Trip of a Lifetime

By Eric K. Reinholt

Trip of a Lifetime is a science fiction, murder mystery, love story taking place around the year 2090. An apocalyptic climate on Earth makes it paramount for those aboard Laika II to seek habitation elsewhere. Meanwhile, back on Earth, conditions have become intolerable for those that remain, and the Skipper of Laika II is forced to abandon any

• Language: English
• Publisher: Starnes Books, LLC
• Release date: Oct 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9781734792812

Eric K. Reinholt

Eric Karl Reinholt Sr. is an author, actor, director and producer and was born as Eric Karl Reinholt. After 6-years in the Navy, he got his start in radio while working on a BA in Communication at the University of Texas at Arlington. He worked in radio for over a decade before making the transition to TV News, and then theater and film. Eric is excited about publishing his first book "Trip of a Lifetime", because it combines his past experiences with his love for science and fantasy. He began his work in radio as a disc jockey at KVTT in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex and as a producer for syndicated radio host Tom Dooley. Later, he moved to Pennsylvania to become the Program and Music Director of radio station WGRC; during his tenure, WGRC rose to #3 in the market. He transitioned into television by working as an editor for KENS-TV in San Antonio. While he was there, Chief Meteorologist Albert Flores took him under his wing, and, within a year, Eric was working as the weekend weathercaster and weekday reporter for WCJB-TV in Gainesville, Florida. After receiving his certification in broadcast meteorology, he moved on to become Chief Meteorologist at KRBC-TV in Abilene and later the morning Meteorologist at KTSM-TV in El Paso. He later completed a BS in Geoscience from Mississippi State University and an MS in Environmental Science from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He caught the acting bug in Community Theater when he was cast as David Benjamin in Neil Simon's God's Favorite. Shortly thereafter, he moved out to Los Angeles and studied acting at the Baron Brown Studio, the Larry Moss Studio, with Brian Reese of the Brian Reese Acting Studios, Will Wallace of the WWAC, and Kevin McCorkle. As an actor, Eric is best known for his work as Stallman, opposite Jake Busey, in the movie Cross (2011) (V), as Russian mobster Andrei Kirillov in Organizatsiya (2015), as Mr. Lynch, opposite Sal Landi, in Divorce Texas Style (2016), and Doctor Kowolski in The Emeryville Experiments (2016).His Directorial Debut: Solar Alterations (2016) (TV) won a Bronze REMI Award at the prestigious Houston International Film Festival (a.k.a. WorldFest Houston).Eric hopes this latest venture, Trip of a Lifetime, will educate you about a possible future scenario of our world and its inhabitants. He hopes to also make you laugh, cry, and draw you into the lives of the various characters.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

The Moon is like a lover: it has a familiar face when the light shines upon it, but there are often shades of gray and, of course, the dark side. I guess my fear of the dark side has kept me single these last several years. But evidently, I’m destined to be intimate with this heavenly body.

Going to the Moon has been a dream of mine since I was a child. I only wish my boys could have lived to see this day. It’s a real tragedy when a father outlives his children, especially with 21st century medicine. However, there’s no known cure for Mother Nature’s fury, and our excesses have made her quite perturbed.

I put down my Pocket GC or PGC. The GC stands for Galactic Computer, and I have the Intellisat Travel Computer 5. It’s the latest and greatest travel computer/phone on the market. I must admit I’ve grown accustomed to the best, as I stare out the window of my stretch limousine.

Centuries of abuse have led to an ever increasing apocalyptic climate with numerous volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and earthquakes in various places. An unforgiving El Nino pattern has devastated the fishing industry of South America and has its grip on the United States. Southern regions west of the Rockies are experiencing record amounts of rainfall, while areas of the Southeast and Gulf Coast are receiving so much precipitation that portions have been lost beneath the relentless waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.

In the midst of the chaos, I am fortunate to have invested in a lot of the right places. Most of my holdings skyrocketed in value. Eventually, I purchased property all around the world. For me this trip to the Moon is more than a long-awaited rendezvous with a celestial lover, I am considering another investment.

Indeed, this trip is costing me a small fortune, 25KD-big ones to be exact. The K still stands for thousands, but the Db actually stands for Digital-bits. A lot of people still think the D stands for Dollar, which was the World Standard for the longest time, but a Digital-bite was the agreed upon currency once the ANOE, a.k.a. the Allied Nations of Earth, collectively switched over to strictly electronic transfers.

I’ve worked for money my whole life, so I have my own opinions about the ANOE. I remember what life was like before them, and I just think they should add another N to the name and change the E to a Y, because they ANNOY the hell out of me. They’re into everything, and you cannot make a move without them. They’re like the Mob on steroids, always wanting their last drop of blood.

Thankfully, I was taught the Golden Rule of Finance, simply put: He who has the gold makes the rules. So, it really doesn’t matter what I think of the ANNOY, I had to learn to play by their rules, and I made a small fortune, at least enough to write-off this trip.

It’s nice to have a bundle to put to work for me. I must admit, however, investing money always makes me a bit nervous. Thankfully there are still some simple things that seem to ease the strain, like taking a walk in the park on a cool summer’s day, a cup of coffee with a good book, or a fresh stick of chewing gum.

I lower the soundproof partition. Bernie, do we have time to stop by the convenience store on the way to the shuttle?

Bernard makes eye contact with me through the rearview mirror, Yes, Sir, but I believe I’ve packed all that you’re allowed to take on the shuttle, Mr. von Rice. Is there something I may have overlooked, Sir?

I chortle, I doubt you’ve overlooked a thing, Bernie. I just want a pack of gum.

Bernard reaches into his pocket. I have you covered there too, Sir. However, I thought you might like spearmint for a change. He uses his left hand over his right shoulder to pass the gum back to me. His eyes are fixed on the traffic in front of us, and he has complete control of the wheel with his right hand.

Bernie has been with me a long time, if ten-years can be considered long. I met him at a gathering of friends and business associates. For 25 years, Bernie was the manservant of a business associate of mine who passed away in his sleep at 82 years of age. Like most business decisions, I struck quickly when I heard his employer had passed. Now, after getting to know him over the last decade, I can’t think of anyone who could take Bernie’s place.

I guffaw and lean forward to take the gum from his hand, Bernie, what am I going to do without you for the next month?

He titters, Well, Sir, I’m afraid you’ll have to do the best you can until your return.

I take a deep breath and gaze back at the daytime Moon. I twist the emerald ring around the pinky finger on my right hand to take it off. Hey Bernie, I want to give something to you, reach back here again.

He reaches back, and I hand the ring to him. Why, Mr. von Rice, it’s your emerald ring!

Yes, it is Bernie, please look after that while I am gone.

I will, Sir. He puts it on his right pinky finger and looks at me in the rearview mirror. I will never remove it, Sir.

***

We arrive at the launch site around 11TAI: TAI stands for International Atomic Time, and it’s the most accurate timing device known to man. All of the passengers are to meet for an indoctrination luncheon with the ship’s Captain.

As I enter the conference room, I see twenty to twenty-five people buzzing around banquet tables that were set for royalty. An array of cold cuts, vegetables, breads and rolls are against one wall. On the opposite wall are hamburgers, hotdogs, grilled steaks, chicken and grilled fish. There’s also an area for those who would rather have breakfast with a variety of cereals, fruits and a man wearing a Chef’s hat waiting to cook omelets made to order.

I’ve already had breakfast but couldn’t pass on a fluffy cloud of battered eggs, with everything my heart desires, smothered in the middle with cheese. I saw a lot of common ingredients in the assortment of condiments, like onions, tomatoes, mushrooms and bell peppers. But there were some things I never thought of putting inside my omelet, much less adorning the outside skin of this nectarous intermingling of each additive we call an omelet. Good morning Chef. I’d like a nice fluffy omelet but can’t decide what I want in it.

He laughs and motions to all of the meats, cheeses, and veggies. I understand your quandary. Might I suggest a little of everything, or is there anything in particular that you dislike?

I point at the array of selections. I’m not much of a ham guy, but this beef looks good. I rub my chin as I look at all the colors of the vegetables. I love all the veggies you have, but can you sauté the onions for me?

He takes some butter and drops it in a pan. As you wish. What kind of cheese would you like?

I’m an American cheese kind of guy.

Very good. He throws some onions in with the butter. If you would like to take your seat, I will have your dish served to you.

That’ll be great. I point to my chair. I’ll be sitting right over there. I grab some fresh squeezed orange juice and head to the seat with my name tag placed in front of a cloth napkin in the form of a swan. I look at the gentleman sitting next to me as I sit down. So, are you as excited as I am? I look at his name tag. Mister Fisher?

Perhaps… He mutters with food in his mouth. He takes a drink and swallows, I’m looking forward to getting this show on the road, so to speak.

Me too… We’re interrupted as my plate is served. I look up at the waiter, Thank you… I look down at my omelet. ...it looks absolutely delicious. May I have some hot sauce? Maybe even a little picante sauce.

The waiter nods, Yes, Sir, and our picante is made from the produce grown in the bio-garden.

That sounds remarkable. I can’t wait to taste it.

As the waiter leaves, I take a bite of my omelet the way it was served. I learned to do that when I was in my 20’s, and it was an expensive lesson.

I was meeting with a man to make a business deal worth a quarter of a million dollars, which was the dominant form of world currency at the time. That’s roughly a half a million Db’s by today’s standards.

At any rate, the man was a retired Admiral. He told me that he wouldn’t do business with me, because I salted my green beans without tasting them first. He said it was disrespectful of the cook, and he was right.

I close my eyes slowly, while my taste buds come to life. Ummm. I savor all of the flavors of the omelet.

Mister Fisher interrupts my moment of elation. I wonder when the Captain will show.

I swallow and take a sip of juice. "Captain Powell is already on board the mothership orbiting the Earth. So, I believe he’ll be joining us through 3D Virtual-Clone." I no sooner get those words out when the lights dim, and a man appears out of nowhere in the middle of the room.

He stands about 6’2" and looks very impressive decked out in his formal Captain’s uniform. He seems to be in his mid-sixties with his salt-and-pepper hair. There’s a certain kindness in the way he speaks, but it’s evident that he goes by the book.

Good morning everyone and thank you for coming. I’m Captain Powell. I hope you’re all enjoying your last meal at ground zero. As it stands, your shuttle is scheduled to take-off for Laika II at fifteen-hundred hours. He looks around and chuckles. That’s 3PM for all you ‘civilian types’ out there.

A few snorts and giggles reverberate among the gathering of people in the room. We’re actually the last of several passengers that have already made their rendezvous with the mothership. Most of the shuttles left the day before. I would have left earlier if a last-minute crisis did not require my immediate attention.

The Captain clears his throat and furls his eyebrows. I hope all of you enjoy the five-star experience that I’ve prepared for you; however, don’t let the opulence fool you. I want to remind you, you’re NOT about to embark upon an ocean liner bound for Utopia. He shakes his finger at us. Make no mistake, the galaxy is NOT YET a vacation paradise by any stretch of the imagination. You’re going into outer space, ladies and gentlemen. Of course, the greatest danger is that you’ll be far removed from everything you’ve ever known. Let me make myself perfectly clear…

He stands firm and upright with his hands behind his back. SPACE is INHOSPITABLE! In order for us to survive, we must bring our environment with us.

He holds his finger up in the air. We MUST conserve and recycle our resources. He pauses and drops both arms by his side to let his words sink in.

Now, you’ll see that we’ve come a long way in the last one hundred and fifty years of space travel, but we still have a long way to go. He speaks to a member of the crew stationed in the room with us. Lieutenant Zane, will you please bring up the projector?

The lights become dimmer, and the room fills with an image of a massive ship. Its enormous size is unlike anything I’ve ever seen, and yet it’s somehow similar to what I’ve imagined. Its cigar shape is surrounded by windows for your stargazing pleasure. The tail fin jets up in the air, and the rudder moves left and right to control the direction of the spacecraft. There are the standard elevators at the rear that can be raised or lowered to change the upward or downward course of the nose.

Captain Powell stands proudly and lifts both arms in the air to present the images that now surround us in the room. This is Laika II. Take a good look at her, because she’ll soon become your world. She’s a state-of-the-art vessel, and her population capacity is one-thousand; however, we’ll only be at one-third capacity for this voyage.

He zooms onto an icon of what looks to be some breed of husky on the ship’s exterior, This is a picture of our mascot, Laika. On November 3rd, 1957, she was launched into space in Sputnik II by the onetime mighty Soviet Union. She was the first Earthling to both live and die in outer space. Let Laika keep you mindful that, although life is possible on Laika II, there are still limits to our ability to sustain it.

He shows us various images of the ship’s interior and points out the common areas like the galley, bio-garden and banquet hall. Seeing the images makes me feel more comfortable, then a moment of fear creeps in, as the Skipper transitions to a partial view of the solar system.

"We’ll be traveling approximately 240,000 miles and should be in Lunar orbit in approximately four days. Laika II will orbit the Moon for approximately one Earth month, and daily shuttles will be provided for you to visit the Lunar surface. After thirty days, we’ll commence our journey back to Mother Earth, at which time you will be required to attend a debriefing before returning to your respective homes."

Captain Powell pulls out an information packet. Now, I trust that each of you have studied the material you were given when you signed up for this trip. If you have misplaced your packet, see Lieutenant Zane directly after lunch, and he’ll provide you with another. I want you to be very familiar with its contents, especially Table 2 on page 3 of the brochure.

He lifts the pamphlet in the air and points to the chart. Let me assure you that I will not tolerate any breach of conduct outlined here, and once we’re in space, if you have any questions about anything that has not been covered -- ask FIRST!

Captain Powell closes the pamphlet and again clears his throat. As I said, you’re scheduled for lift-off at fifteen-hundred hours, and if all goes well, you will all rendezvous with Laika II approximately thirty-five minutes later. He pauses to give us a moment to think. Does anyone have any questions?

Yes, uh…Captain... The man sitting on the other side of me raises his hand. He’s thin and somewhat frail, probably in his eighties. The woman sitting next to him is obviously his wife and caregiver. My name is Leon Sipes…uh…Captain…uh…thank you. Can you tell us please…uruh…h-h-h-how long can we live up there?

Captain Powell clears his throat and replies, The actual number of years is classified; however, I can tell you that we have enough provisions on Laika II to comfortably sustain its population for at least two months. He gently wafts his hand, Are there any more questions?

The room is silent.

"Well then, let me just emphasize that as fellow space travelers, we must support and rely on each other, and each of you must obey me as your Captain. Is that understood?"

This time there’s a spark in the room and a resounding, Yes, Sir!

The lights are brought up full, and Captain Powell gives us an encouraging and pleasant smile. "However, let me also assure you that there’s no need for concern. As far back as 2001, the 107th Congress of the United States, when considering The Space Tourism Promotion Act, determined that, and I quote, ‘Years of human space flight experience have demonstrated the feasibility of safe travel to and from space, as well as the ability of humans to live and work in space,’ end quote. He pauses and smiles, Let me further assure you that the ship’s crew has been personally selected by me, and they’ll take excellent care of you."

He folds his hands in front and rocks a little forward, like he has something exciting to say. Given the short list of passengers on this trip, I’ve taken special liberties with provisions and promise you the trip of a lifetime. As the Captain lifts his hands, he sends chills down my spine with his closing words: Ladies and Gentlemen, prepare to make history and build the future.

The next couple of hours move quickly as the excitement sends my mind into vertigo. Crew members usher us into the shuttle, as they make final preparations for takeoff. It’s immediately obvious that humankind has come a long way in space travel. The first horizontal takeoff was accomplished around the turn of the millennium, by now the shuttles have all the comforts of a first-class passenger jet. Its luxuries, however, do not calm my fears for long. By T-minus-10 seconds, I can feel my heart pound with every count: nine, eight, seven, six, five...I breathe deeply as I feel the roar of the engines vibrate down to my bones.

As the final seconds tick away, I embrace my fears of the unknown and welcome whatever awaits me past the point of no return. I close my eyes and relish the unrivaled ecstasy that engulfs my senses.

Once we reach a speed of 17,500 miles per hour, crew members meander about the ship and try to put the passengers at ease. It takes a while for everyone to get comfortable enough to mingle, but the ice is eventually broken.

Before long, my Pocket GC is in my hands. "At times, I’m glued to the window, reminiscent of when I took my maiden flight as an airline passenger. But the ant-like creatures and toy-like cars have grown microscopic, and mammoth landmarks have become unrecognizable. Now, all I can see is ocean blue, and ominous thunderstorms with numerous strikes of lightning swirling amid the white and gray whisks of clouds. From this view, it’s also obvious that the Earth’s real estate is shrinking. Nevertheless, I’m astonished and somewhat frightened, as the planet I call home has become a distant place."

I rub my eyes as memories race through my head. A montage of family picnics, tackle-football in the meadow with my two little boys, the business deals that made my fortune, and making love under the stars.

Yes, indeed, the lovemaking. The merging of my soul with another that culminated in an unmitigated betrayal. I take a deep breath as my hands drop from my eyes, and I find myself looking into the face of a young man with bright red hair sitting across from me.

He looks askance at me. Are you okay?

I shake my head and come to my senses. Yeah, I’m okay. Thanks for asking.

He smiles, For a second there, I thought you had one of those internal word processors.

I’ve heard of those. I give the young man an upward nod, I understand that you can type what you’re thinking in your head.

Yup! What will they think of next, right?

Right. I reflect for a moment. I could’ve had one put in, but I opted against it.

Oh, why? My red headed acquaintance chimes in. I have a friend who has one, he says it’s a little chip installed right behind his left eye. Not only can he type what he’s thinking, but he can open files and read photocopies of documents he has seen.

That sounds handy but intrusive. I stand by my decision. Any program can be hacked, even if it’s in the brain...and I do NOT want my brain hacked, thank you very much.

I suppose. He concedes. Plus, I could always tell when he was typing something or accessing a file, because he would have this blank look on his face like he was in a trance or something.

Yes, I’ve seen it. They call it daydreaming. I give him an upward nod. So, what brings you on this trip?

He shrugs, I’m just along for the ride. Actually, my brother-in-law’s already on Laika II. I’m just bringing him a few things.

I see. I rub my chin and look over at his metallic briefcase. So, you’re not going all the way to the Moon with us?

He shakes his head, No, as a matter of fact, I need to be back at the office by Monday.

Oh, where do you work? I cross my legs and sink back into the cushion of the leather seat.

I work for a biochemical plant. He squirms a little. We make the nutrient rich soils that are being used in the bio-garden.

I raise my eyebrows. Really? So, you guys are pretty vital to this whole operation?

He shrugs his shoulders and beams with pride. Well, I’m just a peon, but my brother-in-law’s a major player. In fact, this whole project wouldn’t have gotten off the ground in time without him.

My interest is piqued. Really, how so?

He tilts his head from side to side. Well, they were having some problems with the nitrogen mixture in the soil, and he solved the problem.

Wow! He sounds like an extremely intelligent guy.

Indeed, he is. He laughs. What I would give to be him. He’s young, intelligent, and he’s a brunette to boot.

I laugh out loud, "I wouldn’t worry so much about your red hair, I hear Chromosome Cross Positioning can fix that."

We chat for a spell until our meal is served. Once my belly is full, I doze off to sleep. When I wake up, my redheaded friend is gone. I don’t see him again until the shuttle is about to dock with Laika II.

I hold out my hand. Hey there, long time no see.

Red reaches out to shake my hand but pulls it back. Oops, I’d better not. I’ve been handling some chemicals, and there might be a little residue on my hands.

Well, I appreciate your caution. I pause to think. Perhaps we can have a drink on board Laika II before you go back.

He shrugs, Maybe, it depends on how long it takes me to find my brother-in-law.

I think for a second. Why don’t you have a ship’s steward take whatever you have to him? I’m sure one of them will do that for you.

He lifts the briefcase and taps on its side. Not a chance. If anything happened to this baby, he’d KILL me.

I glance at my timepiece, it’s a Cesium Time Piece on my wrist. It uses the reliable vibrations of electrons to calibrate the time, and cesium has been considered one of the most reliable elements since the mid to late 1900’s. What time do you have to be back on the shuttle?

He looks up at the shipboard clock. Let’s see. If we finish docking in the next five minutes, I’ll have about an hour.

That sounds good. I’ll tell you what, I’ll meet you in the ship’s galley in…say forty-five minutes? That ought to give us a few minutes for coffee.

He smiles, Yeah, that sounds fine. I’ll see you then.

I place my hand on his shoulder. I don’t believe I caught your name.

He looks at me suspiciously, That’s because I didn’t give you my name. He adjusts his jacket and brushes off a speck of lint. It’s classified. He smiles, But everybody calls me, Red.

The shuttle begins to shake as the reverse engines kick in to slow the shuttle down. Before too long, we dock onto Laika II, and the service door opens. Red slips away, while the ship’s welcoming committee gives the rest of us a tour of Laika II.

Everything is first rate with leather seats and individual sleeping quarters. The berthing spaces are about the size of a small one-bedroom apartment with a small kitchen. It’s only equipped with a small refrigerator and microwave, because two of the top chefs from Chicago are on board to serve us three exceptional square meals.

There are double beds and cabinets for clothing and sundry items. A couch, loveseat, and end table are fastened to the deck in each room. The floors are enveloped with plush carpeting and surrounded by mahogany walls. A combination wet bar/entertainment center is in each room and stocked with booze, juices, and a cornucopia of satellite programming. Of course, the bathroom has all of the basic necessities, except that it’s designed to conserve our most precious resource: Water.

I put my things away and try to make myself at home. I still have fifteen minutes, before I’m scheduled to socialize with Red. I figure I’ll head to the galley for an early cup-of-Joe.

The coffee is nothing special, but the galley is top notch. Some of the passengers are sitting around and swapping dreams of what they might find on the big ball of cheese. Everyone knows that the ball of cheese myth was dispelled centuries