Entity

By A. Nation

A naïve teenage girl witnesses a strange phenomena as she returns to the Martian base.
Felicia learns the local aliens on Mars are quite different than the boys on Earth. After several mishaps with aliens and rabbits, she stows away on a miner's shuttle. When the owner threatens her with telling his secret, she has to lie to protect her family. Now, she has to convince a pilot to help her save the unusual life form before it has a chance to destroy the station.

• Language: English
• Publisher: A. Nation
• Release date: Jul 28, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005982904

A. Nation

I have always enjoyed reading science fiction and mysteries because I am interested in future science and puzzle solving. I write about stories of the future that mimic today's social issues. Issues such as greed, retribution, prejudice, political corruption, and what the future could become are some of the concepts I use to illustrate a moral result.What motivates me? A story I may read in the newspaper, political idiocy, a situation that happened in history, or just anything that I can twist the perspective around. I travel the west with my husband and read about the small towns of the USA as we drive through them.

Book preview

Entity

A Martian Discovery

Domino Saga 9

All rights reserved

Copyright © 2020

Published 2021

Artwork by Nancy Gordon

ESIN: 9781005982904

A. Nation

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com or your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Copyright

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without permission in writing from the publisher.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Prologue

The Scholarship

Chapter 1 - Eight Months Later

Chapter 2 - Two Months Later

Chapter 3 – Fire!

Chapter 4 – Felicia

Chapter 5 – Misunderstanding

Chapter 6 – Housekeeping

Chapter 7 – The Claim

Chapter 8 – Return

Chapter 9 – The Shadow

Chapter 10 – The Claims Office

Chapter 11 – The Truth Shall Set You Free

Chapter 12 – Investigation

Chapter 13 – The entity

Chapter 14 – Another

Chapter 15 – A Secret

Chapter 16 – Discovery

Chapter 17 – Business as Usual

Chapter 18 – Death at the Valles

Chapter 19 – Mike’s Investigation

Chapter 20 – Return to the Valles

Chapter 21 –Change

Chapter 22 – Birthday Girl

Bonus Story

Epilogue

About the Author

Books by A. Nation

Prologue

In the twenty-fifth century, mining on Mars can be a profitable venture. Every aspect, from tunnel boring to analyzing minerals for the next claim, would make or break an investor. One careless move could cause someone their life.

Tom Williams, a company geologist assigned to Mars, tied the nylon rope to a rock overlooking the canyon of Valles Marineris. He clipped the end of the rope to the belt on his spacesuit. Tom tapped his radio.

Can you hear me? he called into the transmitter in his helmet.

From the shuttle, his partner Devon saw him wave.

Yes, I hear you.

I’m going down, Tom said. He turned on his headlamp before rappelling over the cliff and down the side of the canyon wall.

Halfway down to a lower ledge, his headlamp flickered. He tapped the light and it remained on. A shadow brushed by him as he continued to descend. When his vision blurred, he waved his gloved hand in front of his visor but saw nothing. Every time he eased a meter down the rope, a thick haze curled up and pushed against him. He swatted at the unknown force.

Get away from me! he shouted.

Several shadowy forms bumped him.

His partner in the shuttle called through his receiver, Tom, what’s going on?

No! came the response as he flailed his arms.

The knot tied to the rock above unraveled by unseen forces until Tom fell. He hit the next ledge flat on his back. Reddish dust sprayed upward around him as a shadow passed over his body.

Devon, suited up, left the shuttle, and ran to the edge of the canyon. He brushed away the fine dust from Tom’s face shield. After he took one look at Tom’s open blank eyes, he ran back to the aircraft. Devon hoped in his heart that his friend was still alive but his logic told him no. As fast as he could scramble into the shuttle and slam the hatch closed, he called his supervisor in the Lasswitz Crater. Once inside the shuttle, he removed his helmet and sat at the console. The reception was poor this far from the company mine. After two unsuccessful tries, he made contact.

You have to come fast. He could still be alive! He yelled into the mike. I don’t know, he fell. Hurry.

Later, Matt Mathews and two other men arrived. Leaving one man with Devon above, they rappelled down the cliff until they arrived at Tom’s body. After they determined Tom was dead, they strapped belts to the dangling ropes and gave the signal to hoist the body up. Matt followed to the surface. Later, he would write up the incident as another casualty on Mars.

---

At the same time on Earth in the Stenlan-Hill’s home, Andrea’s son, Jeremy, turned on the kitchen faucet. She heard the front door slam and a lot of screaming from her daughter, Felicia.

Mom! Dad! Where are you? their oldest yelled.

In the kitchen, dear. What is the matter? Andrea asked.

Mom, I have a scholarship, the girl shouted. She waved a sheet of paper above her head.

That’s wonderful dear, but you don’t need that for two more years when you graduate, her mother advised. She handed Jeremy a plate of hot rolls for the table.

On Earth in the twenty-fifth century, school enrollments were spaced out. Many students graduated two years early to reduce the standard enrollment in the overcrowded schools.

No, you don’t understand, Felicia wailed, this is special. I intern in hydroponics—

James, Andrea’s husband, entered the kitchen. That’s a great course at the tech school. When do you start? he asked, grabbing a roll from the tray.

No, listen to me. Felicia crossed her arms over her chest and stomped her feet. She frowned and glared at her parents. Her shoulder-length light brown hair dangled straight over her cheeks.

Andrea, noticing her daughter’s behavior, stopped what she was doing. Okay, what is it?

I intern on Mars! Felicia exclaimed.

Andrea looked at her husband and again at her daughter.

Oh, no, I don’t think so, dear. The trip is too costly, dangerous, and I will add you’re much too young to go.

Mother, ever since Aunt Alice told me about the program, I have been studying really hard. I put in my application and today, my instructor told me I won. The scholarship pays for all travel expenses, my one-month stay, and funds for my chaperon.

Everyone looked at each other and again at Felicia.

One month? But that means you’ll be gone over a year, including the travel to get to Mars and back. And who do you have in mind for a chaperon? Andrea asked, taking her potholder gloves off.

Well, let’s see there’s my instructors, Mrs. Topper or Mr. Robinson, or maybe you can be my chaperone, her daughter suggested.

Looks like you have your work cut out for you, Andrea, James said, patting his wife on her shoulders. You don’t even like flying much less taking off into space.

But, no, I mean…James! she stuttered as he left the kitchen. We should think about this.

Mom? I may not get another chance. The board needs an answer from me tonight. Pleeeze.

Tonight? she echoed. Torn between the imploring look from her sixteen-year-old daughter and her fear of flying, she offered options. I know Mrs. Robinson, and she won’t pass the physical. As for Mr. Topper, he’s caring for his mother.

Mom. Please come with me, Felicia asked. It will be fun with just the two of us.

I have to arrange things. I’ll have to call my sister, Mary to watch Jeremy during the day. Then I’ll have to check to see if my vaccinations are up to date. Why didn’t you tell me this weeks ago?

"I didn’t know they were picking me until a few days ago. They just told me for sure today. Mrs. Crosby said, she’ll arrange your health exam and shots.

Andrea relented. I guess if I pass.

Oh, Thank you, Mom. Felicia threw her arms around Andrea’s neck and hugged her. Now we can pack.

Wait a minute, when do we leave and what is our itinerary? Andrea asked.

Day after tomorrow—Wednesday. The scholarship committee has scheduled a cab to pick us up. It will take us to the airport where we’ll meet the other students who also won. I received the tickets today along with an introductory letter. This letter, she said, waving the paper in her hand. We take the shuttle plane to Denver, meet my supervisor, Mrs. Crosby, and board the ship to Mars from there.

Why can’t this Crosby woman be your chaperone? Andrea asked. James, say something.

I know both of you will be fine, he said. My mother can relieve Mary.

This is why she can’t be my guardian, Felicia said, handing the paper to her mother. "It says I have to choose someone else other than Mrs. Crosby, since she may not always be available outside of my classes.

Why can’t you go, James?

I’d go, but this family needs my income. This chance doesn’t come along every day, Hon, James said.

Oh, isn’t this exciting, Mom?" Felicia exclaimed, bouncing on her heels.

Wow, I’m just so thrilled to death, Andrea sighed with apprehension in her soul.

Chapter 1 - One Month Later

After three months on their ship, Felicia and Andrea arrived in the terminal above the Mars Space Station. Alice met them and showed them to their temporary cabins.

Several days later, Alice, Felicia, and her mother approached Jan Blackhawk and Olivia Crane’s at the restaurant in the terminal. Andrea’s voice grew louder.

Stay another six months? But you’re still sixteen, Andrea groaned. I had hoped one month would be enough for you. She almost tripped in the lighter gravity but Alice caught her.

Mom, I can handle the workload, Felicia said. Besides, Aunt Alice approved my request.

Andrea jerked her pace to a stop and glared at her cousin.

You did this without asking me, Alice?

I agreed only tentative on your approval. I see her as any other intern who works hard at her tasks. She’s almost of age and we both agreed it was conditional on your acceptance, Alice explained as they approached Jan and Olivia’s table. Remember when you were about her age and wanted to travel to New York City for that conference, and your mother said no? You were depressed for weeks. I bet you still think about it, don’t you? Alice asked.

You did have to remind me about that, didn’t you? But the aliens…?"

I will keep an eye on her but once she turns seventeen, the age of consent here, she’ll come home with the rest of us during our break to Earth. As for the aliens, they are strict about who they choose to be with. I don’t think you have to worry too much about them, Alice said.

Andrea frowned at her grown baby girl and turned back toward her cousin. I’ll say this now. I’m not comfortable with this, she said, looking at both of them. "Oh, all right. But if she gets in trouble, you put her on the next ship home. You know I didn’t want Felicia to come in the first place. The travel times and this internship already has taken several months out of our lives. I spoke to James and Jeremy last night and told them I couldn’t stay on Mars another day.

Alice held Andrea’s hand and smiled.

I know you’ll miss her, but she’ll have to leave the nest sometime, Alice said. And think of the experience she’ll gain. I wish I had the chance to work here when I was younger.

Andrea curled one side of her mouth. Her eyebrows furrowed together. Well, I guess, but I’m not happy about this, she said, misstepping. I still can’t get used to these boots.

Felicia’s mouth stretched into a broad grin as she hugged her mother. Thank you, Mom. You’re the best.

I’ll have to call your father again, Andrea said. So, this is not settled yet.

They approached Jan and Olivia. Both women looked up from their conversation. Are you two excited about going back home? Jan asked.

Andrea sat down. I was until my daughter told me her news.

Mom? Felicia asked, You’re not changing your mind, are you?

No, as long as Alice keeps her eye on you, you can stay.

And what news is that? Olivia asked as her reporter instinct clicked in.

I’m interning here for another six months, Felicia said, grinning as she sat in one of the chairs.

Congrats, kid, Olivia said. There is so much to learn about this place.

Olivia, will you and Jan leave on the next ship out? Alice asked.

I will, Jan replied. My husband, Alex, and I will stop at Earth’s Moon first. He deserves some time away from work.

Olivia took another drink of her lemonade and said, My friend, Matt Miller, is staying here for a while, so I’ll leave when he does. Olivia waved at the metallic server rolling by. When the robotic device approached their table, they ordered sandwiches for lunch. The appliance rolled away to turn in the orders.

---

As the adults continued to talk, Felicia noticed the crewmen walking past the café through the concourse. They look so attractive in their blue uniforms, she thought. Ethan Shuster walked in line with the rest. He winked in her direction while her mother talked to Alice. Felicia sighed when they turned the corner toward a shuttle.

Felicia? Olivia just asked you a question, Andrea said, waving her hand in front of her daughter’s face.

The teen whipped her head around and almost lost her balance in the light gravity. Huh? she asked, grabbing the table’s edge.

See what I mean, Alice? You have to watch her all the time, Andrea said. Olivia?

Olivia smiled and asked the young girl again. What will your internship involve?

Hydroponics and any other job Aunt Alice has me work on, Felicia said. Have you talked to an alien, Olivia?

Oh, yes. In fact, there are several walking around here, Olivia said. She pointed to one across the concourse. There’s one talking to Captain Jamison, and there’s another in front of the clothing store.

They look just like us, Felicia said, glancing across the walkway.

You’ve seen them before in the terminal, Olivia said.

Maybe, but I haven’t talked to one, Felicia replied.

The restaurant server arrived and extended a tray filled with their sandwiches. Olivia grabbed them off the tray and passed them around. Thank you for your order, the robot said and turned away.

Andrea, watching her daughter stare too long at the aliens, tapped her arm, and looked at Alice. These people are not like us. Isn’t that right, Alice?

Felicia turned and opened her wrapped meal.

Yes, your mother is right, Alice said as she unwrapped her food. You’ve studied them in your classes haven’t you?

As her mother peeled the wrapper from her sandwich, Felicia said, Yes, but that one talking to the captain sure looks cute.

Andrea sighed. I hope your new friend, Ethan, doesn’t hear you say that.

Don’t worry, cousin, I’ll take care of her, Alice said. You can go home without a worry.

Olivia covered her mouth and bent down to hold off her snicker.

I saw that, Olivia, Andrea said.

Sorry, mmm, these sandwiches are good, she said, trying to keep a straight face.

They all heard a comphone ring.

Jan pulled hers from her jacket and answered.

Yes? Hi, Alex. Okay, sounds good, Jan said. I’ll meet you in our cabin. Jan stood up. Andrea, Alex said our shuttle to Phobos will leave tonight, Jan said. If you’re coming with me, we should get packed. I’ll walk with you to our rooms if you want. I’m glad we’re leaving now. I heard the solar wind should return us home in three months. Alex explained that phenomena to me but I didn’t understand much of it.

It’s just a quirk how our planets are aligned, Alice added, sipping her drink.

You’re right. I should pack, too. Andrea pushed her chair away before standing.

Felicia rose out of her chair and reached over to hug and kiss her mother on the cheek. It’ll be okay, Mom, Felicia said as they parted.

I’m sure Alice will keep her eye on you, Andrea said. If anything happens, I’ll be on the next ship back to Mars. Love you, dear. Andrea stepped away and joined Jan in the concourse. She waved toward the women remaining at the table.

They returned their waves until Andrea and Jan walked out of sight. Olivia finished her sandwich and leaned toward Alice. I didn’t want to say anything to Andrea, but since Felicia may not go outside for mining or construction, she should be all right.

Are you referring to that accident at the canyon a few months ago? Alice asked.

Casualties do happen, Olivia said. Nothing you should worry about, Felicia.

I heard about that accident in the canyon from my teacher, Felicia said, resting her hands on the table. But I didn't want to worry mother.

Alice patted her niece’s hand, It was just an accident—Nothing for you to worry about.

---

That evening, Andrea stood in line to board the shuttle to Phobos. About fifteen people lined in front of her on the onramp. Since ship liftoffs are difficult to maintain into the weak atmosphere of Mars, all lighter crafts head for the small moon, Phobos, where tourists board a larger ship docked on a landing site. Shuttle takeoffs from Mars are slingshot out from the high position of the space terminal for quick trajectory.

Andrea watched the Blackhawks and Mrs. Crosby ascend the ramp ahead of her. Then she heard someone yelling, Mom! from the crowd behind her.

She turned to see Felicia, Alice, and Olivia waving behind the caution tape. Andrea broke rank, leaving her suitcase on the incline. She rushed down the ramp as fast as she could in the light gravity to her daughter. With the yellow guard tape between them, she hugged Felicia and then gazed over her youthful looks. You won’t cause Alice any trouble, will you?

Her daughter shook her head. No, Mom. I’ll be okay.

Don’t worry. I got her a cabin near mine, Alice said. You’d better hurry, Andrea. Alice pointed toward the shuttle onramp. They’re taking your suitcase inside.

A tear flowed down Andrea’s cheek. She kissed her daughter on the cheek and turned toward the shuttle. She followed a couple of passengers up the ramp, glanced back one more time before entering the open cabin, and waved to her daughter one more time.

---

The well-wishers on the tarmac watched as the airlock doors slid closed in front of Andrea’s shuttle. When the exterior bay doors rolled open to the Martian landscape, the shuttle’s jets roared. In a flash, the craft left for Phobos.

Felicia now realized she was on her own.

When Alice and Felicia turned to leave, Olivia said, Well, I have to take off, she said. I see Matt motioning to me from the next bay over. Take care, you two. They watched