Marine: Halley's Casino II

By Mark JG Fahey

 

Nebula Yorker (“Neb” to his friends) finds himself on the water planet of Marine in a race to recover a long lost Triopelian Star Chart he previously never knew existed.

Along the way Neb encounters new friends and a villainous brother and sister team bent on doing whatever they must to get their hands

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mark Fahey
• Release date: Oct 20, 2016
• ISBN: 9780994891839

Mark JG Fahey

Mark has dabbled in a various undertakings throughout his illustrious career, from on-air hosting/reporter/stand-up comic to messenger for the Prime Minister of Canada. Mark also holds a degree in Restaurant Services. His family and friends can attest to his excellent cooking skills. Born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Mark was raised and still resides in Aylmer, Quebec, Canada. Halley's Casino is the first book in the Halley's Casino trilogy

Book preview

1

The blue crystal clear watery planet of Marine shone like an azure sun in deep space. 90.5 percent of its surface was water, with only 9.5 covered in land mass. One would think that its inhabitants were, as some liked to call them, fish people, but that was far from the truth.

Indeed, natural born Marinians had webbed feet and hands and could hold their breath under water for long durations of time - most up to sixty minutes – although unlike fish they did not have gills - their pores acted as such in this unique world. Marinians were also humanoid in appearance.

The two capital cities reflected the populous: Parafin deep beneath the Argyleous Ocean and Terramin high in the Veslope mountains.

It was somewhat of a contradiction that they thrived both underwater as they did topside.

Marine was a wonderful vacation destination, only 465th to Halley’s Casino number one ranking. The underwater city of Parafin boasted a host of interconnecting sub-cities that stretched out halfway around the globe.

One quarter of Marine’s deep waters was still uncharted, and it seemed that something new was always being discovered – from three square dimensional aqua species to lost ruins and caves dating back countless years into Marine’s past.

It would seem that many worlds, including that other little blue world known as Earth, have had their frequent sightings and tales of mythical sea creatures. However, on Marine these sightings were not of sea creatures but of real monsters!

Tourists visiting Marine have sworn that they have spotted Airhert, as it has become known. Others who, without a doubt, had positively come in contact with Airhert were no longer alive to verify these accounts.

One distorted video feed found floating from a lost and presumed drowned tourist was too grainy to identify anything tangible, although the audio picked up a very clear, loud burp.

Parafin’s naval authorities were soon put on high alert for wayward tourist adventurers who often strayed into waters they should have never ventured to in the first place. These thrill seekers would most often meet their certain death chasing a legend.

There were three continents on Marine: a northern continent where Terramin was situated and two southern land masses. The latter each boasted white sandy beaches and endless cool breezes, where the drinks were so ice cold the ice cubes would never melt, thanks to Professor Gabriel Pheet who, while trying to fuse a serein with a lunar solar wind, invented the ‘endless iceberg cube’.

The royalties from the patent alone bought him his very own island and lavish hillside mansion high in the Amasop foothills adjacent to the Veslope mountain range. His famous stratosphere hanging gardens were an engineering marvel that eventually became one of the North’s most popular attractions.

His death was a huge surprise. At the age of 202 he just fell over one day while sucking on one of his new flavoured ice cubes: impel berry. It was soon found out that he wasn’t sucking on an ice cube but rather an ionic polar radiation battery. In fairness to the Professor, they both did appear near identical, except in taste and everything else that an ice cube was not.

You win a few, you lose a few, said his only living relative – who had inherited all of the Professor’s wealth - at his memorial service. You’ll never catch me sucking on one of those.

Oddly enough, no one ever really knew if he was talking about the real iceberg cubes or the ionic polar radiation batteries.

To be completely honest, the relative didn’t care; he was now rich. His thoughts on the matter were simple: Well, if I die I now have enough money to bring myself back. He did eventually die just a short few months later, or is have thought to.

They found pieces of his houseboat with bits of floating impel berry flavored iceberg cubes and a note which read Cancel the impel berry iceberg cubes and funny enough or funny to some, a grainy video recording with a clear loud burp was found.

It was later reported as a tourist accident to avoid bad publicity.

You win a few, you lose a few.

With Professor Gabriel Pheet dead and his sole living relative perhaps still digesting in the belly of Airhert, a missing footnote in the Professor’s will was found; it was such a small footnote that it was almost mistakenly thought to be a smear of impel berry juice. It seems he had bequeathed his island retreat to an old academy chum and former colleague named LeBeau.

***

High in space and now orbiting Marine, the Dregonion transport freighter Onion Two was preparing to disembark its one lone passenger. LeBeau sat waiting for the Transport Transfiguror Officer to finish inputting the coordinates for his destination below on Marine.

It had been quite some time since he last was on Marine - twenty five years, to be exact. LeBeau had then invited his cousin, the Prime Minister of Telvon 3, TeeceeFore, for a 10 day excursion at the expense of his friend, Professor Gabriel Pheet. TeeceeFore had accepted her cousin’s gracious offer but could only stay for five of the ten days. She ended up staying for only three.

LeBeau was a little younger than his friend the Professor, at 198 years of age. LeBeau had shoulder length light brown hair with a streak of white at both temples and also on the fringes of his hair at its tips. He wasn’t what you would call a muscular man, though he carried himself well at five feet ten inches tall. He wore not quite round, luminous spectacles even though he didn’t feel he needed them; he did need them for reading and liked the way they rested on his face.

The girls will go wild for them, his optometrist had boasted.

He was wearing his usual ultra-light linen green kurta and blue jeans; on his feet he wore the latest fashion in shoes called Galaxy Hoppers, a type of white athletic running shoe with a low hover ride, which was all the hype on Marine. Oddly enough LeBeau’s optometrist had also sold him the pair of shoes, though the man himself was not wearing a pair of Galaxy Hoppers nor glasses.

The shoes would allow one to hop or hover over short distances, which was especially useful if you were always late and running to catch the transport that you were missing again for the 1000th time.

While LeBeau rarely missed anything like a transport hitch, he thought it would be best to fit in, disguised as it were, as a tourist and not a land owner. LeBeau had an odd heritage and lineage - he claimed eight different species as part of his ancestry, all of which he fluently spoke the native tongue of, one being Telvonian. He claimed to be born on Telvon 3, which was impossible to refute as his cousin TeeceeFore backed his claim. Blood tests confirmed he had Telvonian DNA running through his veins which was hard to believe considering he was humanoid.

It all may have stemmed from the fact that he was actually created in a Petri dish.

It was difficult to keep up with the known and unknown facts pertaining to LeBeau. One thing that LeBeau was however was very astute given all the DNA strains making him a highly evolved empathetic being.

LeBeau had taught at all the great academies from Bitmartion Prime to Telvon 3 along with his friend Professor Gabriel Pheet at his side. Indeed, LeBeau was a Professor too, although he never did like titles. LeBeau is just fine. Thank you, he would say.

Some would say that he was a wizard, which he laughed off. At a few parties that LeBeau had attended in his past, it was claimed he performed feats of magic or something akin to it. Wasn’t magic and science all the same, he would argue.

Ask him a question on anything and LeBeau would have an answer.

Whether it was the correct answer depended on one’s own or his interpretation; LeBeau was seldom wrong on any subject he was quizzed on. Mostly, he lived a quiet enough life, popping up only every now and then. When he did pop up however, it was soon known either by hearing about him or reading about him.

This visit of LeBeau’s to Marine was not due to the Professor’s will. Not at all, far from it in fact. It provided an unexpected welcomed cover though - to say the least. No one would ever suspect him of doing anything but turning up to view his inhertitance, except TeeceeFore of course, she could read and see through her cousin in a moment’s glance. Another welcomed blessing then that TeeceeFore was not around to question him.

2

Halley’s Casino was three years out from Earth now. Nebula Yorker - Neb to his friends - spent as much time on the Casino as he did visiting passing worlds that were on its long journey here, there and everywhere. It would be another 72 years before the Casino would swing by home again. Earth, that is. In the meantime, Neb wanted to take in as many new adventures as time would allow.

Thus far he had visited four of the 15 Council Guilds home worlds and 26 of the vast Council of U worlds. The last stop had been Repooc Ecila 6, home to Prime Minister Eno. He still couldn’t believe that Eno was its PM and even more astonished to find out that Repooc Ecila 6’s residents were 1.5 meters tall reptilians. Neb had only seen Eno in his human form on the Casino.

To him, Eno was just another man until they went through the transfiguror; it was, without a doubt, shocking to meet the real four footed Eno, scales and all. Meeting one race of beings after another in their true forms was a great eye opener and lesson in humility. For no matter how they looked, all beings wanted the same: good work, the ability to take care of their families, free time to vacation - and - to be loved.

There were still small pockets of worlds here and there that were either on the verge of joining the Council or far from being ready to. Earth might be one day included too. Neb was reminded time after time. The criterion for new membership wasn’t always advanced technology. No warp drive needed! The Council guidelines sometimes included attitude. Earth indeed had more technology than some members but a very different attitude. Neb had high hopes that one day they would have the right attitude.

He now found himself sitting at the rear observation deck that overlooked the tail end of the comet casino.

Small holographic particles of vaporous ice dragged behind as he sat munching on a grilled cheese sandwich, his cup of hot chocolate sitting by his side. He wondered how Lafil and Marcus were doing. It was just a little over 3 years ago when he first met them along with Tict, TeeceeFore, Kel and John Lennon.

Lafil’s regression therapy seemed to have worked out for Marcus. He was indeed a different and new man by the time they left for Sardinia of 2 BCE. Polite, congenial, honest. All that and more. Lafil mentioned Marcus always had had good attributes. They just needed to be brought out of him.

Find the spark and keep it lit, Lafil said. Let’s hope so, Neb thought.

Neb was soon joined by Mr Tict. I always like to come here in the middle of a night’s cycle and look out. It’s the only place on the entire Casino that gives one the sense that we are actually moving, Tict said as he plunked down beside Neb.

They both sat peacefully watching the stars swoop by in slow motion.

An hour passed before either one of them said a word.

So Tict, what’s on the agenda for today? Neb finally broke the happy silence.

Not very much, to be honest. We’re only at half capacity as guests go; it’s that slow period of the cycle.

Slow period? Neb asked.

You have much to learn, my young friend. It took me about 150 years to get used to the seventy-five year cycle. It will pick up though in about six months. Then you won’t have as much time as you do to go exploring as you have. I am going to need my assistant’s capable brilliance in handling the Jakkaninbinium contingent.

The Jakkaninbinium? Neb cocked an eyebrow.

I’ll let you browse the data base on that one, Tict winked mischievously.

Why do you always do that to me? Neb retorted with a smile.

Just because you’re Triopelian doesn’t mean you get a free pass, dear boy. You have a lot of studying ahead of you. Though I will admit you’re a natural when it comes to the art of diplomacy when meeting new species and worlds. I guess it must be in the genes. Tict patted Neb on the hand with a knowing look.

And speaking of diplomacy, the word is out that you’re starting to become quite the celebrity.

How so? Neb inquired.

Don’t play coy with me young man, it’s alright. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.

Seriously Tict, I have no idea what you’re talking about.

Tict looked at his young protégé. He really doesn’t know, he thought to himself. Such innocence and incorruptibility; there is not a speck of guile in this man.

Well come on old man, tell me!

Old man! Tict’s nostrils flared. "Old man! Look who's talking; you’re as old as the universe," he loudly vented, half joking.

I think I may have touched a nerve there, Neb thought to himself. I am sorry, Tict. I didn’t mean it like that.

It’s ok, Neb. I think the lull has made us all a little bit edgy for action. TeeceeFore’s been gone for over a month. I always worry about her when she’s not here.

When will she be back from Telvon 3?

Another month, Tict sighed sadly.

She is the Prime Minister, Neb replied. She can’t just shed her responsibilities.

I know, I know. Tict looked out into space.

I know that this is none of my business, Tict, but has she ever considered stepping down to be with you and the Casino full time?

We have talked some about that. Or for me to move to Telvon 3. Tict said, looking away from Neb.

Be it far from me to tell you both what to do, but I don’t think I am ready to head up the Casino just yet, said Neb, a little surprised at Tict’s last comment.

Of course you’re not ready, my dear boy; not until you’ve completed at least one cycle. Tict assured Neb.

Phew! Neb rubbed the top of his forehead. Don’t get me wrong Tict. Whatever you and TeeceeFore decide is your business. I’m here to support you in whatever way I can. You know that, don’t you?

Of course I know, Neb. I have never doubted you from the first time we met. It’s just a lot to think about. I never thought I would get married. A bachelor’s life for me, I had figured after I hit 30. But the universe has a strange way of directing our lives, as you know.

Tict stood to leave.

Where do you think you’re going? Neb held his hand out to block Tict. What's this about me being a celebrity?

Oh that. We can talk about that another time, Tict said devilishly.

No. I think I would like to talk about it now, if you don’t mind, Neb said.

If we must, Tict gave in with an impish grin. Can I first get your autograph? Tict pulled out a pen from inside his coat pocket.

Very funny, remarked Neb, rolling his eyes.

Touchy, Touchy, Tict replied. "Have I now touched a sore spot? Tict sat back down. Well, Neb, Tict began, You seem to have touched many individuals and achieved a rare and remarkable stamp of approval. Not so easily done, my young friend, for a newcomer to all of this."

I am just being me. Neb blushed.

And you keep on being you, Nebula Yorker! Tict swung and raised a fist in his outwardly British style of manner. The way you interact with young and old, adjusting to their customs and cultures as if you knew them your whole life is garnering quite the talk. A word to the wise, though, Neb, if I may.

Sure, Neb replied.

Perhaps you might want to try and be a little less conspicuous. Don’t get me wrong, be you as you are. Don’t stop. Just... Tict stopped.

Why? Have you heard something? Neb quizzed.

I have not heard any chatter, although I do have my feelers out. The last thing you want is anyone knowing you’re a Triopelian, Tict paused. Unless that’s what you want?

Thank you Tict, for being so frank. I never realized that I had such an impact. My mind is absorbing everything like a proverbial sponge, inputting and outputting at such a super-fast rate that Kel thinks at times I am compiling information quicker than her own processors.

She said that? Tict asked, astonished to hear.

And to answer your question, I do not want to divulge my heritage. Or perhaps I should say I am not ready yet, though perhaps one day. Neb nervously twitched in his chair. I will try to be less conspicuous, as you say, but I cannot promise, as my enthusiasm sometimes gets the best of me.

I know that some cultures feel that the Triopelian are gods, if I can use that term.

I am not a god nor do I wish to be. Maybe the Wizard of Oz, Neb laughed. Then again, one day - if and when I divulge my true heritage - everyone will see that neither I, nor the Triopelians, are gods but just regular folks.

Regular folks? Now that is an understatement, Neb, said Tict.

3

LeBeau settled into his new island home.

It wasn’t a huge island by any means. It took him thirty minutes to walk around the entire sandy white beached island. The ten room bungalow with four turret towers situated corner to corner with an encased rail tube two-seater shuttle attached to each turret sat 50 feet high. It was clear that Professor Pheet had avoided walking as much as he could.

LeBeau went from room to room, peeking his head in and out. Kitchen; check. Two washrooms; check. Four bedrooms; check. Dining and living room attached ensemble; check. Laboratory? Interesting, he mused. Laboratory, eh? Now that wasn’t on the inheritance itinerary.

He walked into the laboratory as the doors behind swooshed closed. By the looks of it, no one had been in this laboratory for some time. Dust and cobwebs hung everywhere. Two enormous Tesla coils, five Jacobs’s ladders, an electrical spark resonator, rows of separatory funnels, broken test tubes and flasks, beakers of various different shapes and sizes, water distillation equipment, and large knife switches hung on the walls. It looked more like the secret laboratory lair of a mad man than a renowned professor.

While Professor Pheet was known to be eccentric at times, this seemed a little too farfetched even for him. But then who knows, it had been some time since he last spoke with his old friend or saw him in person.

LeBeau poked around the lab, but nothing seemed to be in workable condition. He played with a few of the knife switches, pulling them up and down until he got to the last one. He pulled down the switch and all the lights in the room went out.

Ok. I didn’t expect that, LeBeau said in the dark.

One of the Jacobs’s ladders started to go off, blue electrical currents shimmying up and down. A loud mosquito-like sound vibrated through the whole room. LeBeau looked around, completely stunned and not sure what to make of it all. A view screen began to open out from the wall in front of him.

LeBeau’s interest was piqued. What was this?

On the screen was the face of one Professor Gabriel Pheet. His familiar white afro hair with his long black queue hung over the left shoulder of his white lab coat. He was wearing dark sunglasses or what LeBeau thought were sunglasses. He had never seen his old friend wear sunglasses before.

Hello LeBeau, said Professor Pheet. How are you?

LeBeau, with a befuddled look on his face, stared about the room. He wasn’t quite sure what to make of it.

Again, Professor Pheet spoke, Hello LeBeau. How are you?

LeBeau walked over to the screen, peering into it. Are you talking to me? he asked, unsure of the answer.

Well, who else would I be talking to? replied Pheet. I guess I am the last person you expected to see, eh, LeBeau?

You’re telling me! replied LeBeau, still not sure of what was going on.

Now, I am either… Oh damn! Wait a minute, will you? There’s someone on the other line, Professor Pheet said, walking off screen.

That fool. He faked his own death. LeBeau laughed under his breath.

Professor Pheet soon reappeared.

Sorry about that. Wrong number. Now where was I? Oh yes, as I was saying… Once again the Professor exited the screen, returning a few moments later.

What’s the problem, Gabriel? asked LeBeau.

The comm system keeps beeping but there’s no one there! Pheet said. As I was saying LeBeau, I am either dead or who knows. Anyhow, I have taped this short message knowing that you would find it.

How? LeBeau asked

How, you ask? The Professor replied. I knew that you would start playing with the knife switches so I coded your DNA onto the levers so as to activate this message.

Smarty pants, LeBeau muttered.

And yes, I am a bit of a smarty pants. Pheet grinned. LeBeau, I know what you’re after; you tried twenty five years ago and failed.

I didn’t fail, said LeBeau huffily.

Yes, you did, Pheet peered into the screen, but it wasn’t entirely your fault.

The Professor looked from side to side and whispered, You’re not the only one looking, LeBeau.

It took a moment or two for LeBeau to register what his old friend had just revealed. What do you mean? How am I not the only one? he asked.

I have managed to steer your competitors in the wrong direction, Pheet smirked. Now it’s up to you, LeBeau, to solve the mystery. I don’t have to tell you, my old friend, of what is at stake.

Without warning Pheet shuffled off screen once again.

Where did he go now? LeBeau shook his head, intent to hear more. LeBeau paced for minutes, waiting for Pheet to return. His mind raced back and forth until the Professor appeared yet again.

Sorry, I had to go pee, said Pheet. The professor held up a flask of dark blue liquid.

I hope that’s not his pee, LeBeau thought to himself, unable to hide his cringe.

No, it’s not my pee! Pheet declared. Honestly, LeBeau! Pheet changed the subject. The impel berry bush grows in only one place on Marine. I actually stumbled upon it some years back. Pheet moved his eyebrows up and down a few times impishly.

Stupid impel berry, LeBeau muttered under his breath. That was the death of you, my old friend. Or was it?

Pheet held up the flask of impel