Ballata: Murphys in Space II

By P.Z. Walker

Henry and his family find themselves on a small spaceship that is taking them away from Earth. After a stop and another start, the trip goes past Saturn, into deep space. The Murphy family does their best to fit in with the others. Suzy enjoys piloting, Mark learns a thing about farming and matters of the heart, and Hannah discovers her scientist side. Henry gets a job that resembles his old, traffic controller job a little. It's just on a bit grander scale.

After an interesting journey they arrive at Ballata, the home planet of Derlan, Heron and Rajin, and all their other friends.

Once there, however, odd things happen. Will the Murphys be able to keep their senses with all that goes on around them? And will Henry be ready to deal with the strange discovery he makes when he visits the village of an ancient Ballatayan civilization? And where do these mutants come from all of a sudden?

Find out in "Ballata - Murphys in Space II"

• Language: English
• Publisher: P.Z. Walker
• Release date: Aug 17, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201474034

P.Z. Walker

Naturist activist and author, luring people into naturism one story at a time, using many genres, from mystery through history to fantasy.

Book preview

1

Hannah switched off the viewer and rubbed her eyes. She'd been watching information about Ballata, the home planet of Derlan's people, who called themselves Ballatayans. It was fascinating to watch that world, the way of life there and the beautiful nature of it. At this point, though, her brain told her that it had had enough. Do you want to see some more? she asked her husband who sat on the couch behind her.

No, thanks. My brain is overloaded as it is. Henry got up and walked over to his wife. He put his hands on her shoulders and said, We got ourselves into quite an adventure, haven't we? He was aware of her naked skin under his hands and enjoyed touching her.

We did indeed. Or rather, Uncle Sam did. We just picked up where he left off and ran with it. Hannah looked pensive as she leaned into Henry's touch. I wonder what he would say if he knew about everything that had happened. And it all started so simple when we inherited his beach house.

Yeah. Henry had thought about that a lot as well. I'm sure he knew we'd get involved in this. He knew about Derlan and the others. Weird how things escalated.

A soft chime rang through their cabin, as a notification someone was about to come in. They knew they only had to say a word to prevent someone from entering, which was an interesting alternative to actively allowing someone in, as the habit was on Earth.

Their visitor was Heron, Derlan's son. Henry. Hannah. He smiled. We are about to fly to the large planet of your solar system. He was referring to Jupiter. It is time to secure yourselves.

Thank you for warning us, said Henry. They knew what was going to happen. Most of the crew would go into a kind of sleep on the journey through the solar system, and they'd be woken up as soon as Jupiter was close. Jupiter… The mere thought made Henry dizzy. He had read about that insanely large planet which was out of human reach, and they were going to fly past it. The ship would then connect to the larger vessel that was hiding in the rings of Saturn, another crazy thing to be aware of. After that, the larger ship would ride on what had been called the 'dark waves', guided by the pilots and navigators. Henry and Hannah didn't know what that meant but they would find out soon enough.

You are most welcome. Mark is aware of this as well; he is already prepared, Heron said. Mark, like their daughter Suzy, had his own cabin, next to theirs. Henry felt good about that. He wasn't so certain about Suzy, who currently was in the pilots' room. They had noticed she was changing, which had undoubtedly to do with the communication with Narla, the strange lifeform that made up part of the ship.

As Henry and Hannah lay down in the two comfortable chairs, Heron held up the tiny metal cylinder he'd brought with him. This will help you relax.

Hannah held out her arm. There was no real sensation apart from feeling the tube against her skin. She didn't even hear a hiss, which meant the amount of relaxant was very small. Henry also got a dose, after which they went to their bed. Suzy will be safe, won't she?

Heron smiled. She is very safe, and well-adjusted to her work. Halfway there the current pilots will be relieved and they can rest for the remainder of the journey.

We trust you, young man, Henry said, as he felt the drug was kicking in. He didn't even notice how Heron pulled the sheet over them that would keep them in place after the artificial gravity of the ship was switched off to preserve energy.

You can, Heron assured the couple. A moment later the two were asleep. After leaving the cabin, the lights went out and silence reigned.

*

Several decks higher, Suzy was connected to the navigators and her fellow pilots through Narla. Her task on this trip was to communicate with the navigators who would show her where to go, and she would convey that to the others. Narla would secure the ship, and the strange creature (if it was a creature at all) would be her relay to the navigators.

We are ready, came into her mind from somewhere.

Everyone is asleep, someone else conveyed to all the pilots. That was the signal they'd been waiting for. Suzy opened her mind to Narla and asked to contact the navigators. A moment later a vast presence revealed itself to her. The sheer size of it had scared her at first, but she had practiced with the navigators, and Narla had helped by filtering the experience down to something Suzy's young and inexperienced mind could handle. Since then, she'd grown fast.

The navigators, whose combined mind she was now attached to, welcomed her and made her a part of their awareness. In school Suzy had seen images of the solar system, with Mars, the asteroid belt and every other planet, but now she saw it all, including the maddening distances that seemed mere hops. Hops they had to cross. She sensed where the navigators wanted the ship to go and made that clear to her co-pilots. At a distant level she was aware how the soft straps around her tightened a little. Seconds later, the gravitational system was shut down. Its energy would be rerouted to the engines, which was the task of one of the others.

We can go, was all she had to send out to Narla, who relayed that to the few people who were still awake on the ship. The light in the room dimmed. They were on their way. Suzy noticed she had a remarkable lack of fear.

*

Henry? Are you awake? Hannah had sensed something, which meant she was no longer asleep, or whatever this had been. Her head felt as if it was filled with cotton but that didn't worry her. Derlan and Rajin had warned them for that; it would fade quickly once they were up and moving.

I think I am. That's good, isn't it? Henry noticed the sheet over them and pushed it to the side. Sitting up, he looked at his wife. I'm glad to see you.

So am I, Mr Murphy. Hannah also sat up and kissed her husband on the cheek. I suppose it's safe to get up now. Heron said we'd wake up as soon as the ship had arrived.

Let's find out where we have arrived.

They got up and, as per orders, first went to the lounge where they could get something to eat. On the way there they noticed that had been good advice, and Henry wondered how long they had been 'asleep'. They met Kalinni and Mark, who were already present in the lounge, taking care of a serious amount of food. Once they had a tray, fully loaded with enough food for a normal day, they learnt they had been out for three days. Not so strange they were hungry.

From here the journey will be easier, Kalinni assured them. Mark and I woke up a little earlier because we need to pay a visit to the navigators.

Henry understood that. At the same time he wondered about their son. Mark was not even seventeen and he was nearly always where Kalinni was. Henry was convinced that wasn't only work-related, because they performed the same tasks on board. After Kalinni and Mark had left, Henry mentioned his thoughts to his wife.

I've noticed that too. It's a bit strange indeed, because Kalinni is definitely older than he is. Hannah estimated Kalinni to be in her thirties. Perhaps we should have a talk with Mark.

A talk? About what? To their surprise it was Suzy who asked the question. She'd come into the lounge too and joined her parents for dinner. Or breakfast. That was still confusing to the Murphys because there was no planetary rhythm to adjust to on board.

"About Mark's dedication to Kalinni, Hannah explained as she examined her daughter. You look good, Suzy."

Hah, so do you, and you too, dad. Did you sleep well? I did. It was exciting to get the ship underway. Suzy dug into the food as if she were a miner who hadn't had anything to eat for a week.

Henry and Hannah confirmed they had slept like logs. Then Hannah asked if Suzy knew anything about Kalinni and Mark they didn't.

Only that age is hardly important among Ballatayans. As long as people like each other, that's enough, and they seem to like each other quite a bit. Suzy looked at her parents as she kept eating.

Henry agreed that it sounded okay, but wondered what would happen if the age difference was very large. Suzy shrugged and said she didn't know and didn't really care.

More and more people came into the lounge, woken up after the flight to Jupiter. Henry looked at the group of nude people. Nude people. Since all this stuff with Uncle Sam's house had started, not even four months had passed. He'd been an air traffic controller with a normal house and a normal, dressed family. And now they were naked all the time, surrounded by people as nude as they were, and everything felt so normal.

Ah. Here you are. Derlan came walking to them and asked if they felt well. Good. Once you have eaten, I want to take you up to the highest level and show you something you will find interesting. Suzy, do you want to come too?

Of course! I've seen it in mental plasma but seeing it for real will be so cool.

In what? Hannah stared at her daughter as her heart sped up. What had Suzy been through? What have you seen?

Suzy explained that mental plasma was the way the navigators, and through them all pilots, saw the outside of the ship while they travelled. It's not like seeing things on a TV, mom. It's as if you're outside, flying through space, and yet it's different. Mixed with what Narla sees.

Ehm. I'm afraid that doesn't make much sense, but thank you for trying to explain, dear, Henry said. Suzy smiled. It made Henry feel insecure and he couldn't explain why.

Once they all were done eating, Derlan guided them to the top level of the ship. All around the room were large monitors, showing them the outside of the ship in 360 degrees. Hannah reached for Henry's arm as the view overwhelmed her at first.

This is impressive, Henry said. He put an arm around his wife for simple stability. Like her, he was almost shocked by the initial view but he had soon adjusted to the overwhelming view. There, almost at arm's length, was the enormous planet they knew as Jupiter. Only automatic spacecraft from Earth had so far been this close to the giant, and here they were, slowly moving past it. Well, slowly was perhaps an odd idea, considering the size of the planet.

Awesome, Suzy agreed as she leaned into her mother. Mental plasma is a fabulous way to see this but... this is better, dad. Trust me. The family stood and marvelled at the view for a while until the ship had passed most of the planet. There, in the distance, the next surprise was waiting for them. Saturn with its enormous rings.

That is where we are going, Derlan said, pointing at the distant planet. It is an amazing view to see those two planets lined up so nicely, isn't it?

Henry and Hannah nodded, dumbfounded at the view once again. Had anyone told me about this half a year ago, I'd have them committed, Henry said. And now look at us. He felt sorry for his son who had to miss this experience.

As if Derlan guessed his thoughts, the man said that Mark was doing wonderful work. He will have time to see our approach as well, I promise you that. Now his work with the navigators is more important though, and he is well aware of it.

And from here we are going to Saturn... Hannah couldn't take her eyes off the majestic view.

Yes. We are going into the outer rings to join the main ship, Derlan said.

The main ship. You know, for the longest time I thought this was the main ship. Henry looked at Derlan, who smiled.

No, this vessel is too small to cross the voids of space. We have a more comfortable experience for that. You will see it soon, but I can explain a little about it now if you want.

Henry was looking forward to seeing the main ship. The ship they were in now was already quite large for what little he knew about spaceships.

There is, Derlan continued. We need to cross vast distances and for that we need a large ship that can build up speed while sustaining enough gravity to keep our bodies healthy. I am convinced every carbon-based lifeform will face the same challenges.

Henry imagined something the size of the starship Enterprise, the one he'd seen on television many times. He mentioned that to Hannah, who nodded and suddenly looked thoughtful. What's on your mind, woman? he asked.

You know, I suddenly realise that travelling in space naked is the smartest thing to do, she said, surprising him as she reminded him about their being naked. How amazing, because he wasn't even aware of it any more. If you think of all those people on the Enterprise, and all the clothes they would wear… How on Earth would it be possible to do so much laundry if they are out in space for so long? The how on Earth made both of them chuckle, considering they were so far out in space. Henry agreed she did have a point. Throwing out the dirt would be easy, but how long could you recycle water for laundry?

They pondered that question for some time, while Jupiter moved away beneath them. Saturn was waiting for them. He noticed that the most remarkable planet of the solar system was still coming closer at a great speed, which surprised him.

Before reaching the outer rings, they had gone down to the lounge again, where several people had gathered. Everyone was excited, which Henry and Hannah understood. They had been away from their starship quite a while. Everyone had something to drink so Henry, Hannah and Suzy joined in.

I wonder where Mark is, Hannah said once more, as she looked around.

Derlan smiled. He is safe. You don't need to worry. Kalinni is with him. They have forged a strong bond, as you have noticed.

I have, and in a way that worries, me, Hannah said to the man. He's only seventeen. Very young where we come from. And Kalinni is… how old?

Derlan didn't answer. Instead he looked at Suzy, who seemed to stare into a void for a moment. Henry recognised that look on her face: she was talking to that strange creature, Narla.

Kalinni would be in her mid twenties, mom. And yes, I'm a bit surprised too, because she looks so much older while she's only a few years older than I am.

Despite that news, Hannah was still not at ease. Mark was still young, certainly mentally. I don't want anything bad to happen to him.

They are on their way here, said Suzy. You can talk to them when they've arrived.

Hannah reached for Henry's hand. Was this their daughter? The girl who had been reluctant for the longest time to take off her clothes on Freedom Beach? The one who was scared to drive a car and now was part of the pilots team on this ship? Who was communicating with Narla as if she'd been born to do so?

Mom, dad? Kalinni said Narla said you want to talk to us. Mark surprised both of them by coming from a corridor behind them.

Oh, Mark! Hello, Kalinni. Hannah held Henry's hand a bit tighter as her eyes drifted to Mark's hands. He wasn't holding one of Kalinni's, which relieved her.

Hey, son. Yes, we do. Henry wasn't sure how Hannah wanted to shape this conversation. This wasn't a good place for it, with so many people around.

They know, mom, said Suzy.

Because of Narla, Mark explained. You worry too much. Kalinni and I are just friends. Really good friends. We do the same work here, which makes sense.

Kalinni smiled. My work has many facets, Hannah. And doing it together is so much easier and faster. You have never cleaned the feeding tube of a navigator alone, or filled the matter containers for the food dispensers.

And that's to name a few, Mark said. It sounds like we're janitors, I know, but if we don't do it for a day, there's going to be a lot of crap on the ship.

Mark! Mind your language! Hannah was shocked for a moment.

Is there a problem? Heron walked up, looking equal parts amused and interested. We should resolve any problems quickly, or postpone them until later. We will be arriving at the ship soon, which is a festive occasion. We'll be home again, in a way.

Henry suggested they should drop the subject for now. Both Mark and Kalinni had stated they were just friends. That was good enough for him. Hannah agreed, although he saw she wasn't as convinced as he was. He winked at her and told Heron things were fine.

That is good. In a few moments the main displays will go online to show our arrival, but you will all have to sit down then. The pressure field will be activated to keep everyone safe as the deceleration procedure is about to start. Heron waited for everyone to find a seat before sitting down himself.

Overhead, every monitor was switched on and provided a magnificent view of their approach to Saturn's rings. Despite the fact that the sun was so far away, the rings looked as if they were in the spotlight of some celestial beam that was put there just for them. The closer they got, the more rocks became visible. At