from the Earth, as well as what inhabited planets were in the direction of Cygnus. It knew where it was going, how close to the speed of light it was accelerating, and how fast the probe had to rotate to catch even a glimpse of the speeding object.

The amount of time it had to record scans was barely in the seconds since the ship was moving at 35% of the speed of light. Just a second after the Great Journey had passed the probe, the probe noticed a strange gravitational anomaly form a light minute away, in front of the speeding Earth object. It scanned the area, and noticed the ship was gone as well. No debris, nothing.

It sent back the data, along with an image of some artwork adorning the ship. The artwork neatly resembled one of the Earth’s continents, one with many great deserts. It also made note of the gravitational anomaly and the disappearance of the Great Journey barely a light-minute from the probe’s position.

A day later, the probe’s steadfast AI was startled by the sudden appearance of spaceships. Military and science spaceships from its makers. Their appearance was something the AI never expected would occur in its 100 years of operation. Also unexpected, was the hail it received. The following conversation has been translated into the closest approximation of English possible for your understanding.

Probe, are you functioning within operating parameters? requested the largest ship in the fleet.

By my best estimation, I am, replied the probe.

What happened to the ship?

That gravitation anomaly that swallowed the ship was not you, master?

Why would we ask you if that was us? sarcastically responded the largest ship.

Don’t confuse the AI! ordered one of the smaller ships. Probe, did your scans detect any other ships in the vicinity?

None, master.

Then how did a gravitational anomaly form in the middle of nowhere, without any ships around? asked the largest ship.

Perhaps the occupants of the vessel developed wormhole technology?

That can’t be possible. Why would they travel sublight for so long, only to generate a wormhole so far from their planet? asked the second ship.

Then the final possibility is clear, said a third ship, The humans were kidnapped.

And with that revelation, the makers of the probe realized the enormity of the threat facing their race, and perhaps, the entire galaxy, as well.

Earth 2087 C.E.

United Nation Building

October 11, 1:30PM,

The plaza became an exciting place full of tall, dancing puppets representing famous North American historical figures. Groups holding the puppets paraded around the square, waving them around with intensity as if they were dragon puppets. The crowd around the plaza cheered, their various costume adornments and toys waving about as the historical puppets went by. Who says history can’t be fun?

As the Harriet Tubman puppet went by, a group of armored police officers walked quickly. The line of people parted. A man wearing a cowboy outfit walked in the middle of them. As he walked by, fans waved and shouted. It was someone they knew, someone important.

Conference room

The wide conference room filled up quickly with men and women, most of whom were wearing party masks. The masked individuals took seats in front of placards while their assistants stood behind them or put attaché cases beside them. The masks clashed with the serious atmosphere of the room.

Once the last person sat down, the man wearing the cowboy outfit came in. The man took his cowboy hat off.

What’s with the outfit? asked the man wearing the purple mask. He took it off, revealing the face of a dignified man.

It’s Indigenous People’s Day here in ‘merica’, answered the man in the cowboy outfit as he took his seat. Apparently, I poll well in this getup. Think my ancestor was actually one.

When do they get here? asked a Chinese leader after she removed her red masquerade mask. She looked towards the door. We’re busy people here.

Yes. If they’re going to be late, I can go back outside to party, said a very old man who spoke English with an Italian accent.

Just as the man in the cowboy outfit was about to say something, the door swung open and four men and women wearing white lab coats entered.

Are you the scientists, or the strippers? asked the woman who wore the red mask.

Scientists, Madam President, said the first scientist to enter. He carried a small metal case and set it on the corner. The assistants standing by the window closed the black curtains.

I wish we were the strippers, Madam President, said a scientist as she opened her case and removed a big sphere with a stand. She pulled a cable from the stand as the seated dignitaries opened their briefcases and put on VR glasses. Strippers always bring good news.

Is this going to be another climate change thing? asked the leader in the cowboy suit. We already know all about that.

Yes, my scientists have already brought me up to speed, said the older African man with very short hair.

This is worse, Mr. President. Much worse, explained a scientist. He took out a remote control and activated the device.

An image of Earth in space appeared before them. The view zoomed outward to show the Earth-moon orbit, then quickly outward to frame the entire solar system. This is our current position, said the female scientist. Today’s date, October 15, 2077, hung in words above the sun. And now we move ahead one hundred years. The inner planets spun quickly around the sun. Towards the end of the one-hundred-year spin, a black ball passed through the rings representing the orbits of Earth, Mars, and Jupiter. The planets went off their lines and in crazy directions. Earth went into the black ball, a wall of flame from the sun went through Venus, the moon hit Mars and Jupiter went upwards.

What in the world? asked one of the seated women.

Your nation’s Copernicus space telescopes detected the black hole three weeks ago, explained a scientist. It’s small and so far, it has escaped notice by other telescopes.

The image changed back to the present day and around the Earth-moon orbit. A circle appeared just above and past the moon. The current location is 7.5 light years from Earth in the direction of Taurus. It is moving almost relativistic, under a percent of the speed of light.

Oh fun, sarcastically said one of the leaders.

So, we’re screwed in a hundred years? asked the American president.

All that money we spent on carbon capture and sea walls... the Chinese leader complained.

Climate change doesn’t sound so bad after all, said the older African man, leader of the African Union.

I am hoping you have some sort of plan, said the European leader as she took off her glasses.

This scenario is but one of three possibilities. We don’t know the exact path of the black hole. There are lots of undetected objects out there like brown dwarfs than can affect its path, explained the female scientist. She pressed a button and a list appeared before them. The list described scenarios and odds.

Most scenarios involve the Earth getting swallowed up by the hole. Most of our survivable scenarios involve the Earth losing its current orbit. This means even more wild weather and possibly even Snowball Earth.

Survivable for humanity? asked a leader wearing a tiger mask.

No... said another scientist. Not unless we draw an inside straight, he said, making a poker reference. Society as we know it will almost certainly collapse.

So now we are faced with the need to get off-planet quickly, explained the female scientist. She pressed another button on the remote and the view changed to another chart. We are almost at the point in our understanding of gravity that we can control it.

Then that means- began the American president.

-that we can make ships go lightspeed, the Chinese president finished.

We can get a portion of humanity away in our lifetimes! The African leader completed their thoughts.

Precisely, said the male scientist. But it will be the work of a lifetime. Almost two lifetimes.

How soon until the general public learns of this? asked the European leader.

Uh, we should tell them immediately, Madam General, said one of the scientists.

Eventually in the next ten years, said another scientist. Even if we deny access to satellite data, other astronomers will begin to notice disruptions in the light coming from that region.

If they haven’t already, said the female scientist.

I was really looking forward to dying in a Category 7 hurricane, the American president complained, but no, spaghettified by a black hole of doom sounds even better.

At least we have an option, said the Chinese leader. So, go ahead, scientists. Lay out the plan.

The screen changed to images of various asteroids. There are 8 billion people on our planet. We can’t save them all, said the female scientist.

But we can save as many as it takes to continue the species, the lead male scientist said as he pointed at the asteroids.

Where in the cosmos can we go? asked the African Union leader.

We’ve identified six target systems. Each of these systems has a slightly habitable planet. Some have more than one, explained a scientist. It’s up to you to decide where.

The leaders looked over the data before them. With the survival of humanity now facing its greatest threat, the leaders and scientists banged out the inkling of a plan. A plan that changed everything. A plan to save them all, or die trying.

Earth 2166 Part 1

City of Ventura, California

April 11, 2166

Almost ninety years had passed between that fateful meeting and today. The human race had successfully come up with solutions to survive. For the Grover family of a medium-sized house in Ventura, they would learn their fate.

The children of the family sat on a stylish sofa playing classic VR games like Survival Horror 13 as the parents stood in the kitchen, looking over the paper message in their hands.

The Oceania Alliance wants you, honey. You should go, Colin, Susan said as she looked over the letter.

Why do you say ‘you’, Susan? asked Colin. Don’t you want to come with me and the boys?

It’s complicated. I’ve thought about this a lot. She adjusted her sari and was about to say something else when the boys in the living room starting yelling.

You made me lose, Tej! shouted the dirty-blond haired boy. He menacingly pointed his finger at the other, shorter boy.

It’s not my fault, Jeffery! Your stupid self wanted to fight the entire room! replied the shorter, black haired boy. His tanned face crinkled as he angrily spoke. What kinda idiot fights a room full of zombies with an empty gun and a spork?

You were supposed to back me up! But no, you had to push me into the hole!

Kids! Stop yelling! shouted Colin.

Yeah, shut up, Tej!

Make me!

This will be settled in... MORTAL KOMBAT! Jeffrey said loudly and hammy, ignoring his father.

Another game that you suck at! replied Tej.

No VR this time! Real-life whooping time!

What’s that supposed to-UGGH! Tej was rudely punched in the chest and bent over. Jeffrey shoved Tej’s head between his knees, put Tej’s arms behind his back, and jumped down. Tej’s face painfully met hard gritty carpet. MMPHSH!

Jeffrey got up quickly and danced on the couch cheering like a drunk gladiator. His father and stepmother ignored him. His boasting made him forget about Tej. Tej shook off the pain in the gut and kicked Jeffrey in the knee cap. This knocked Jeffrey off the couch. Tej, despite being smaller and weaker than Jeffrey, dragged the stunned boy to his feet. He brought his hands back to the right side of his chest.

Shin-KUUU HAADOOOEKENNN! The palms of both hands slammed into Jeffrey, knocking him off his feet and past the couch. Tej held the pose until Jeffrey stood up and leaned against the wall. Tej charged in and shouted 100 strikes of Ganesh! His small fists barraged Jeffrey all over his head and body. A painting fell off the divider separating the kitchen and hallway. Jeffrey shook all over from the rapid-fire punches. Soon he tired of the onslaught, and swung arms up, swatting Tej’s hands away. He grabbed Tej’s shirt, yanked him forward and headbutted him.

AAAGH! said Tej as he backed up.

Kids! Go play outside! said Colin.

You’re not listening to me, said Susan.

Jeffrey dove as he ran, spearing Tej in the chest. PSYCHO CRUSHA! he yelled.

SMASSH! They went through the hardwood table separating the two couches.

BOYS! yelled Susan. She and Colin quickly ran over to the living room to see the chaos.

My Korean dinner table... Colin said softly. The legs were all broken, the top was cracked in half through the dragon drawing. The boys rolled about in pain, holding sore body parts and twitching. Good work, boys. You probably destroyed the last Korean dinner table on the planet. No dessert for you.

Unnng, he...started...it... Tej struggled to speak.

No...he...used...hadoken...not fair... Jeffrey said in his pained defense.

After the boys recovered and the cleaning bot removed all the broken wood, the family sat down together at the kitchen table. Colin wiped his chin stressfully, and decided to speak.

Your mother and I learned today that the Oceania Alliance wants me on their Great Journey vessel. They want me to go to Ross 128b.

The boys looked at each other in shock. Wow! We’re going to live! they shouted and pumped their arms.

Boys... I won’t be going with you, said Susan.

Why not? asked Jeffrey.

Mom? asked Tej.

I am a member of the city council. I cannot abandon our people, the people who voted for me, in their hour of need.

Then I’m staying with you, said Tej.

Tej! Please! You don’t have to stay! Jeffrey pleaded.

Yes, it’s OK with me if you want to go with them, said Susan. But her encouragement fell on deaf ears.

NO! Tej stamped his feet. I’m staying and that’s final!

But you’ll get spaghettied! said Jeffrey.

Kids, that estimate is out of date. The odds of that have dropped. Susan moved her hands as she spoke. The Earth is here and the latest track says the black hole is going up over us and out by Mars’ orbit. Maybe it will stay on that path, maybe it won’t. But a direct hit looks less likely now.

So instead, you’ll freeze to death. Great, dear. That’s cold comfort- owh! Colin said and was hit in the shoulder by Susan.

Look, I’ll apply for the domed cities or the underground shelters. Regardless, the people of this nation took us in when Goa flooded when I was a kid. I will not abandon them in their literal blackest hour.

Mom I will stay here! I am your ‘steadfast parrot’!

What? wondered Jeffrey. You’ve dropped your balls!

It’s a traditional story from my homeland, Jeffrey. Don’t worry about it. Anyway, you kids go play outside. Your father and I have a lot of planning to do.

Jeffrey stood up, ruffled his shirt and clenched his fists. You’re not my mom! You can’t tell me what to do!

Susan smiled evilly at him. No. But I am a city leader. I can’t stop you from going with your father into space. She put her elbows on the table and rested her hands on her chin. Take that tone with me again and you will travel to Ross 128b stapled to the front of the ship like the cow catcher on a train. Your thick head will make a good asteroid shield.

Jeffrey swallowed loudly and lowered his hands in fear. She’ll do it! Tej warned, seemingly from experience.

Now get out, Susan said calmly. Her voice turned deep and heavy. Her face crinkled with anger. To Tej and Jeffrey, her voice made the house seem to shake with demonic power. "NOW."

Yes, ma’am! Jeffrey ran away, followed by Tej. Every man for himself! shouted Tej.

You’re so wonderful with the kids, said Colin, who then followed with a hearty laugh.

Kids and council members work the same way, dryly said Susan as she stood up. They respond well to fear.

Earth 2166 part 2

The mean street of Ventura City,

Afternoon

Well, if you’re gonna die horribly, you should have some cool toys with you when you do, Jeffrey said to his stepbrother.

Are we going to Pete’s Prints? asked Tej.

Yeah. We can get the latest DamnGun statues.

I wanna DBZ Infinity statues, said Tej.

Jeffrey looked at him like he pooped his pants. Those are so childish!

I am a child, Tej pointed out.

Of course... and they continued their walk to the 3D print shop.

They walked by boarded up houses, security drones, and well-manicured artificial lawns down the little street they lived on. After making a right turn to head into the city, they walked towards a bridge. Standing under the bridge were four other kids. Jeffrey and Tej recognized them from online school.

Hey Todd, Alby, said Jeffrey as they approached.

Yo, kin, said Todd, a 12-year-old who wanted to be 15 so bad it poured from his face. The boy slapped hands with Jeffrey and Tej.

Where y’all off to? asked a tall girl next to Todd.

Pete’s Prints, Neequa, replied Tej.

Better hurry, said Alby. He was leaning coolly on the bridge support ten feet away. He’s got a clearance sale right now.

Sweet. What’re you guys up to?

Just talkin’. None of us got any letters.

My dad got a letter. We’re going with the Ocean People, Jeffrey explained.

That’s wonderful! said Neequa.

Man, how’d yo dumb ass get a spot? asked Todd as he threw his empty chip can into the recycling bin.

His dad is good at hydroponics, Ted explained, so that’s why.

See, I earned my spot because I’m cool! said Jeffrey.

Alby walked over towards Jeffrey, a mean look on her face. And we’re not, huh?

Really put your foot in it today,