Collected Stories: Science Fiction 2

By Seth Giolle

This is the second volume of Science Fiction in my Collected Stories series. Most of these stories are older works redone and improved for publication. They involve protagonists from varied ages and touch on many scientific themes.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Dec 23, 2013
• ISBN: 9781304741257

Seth Giolle

Seth Giolle was born on a small, rural farm in southeast Ontario. After Travelling throughout Canada in all its splendour, he once again makes Ontario his home.

Book preview

day."

Three Days

(8118 words - last count)

Why me? Alissa curled up into a ball on her bunk, long, brown hair falling down over her shoulders. She pulled her blanket tighter in around her. Why can’t they do the tests on someone else?

Her mother lifted weary eyes. Her brow was covered in sweat, and her shoulders were hunched over her work. Two weeks’ worth of clothing was piled in the wide, metal basin beside her with a rather dirty, yellow top on the wash board in hand. Sighing, unable to find words, she just shrugged and kneaded the soap through the yellow top before ringing it out and hanging it on the nearby, five-tiered hang dry rack.

You should be grateful they chose you, she finally mustered, starting to work on a pair of blue pants. This isn’t a curse. It’s a gift. You’re going to be the first of us to step out on the surface, one of many at that. You’re in a group of people doing this, right? This is an honour, dear. You should be grateful.

Alissa screwed up her face. Well, I don’t want it. They can take it back!

No, they can’t. Look around you, her mother urged, motioning to the confines of their cramped, metallic living quarters. "We’ve barely space to live in here, and with the water and food replicators failing, this is our only hope. You’re going to set the rest of us free, darling. Don’t you understand?

Besides, they’ve already started the process. If they stopped now, she mumbled, pausing for a difficult moment, clearing her throat, then steeling her voice and forcing out a blank expression, it would kill you. Did you hear me? Alissa squirmed deeper into her blanket. Her mother closed her eyes and pursed her lips. A few breaths later, she smiled and wrung her hands out on her damp, grey shirt. Why don’t you like it, dear? she asked, shaking her head and blinking a few times. They aren’t mean to you, are they? The general insisted to me that you’d be well taken care of.

It’s not them, came a sullen reply.

Then what is it, dear?

Alissa dug her face into her blanket. Seeing this, her mother sighed heavily and shook her head. After a long, silent moment, she started scrubbing again, harder than was needed. The froth foamed up over the wash board and onto the floor at her feet. She wiped her forehead a few moments later and hung the pants on the highest tier of the drying rack. Picking a second shirt from the pile before her, she looked at her daughter again. More unspoken words came. With a deep breath and calming smile, she nodded.

Are you going to tell me what it is?

Alissa shook her head defiantly with her face still dug into the blanket. Frowning again, her mother shrugged and got back to work.

It’s the other kids, okay? Alissa shouted, her eyes red and body trembling.

You watch your volume, her mother quickly countered, fixing her daughter with a corrective glare. Do you hear me? Alissa dug her face back into the blanket, and her mother closed her eyes tight. Her features slowly softened. Taking in a steady breath, she blinked a more few times and shook her head; then, she produced an uneasy smile. Now, what do you mean about the other kids?

They make fun of me, Alissa whimpered. They call me names and won’t let me play with them. Her mother closed her eyes and let her head drop. They say I’m not one of them anymore - that I’m becoming a monster.

Slowly nodding, her mother stood and made her way to Alissa’s bunk. She urged her daughter aside so she could slide in by her head; then, she pulled her daughter in close, kissed her forehead, and moved some hair from her eyes.

You’re not becoming a monster, and you are one of them. You’re one of us, and that will never change. You’re just going to be undergoing some changes soon.

I already can’t hear sometimes, Alissa whispered, leaning her head back against her mother’s chest and sniffling, and I can’t feel things like tables and cups. It’s like my fingers won’t work right anymore, and when I run I can’t always feel my legs.

The doctors explained all this, dear, her mother noted softly, taking a moment to gather more words. In order for your body to adjust to the changes they’re going to be making, your senses need to be tuned just right. It’s like the televiewer over there. When the colour’s not exact, you turn the knob, right? And if the sound or picture doesn’t work right, you tune those things. Her mother took another moment to look around as if seeking something invisible. It’s the same thing with your body, she resumed shakily. It’ll be the same thing with all our bodies at one point. Like I said, you’re just one of the first, but you guys won’t be alone for long.

I don’t want to ever be alone.

Her mother closed her eyes a single tear coursing down her cheek. Silently, quickly wiping her eyes, she took a few breaths; then, she opened her eyes and attempted a smile. When that didn’t work, she just held her daughter closer, kissed her forehead again, and gently rocked her back and forth.

I’m scared.

Alissa glanced upwards for a response. Her mother just nodded, kissing her again.

- -

And I’m asking you again, Lynn demanded, angrily stabbing her finger into General Mokay’s right shoulder, why does it have to be my daughter you’re putting through these tests? You have others, right? Why not use them and reverse what you’ve been doing? There has to be a way. Why does it have to be a little girl? Why, she continued, gritting her teeth and fighting back tears, does it have to be my little girl? She’s only eight years old. She has yet to live, and you’re throwing her out there!

Lynn pointed to the window and dusty, barren planet that surrounded their fallen craft. A dust storm had taken over part of the scene, and the windows shook slightly from the force of the winds beating down upon them. She closed her eyes and took a few breaths. When she turned back to General Mokay, it was pleading eyes that searched for some measure of understanding.

I’ve put on a brave face through all of this, she continued, taking a moment to compose herself, but that was before all these changes. You’re not the one holding her while she cries herself to sleep at night. You’re not the one, she hissed, stumbling on stalled words, you’re not the one who’s supposed to send her out there alone.

General Mokay quietly nodded and held up his hands in defence.

I know this can’t be easy. Hear me out, he quickly added in a stern, yet compassion tone. Lynn crossed her arms, only just holding her words in. I know this can’t be easy; we’ve both been around from the beginning. You know that this ship and what’s left of its resources won’t last more than a year, maybe two.

I am well aware of that, general, Lynn spat. My husband, her father and your friend, died when this ship went down. If it weren’t for his sacrifice, we’d all be dead right now, so I know what danger we’re in, but why my daughter?

General Mokay stepped back. Shrugging, he turned and picked up a pile of colourful dossiers from his desk. All of these men and women, good men and women are in the program, yes, or should I say they were in the program? Lynn’s hand came up to her mouth, her eyes going wide. General Mokay sighed dropping the dossiers down again.

He took the three steps to the glass wall that separated his office and the loading bay below. Laid out on the loading bay floor were large hive-like machines, all connected to data banks and various computers. The large bay doors were coated light blue against the dull, red walls. Standing before the central hive, Alissa looked around nervously.

Why didn’t you say something?

They were all good men and women, General Mokay continued regretfully, ruefully shaking his head. And say what? They were sick. Things weren’t holding. That’s all we knew until this morning. Lynn closed her eyes tight. Right now, only certain blood types will take to our tests. Right now, only certain dna types will change. The others couldn’t take it. It destroyed them, the general groaned, pointing to the dossiers again, "painfully so. We’ve tried everything, Lynn. And I won’t lie to you. Your daughter’s the last of the few. She’s the last that stands a chance to survive out there.

If we can alter her dna, if the tests work, her body will create the antibodies and dna strings that will be workable for all of us. We’ll all be able to walk out there thanks to her. Without the others, we’ve no choice. Mokay watched Alissa move around in her blue and green, moulded suit below nodding quietly to a scientist taking notes.

Why her? Mokay asked, slowly exhaling. Because as of yesterday, there’s no one else that stands between us, he offered bitterly, distractedly gesturing towards the window, and that.

Lynn stared down at her daughter, her face gone pale. She closed her eyes and said a silent prayer fumbling at a nearby chair. General Mokay helped her down. Taking a seat beside hers, he made to speak more, but nothing came out. Lynn finally summoned reserve strength and took a few, hesitant breaths.

How long will it take for the tests? she asked.

Mokay frowned. We’ve had to push the program forward, he replied, dropping his gaze from Lynn’s. They tell me it’s still well within safety protocols.

That’s easy for them to say.

Yeah, I know. Look, I hate this as much as you. I really do.

Mokay removed his hat and ran his hand along its shiny black rim for a moment before nervously scratching his short, brown hair. Grey streaks were taking over whole sections. Brown eyes peered out sadly from a weathered face.

He was my friend, Lynn. He was the best, and if I had any choice, I’d do anything to keep you and Alissa out of harm’s way. I’m the one Frank replaced back then, he rued. I’m the one that should have been outside when the flares hit us and the ship went down. It should have been me that pulled the thrusters around. He paused, distractedly rubbing his eyes. I should have been the one buried out there.

Lynn considered General Mokay for a moment. She then quietly stood and walked up to the window overlooking the loading bay. Down below, Alissa was moving around inside the central hive. Lights decorated its side. How long will it take for the tests? she repeated, this time more confidently.

A week. They should have her moving through the outside atmosphere by then and breathing the planet’s air. That will be hardest part for her. And you. Lynn turned, instantly alarmed. Mokay nodded. She needs to be able to breathe the air out there in order to survive, so her lungs will be slowly altered. Lynn turned back covering her mouth with both hands. It’ll feel like burning to her, and she’ll lose the ability to breathe our air, so she’ll end up in a helmet and mask near the end until she’ll, well, until she’ll have to live out there.

Alone.

Mokay sighed. Yeah, alone. The shelter’s already set up with food and water and radio lines. She’ll have contact, but yes, she’ll be alone.

For how long?

Lynn’s voice was barely above a whisper, her body leaning precariously against the glass as her daughter waved at her from down below. Lynn offered a brave return wave before turning back to the general again. For how long? she repeated.

It’ll take a week, maybe two for her blood and body to produce what we need.

A week? Maybe two!

If there were any other way, Mokay assured her, standing quickly and motioning his own helplessness. If there were any other way, we’d do it that other way, but we have no choice now. Why do you think we had so many in the program? I’m sorry, he added more softly, putting his hat back on.

Lynn gazed down to where Alissa mimicked a monkey below. Seeing this, Lynn smiled, if only for a second. She has her father’s strength, she noted wistfully, slowly exhaling. She’ll come through it fine.

Mokay nodded. He clearly wanted to say something but found no words.

- -

This data’s unacceptable. Blood count, heart and breath rate - these numbers are all wrong, Johnson. Why didn’t anyone tell me? What kind of show are you running here, if ….

General Mokay, Dr. Johnson interrupted. Dr. Johnson was a tall man in green garb covered with a white lab coat, and he didn’t look like much of a fighter, but General Mokay paused just the same like the man’s upheld hand could hold off a flood. From Mokay’s bitter expression, unlimited words aching to be said, it was doing just that. General Mokay, Johnson repeated, smiling apologetically, that isn’t Alissa’s file.

Mokay stared at Johnson unbelieving for a moment; then, he lowered his gaze and dropped his head dejectedly. A moment later, he raised it slowly and offered a tired shake. I’m sorry, he mustered.

Don’t worry about it, Johnson countered. He stepped up to the shelving behind where the general stood and leafed through the colourful folders lined up there. A moment later, he pulled a thick, red folder out and nodded. This is her file, and it was updated an hour ago, so it won’t have the results of the last blood or stress tests in it, but it’s otherwise complete. Mokay opened his mouth, but Johnson shook his head, only raising one finger this time. It takes time to get results interpreted. When they come through, I’ll let you know.

I’ll wait.

Johnson nodded and returned to his post by the window. There, he picked up his clipboard and considered the bay below taking a keen interest in what he saw. There was only one hive now set up in the bay. The others had been removed for a metal dome twice the size of Alissa with a wide, glass door on one side. A window took over most of the other. Littered around the dome were various pumps and tools along with some smaller hatches and hoses.

Alissa was currently trying to attach a corrugated hose to the left of the dome’s window with the hose repeatedly falling out. She kicked the wall hard, punched the glass, and reached for the black mouthpiece in a quick, angry motion. Moving a second faster, her mother came up behind her and held her arm. She spoke quietly to her daughter in a hushed, reassuring manner. Johnson nodded silently and took some notes.

The psych tests aren’t here, Mokay noted stiffly, turning the pages over as he read. Johnson scanned the light brown desk in the corner, then the wall shelving. Finally, he checked under the window and the many file folders, mugs, and canisters filled further, cluttered shelving.

Ah, there it is, he muttered, pointing at a grey envelope towards the end. It was being evaluated this morning. They must have forgotten to put it in the folder. I’ll talk to them about it.

You do that. Mokay rested the folder on a small desk and started leafing through the contents of the grey envelope. He sighed, a constant frown overtaking his face. He gazed down to where Alissa’s mother helped her attach the hose. When it was done, Alissa glared at the hose and punched the wall again for good measure. What do you think?

Johnson frowned. About the child? I think many things. I take it you’re asking me how she’ll do out there on her own for so long? Mokay nodded. Well, Johnson continued, tapping his pen against the edge of the clipboard, I think she’ll have the necessary skills when the time comes. This set up and having her do the same things now that she’ll be responsible for later - I think that addition to her training compliments it all quite well, so I think she’ll have the physical skills.

And the emotional?

I don’t know. I would have preferred the others survive the process. We could have a team of people to keep each other company.

We all wish the others had survived, Mokay noted sourly.

Johnson glanced at the general and smiled. Yes, yes, of course we all do. She’s easily frustrated, and though I hate saying this, having her mother down there with her is holding her back.

General Mokay’s eyes went wide. Are you suggesting we pull her mother from her side? he asked incredulously. Are you actually suggesting we leave the child alone before sending her out there alone?

Johnson frowned. Yes, for the most part. General Mokay’s words were lost to emotion. Johnson pointed to the scene below pensively. Watch how they’re interacting now. It’s very touching, and it’s very healthy. The child is frustrated and needs guidance, and in this setting, it’s good.

So what’s the problem then?

The problem, General, is that her mother won’t be there when she’s outside the ship, and the hose won’t fit. What happens when she’s trying to work the hand pump, and the handle breaks? Will you send her mother out with the last of our canned oxygen to rub her back? Maybe she can bring a book with her and read Alissa to sleep at the same time.

You’re out of line, Scee, Mokay warned.

Johnson’s brow dropped, his breathing becoming a ghost of what it had been. Slowly, Johnson shook his head. No sir, he offered lowly, coughing stiffly, I’m not. We’re treating Alissa like a child, and she is a child, but soon, she’ll be on her own, and we’ll have radio contact, but no one’s going to be able to walk her through things or hold her hand. No one’s going to be able to help her fix a broken handle or open a hatch the blown sand has made stick.

General Mokay stared down to the bay, his eyes clouding over.

I understand she’s a child, sir, but she’s going to have to grow up fast, and if we don’t give her that chance now, we’ll find her in serious trouble next week. Johnson paused mid-thought. And you know I don’t like that name.

Yes, I do, Mokay admitted, unaffected by the doctor’s stare, clearly enjoying the shift in power. Mokay rubbed his eyebrows, then, massaged the back of his neck. Then what do you suggest? he asked, changing the subject back to the matter at hand.

The radio, sir. We’ll have that on all the time anyway while she’s out there. I suggest we start it now and have her mother trained in its use. When Alissa needs help in these tests, she can learn to rely on the radio - something she will have out on the planet’s surface.

Mokay let his head drop back and shrugged. Smoothing out the envelope in his hands, he shook his head. She’s a little girl, Johnson. Why did it all have to ride on her shoulders? How did it come to this?

That little girl has shown a lot of courage, sir. In the last four days, she’s learned a lot, and she’s been through a lot. Though she does still have some growing to do, growing that’s going to be needed, she’s certainly already earned everyone’s respect here. She’ll make it through. We just need to make sure we’re in the best position to help later when the time comes.

When will the dome be moved outside with the other one?

She’ll take it out with her when she goes. The hover pads will work long enough for it to get into a nearby position before giving out, and the hoses will be stored inside with the pump and tools. She’ll need to make a few trips for the food and water, but that won’t be a problem. This one will better suit her needs. We’ll just adapt the first one to fit someone else’s needs when more people start changing.

And the outside hatches will function for the hoses to complete the hook up?

Yes, sir. All tests show a perfect match.

General Mokay nodded guiltily. Johnson gazed down into the bay again. Sir, he mustered, returning his eyes to Mokay, I have a question. What if we do all this, and a rescue craft shows up? What happens to her and anyone we’ve adapted by then?

I don’t think that will be a problem, Johnson. Our satellite has been in orbit for ten years. We were sending out messages for two before and during all that. The satellite’s dying, as are our resources. Soon, we’ll be stuck on this planet for good be it by adapting our bodies to survive its climate or by starvation. That malfunction in the hydroponics bay this morning just made this project all the more important. We now won’t last five weeks if this doesn’t work. Right now, courage is key.

- -

Alissa stabbed the needle into the wooden table and swept her arm aside. Everything on the table went flying. The sounds of shattering glass echoed through the bay and made the twenty year old scientist standing across from her jump back. Alissa stared to the newly broken bottles and test tubes, then, slowly exhaled. Fixing the anxious-looking scientist with a testy glare, she crossed her arms trying an imposing stance against the young man’s six feet. It seemed to be working.

I said, she growled, I want my mother to help me.

The scientist stared across to the small observation booth to the left of the loading bay, to the man standing behind the counter inside that room.

Dr. Johnson frowned. Alissa, his voice crackled in her right ear, your mother will be with you for a lot of this process, but she can’t always be there. We are here to help you with this specific task. I know you can do this. We’ve seen you do it with help before, and you’ve taken over whole portions then, so I know you can do this. Please, let this man help you. Let us help you.

This is stupid! she shouted, kicking the table over. The impact from where her red suit hit the table cracked it in the middle, and the scientist across from her stepped further back, quickly straightening his black tie and subconsciously checking his white lab coat. Of course I can do all of this in my sleep, Alissa snapped. I’m not learning anything new here; now, I want my mother!

Dr. Johnson crossed his arms and sighed. He noticed the phone that flashed to his left. Ignoring it, he lifted the microphone and spoke into it again. Alissa, you’ve done this before, yes, but out there, the gravity will be different. That suit you’re wearing today has been altered, as I’m sure you’re well aware by now, to recognize a more accurate gravity you’ll know on the planet’s surface.

What’s your point?

Dr. Johnson closed his eyes for a moment struggling to maintain control. My point, Alissa, is that we need to know you can do this on your own under more accurate gravity. When your body’s been out there long enough, we can use your blood to help the rest of us, but all that depends