New Earth: The Final Voyage, #2

By Avery Kloss

Chief Nate Oxford and his team are sent down to the new planet after receiving a distress signal from the colonists, but it may already be too late. Gabriella finds herself in an impossible situation, because she is falling in love with her father's head of security, and they cannot agree on anything. The entire mission is thrown into chaos after a breach, which forces Gabi and everyone onboard The Aurelia to fight for survival on a disabled ship.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Freedom To Wander Publications
• Release date: Sep 2, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201524012

Book preview

One

Gabi!

I’m over here! I shouted, as a wave crashed against the rock I stood on, nearly knocking me over. Here! I’m here!

I heard Nate’s voice, although I could not see him in the dense fog. The other members of our little group were out there somewhere as well, because I had heard their voices. We had made it through the wormhole, but we now stood precariously on individual rocks in the middle of the ocean.

Gabi, you hang on! I’m coming for you.

You should wait until the fog’s better, I shouted. Don’t do it now! What if this was the same ocean where the sharks were so prevalent? Was it worth the risk? I’m fine! You don’t need to get me. The splash from another wave made my pants wet. I decided to sit on the rock, although now I would be even wetter, but I did not want to fall in.

"Come in, Aurelia, I heard Stefan say. Can you hear me?"

They were trying to contact the starship, which was in orbit overhead. I said a little prayer. Maybe now they would hear us. It was then that someone screamed and then a splash. It sounded like Bradley, although I could not be certain.

Hang in there, sport! shouted Nate. I’m comin’ to get you.

My heart sank. The boy had fallen in. I heard Gloria shout and Maya as well. The air suddenly filled with the sounds of my friends, who were in the same predicament as I.

"Come in, Aurelia! Can you hear me?"

Not able to help anyone, I wrapped my arms around my knees and suffered another wave. Soaked through, I shivered and prayed our ship heard us.

Come on! I just want to get off this stupid planet. I’m so tired of it.

I got something! shouted Stefan. I got them! Holy shit!

A feeling of relief shot through me. You did? I scrambled to my feet. Are they coming? The ship would be able to pinpoint our exact location through the opFone.

I got you, buddy!

It sounded as if Nate had rescued Bradley. I could not see five feet before me in the dense fog.

They’re coming! shouted Stefan.

Praise be! said Francis.

Thank God! I heard Gloria say.

Oh, hell, yeah, said Maya. I can’t wait to get outta here!

Gabi!

I’m still here. I shivered in the cold; my boots had filled with seawater. I’m over here, but don’t come get me. It isn’t safe. I saw a hand then at the edge of the rock. You’ll cut yourself, Nate. You shouldn’t have come.

Bradley suddenly appeared. Grab him!

I rushed to the edge to grasp his hand, although as I lifted him, the barnacles cut into his pant legs.

Ouch!

Sorry. I’m sorry. You shouldn’t have come over.

I’m okay, said Bradley.

But I saw blood. No, you’re not. Sit down.

Nate hauled himself out, although he sliced his clothing. Aw, man. That sucks, he muttered.

There’s blood in the water now. I examined Bradley and found several scratches, one quite deep. I wore a utility belt that held various survival items, with wound care bandages. I taped it to his leg. That should hold. I glanced at Nate. You need something too.

I’m fine. His shirt clung to his chest, which outlined the muscles there. Stefan got the ship. They’re coming, thank God. He thrust fingers through his hair. Are you okay?

I’m fine. A wave rushed over the rock, nearly taking my backpack with it. His tan pants darkened where he bled. You can’t get in the water again.

It’s a chance we’re gonna have to take.

The last time I was near the ocean in a transport, one of those megalodon sharks had risen out of the depths and brought the entire ship down. It had been the beginning of everything and a swift and hard introduction to the dangers of Omega Vida, of which there were many.

It’s gonna be all right. Nate eyed me. We’re making it outta here.

I hope so. I’m so over this planet. I’m never coming back, ever. When I get on that ship, I’m clocking off. I’m done, so done.

He chuckled, Yeah, I hear you. You look cold.

I’d wear the alien suit, but it’s just as wet.

It shouldn’t be much longer.

Are they coming to get us? asked Bradley. I want to go home. I want my parents.

His family had been among the colonists from The Carnelian, who settled before us, but in another dimension. There were far too many uncharted wormholes, and they made life unpredictable and dangerous.

You’ll see your parents again, I said. You will. We’re going up in the ship first. Then someone will take you down.

They think I died; I know it.

I knelt before him. But imagine how happy they’ll be when they see you again. Everything will be better soon. You’ll have so many stories to tell them of all your adventures.

How I lived on worms? His eyes lit up.

Oh, for sure.

How we found the alien ship?

That too.

And the cave with the warm water?

Yep. I nodded. You’ve lots of stories.

And now we’re in the ocean.

Not for long, said Nate. I hear them.

I gasped. You do? My heart hammered in my chest, because I heard it too, a craft overhead. Oh, God, I cried, as relief swept through me.

You don’t have to be sad, said Bradley. We’re about to be rescued, Gabi.

Tears flooded my eyes. I know. I’m not sad. I’m so happy.

There we were, the lot of us, tired, soggy, bedraggled and … extremely grateful to be seated on one of The Aurelia’s larger transport ships. Nate held my hand as we lifted off, the thrusters at capacity, although they would fire again higher in the atmosphere. From where I sat, I saw the wall of windows situated before the pilots, and, after a few moments, the ship trembled slightly until it suddenly settled and the view out the window turned black—the darkness of space.

It won’t be long now, said Gloria. She sat with a blanket over her shoulders, the older lady chilled to the bone. I didn’t expect the ocean. I didn’t see that one coming. I thought that was it, you know? She spoke to me, although she also addressed Maya. Thought I was going to die.

No death for us today, said Francis. We were spared by a merciful Lord. Droplets of saltwater fell from his curly, gray beard. What’s the first thing you’ll do when you get on the ship?

Take a shit in a real toilet, said Steven with a grin. Sorry, but it’s right at the top of my list. You asked.

Laughter rang out, the sound welcome and melodious. Even the pilots laughed.

I nodded. Yes, a real toilet is a novelty, isn’t it?

Amen to that, murmured Nate.

I’m having the biggest cheeseburger ever, said Bradley. Fully loaded and french-fries with ketchup. Then I want a big piece of chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream. He grinned. And a cherry soda.

Absolutely, said Maya. That and steak and grilled vegetables and noodles or something. She glanced at me. You probably have a personal droid, don’t you? He can whip something up in your stateroom.

Oh, I forgot, said Gloria. She’s the commander’s daughter. You mentioned that a while ago.

I don’t need no droid, said Steven. I’ll hit up one of the restaurants. Order everything on the menu. I’m not joking about that.

Because I worked in customer service, I knew they would need pass cards issued to them and assigned cabins, because they were not from The Aurelia. I declined to mention this, as I did not want to ruin the mood.

The transport approached the docking bay of the massive starship, the doors wide open. We closed the distance quickly. With precise skill, the pilots flew through, where several other transports sat idle. The doors closed behind us, which initiated the environmental support system that allowed us to safely disembark.

This is it, said Stefan. He had been quiet on the ride. The adventure’s over.

Thank God, I murmured. I waited impatiently for the ramp. My parents are probably freaking out. I’ve tortured them enough over the last week. I made light of my near-death experiences, although it wasn’t really a laughing matter. I unlatched the safety belt just as the door opened. A group of people waited at the bottom of the ramp.

We’re having dinner later, said Nate.

I’m probably in the bath a couple of hours. I think I’ll pass. I’m sorry.

His smile faltered, but he rallied. Okay. Dinner tomorrow night.

You can come over.

He blinked. I can?

Yes, you can. I’m planning on eating in bed. I’m going to be a lazy slug for the rest of the day. If you want to join me, you’re more than welcome, unless you have other plans. It’s totally your call.

A crooked grin appeared. I really like your idea, Gabi. I’ll be there.

I spied my parents, as they stood at the head of the crowd. Gotta go.

Bradley and Gloria exited the craft, with Stefan and Steven right behind. I hurried down the ramp to my parents. Dad, in his dark blue uniform, stood stoically, his expression bland, but mom cried. Tears wet her cheeks.

Mom, Dad! I shouted. I hugged my mother.

Oh, my God, Gabi. We didn’t think we’d see you again. She held me at arm’s length. You look terrible.

Thanks, Mom. I grinned.

You’re so skinny.

Starvation will do that.

You need to be debriefed, said my father in an authoritative tone.

That’s all you have to say to me? My hands went to my hips. Really?

I’m very glad to see you, honey. You put us through hell.

Blame it on the wormholes. I thought of everything that had happened over the last week. I’ve so much to tell you guys. You won’t believe it.

Dad nodded. Your mother and I are looking forward to hearing all about it. He glanced at the passengers of The Carnelian. You’ll need to be processed before I can let you enter the ship. I do apologize, but it’s C.A.I. Corp rules.

A collective groan rang out, but none of them seemed surprised.

"Aurelia crew may continue. He nodded at Nate and Stefan. Then he winked at me. You’re dismissed, Gabi. Go get something to eat before you fall over."

Thanks, Dad.

Two

Would you be requiring anything else, Miss Wallis? Baxton, my android, hovered obsequiously, as he waited for another order.

I think I’m good now. I reclined in a large bathtub filled to the rim with foamy white bubbles. He had already brought me chocolate covered strawberries, popcorn shrimp, and a platter of sushi, which sat on a low table. I held a champagne glass. Please send Mr. Oxford in when he arrives.

Very well. His voice sounded slightly robotic. And will Mr. Oxford be requiring champagne?

More than likely. I sighed. Lots of champagne. The thought of possibly being pregnant entered my mind, but I pushed it aside. My belly had ached since the morning, a sure sign my period would arrive at any second. You may go, Baxton. Thank you.

Yes, of course. He rolled out of the room.

I wasn’t alone for long, because my mother appeared in the doorway. Gabi.

Yes?

She pulled over a stool. You gave us such a scare. You’re not allowed to go down to that planet ever again, do you understand?

Oh, I’m way ahead of you there. I’m never leaving the ship again. I had a sip of champagne. This is so nice.

On an empty stomach?

Baxton brought me food.

The ship’s buzzing about the alien craft. Everyone wants to know more. Chief Oxford and Deputy Hunter brought back what looks like communication devices. Science is having a field day trying to figure it out.

I eyed her over the rim of the glass. I bet.

And you actually saw them. She leaned forward, her elbow on her knees.

One dead one they missed and a massive pile of burning bodies. A bunch of them died in the crash.

And they were small?

They weren’t bigger than a ten-year-old. They only had four fingers. Bald head and flat nose. Round, dark eyes and thin lips. A memory surfaced. Oh, and they were super white, like paper white. Actually, they’re really creepy looking.

But the crash killed many, she mused.

They’re biological creatures like us. They can be injured, probably really easy. They’re thin and weak looking. I’m sure they have weapons, though. We didn’t find any. They scrubbed the site clean, except the one they missed.

And then they took off?

In their only functioning transport.

She thought about that for a moment. Which is concerning.

It is. I had a sip of champagne. I have a theory about everything.

You do?

They can’t get far in a transport, no matter how good their technology is. We figure they left Omega Vida and went looking for a bigger ship to take them home.

"That’s the same conclusion we’ve drawn, which explains why The Carnelian didn’t respond. It’s worrying."

Although the alien sighting was one for the history books, I felt strangely detached from the situation, and the champagne helped. Dad’s team will figure it out.

We’re passenger starships. We’re not armed. We couldn’t defend ourselves if we wanted to. This seemed to bother her because she frowned.

There’s security. They can deal with it. They have weapons. I finished the drink and sat up. Mom, I hate to be rude, but I don’t care about any of this stuff right now. I’m done. I’m finished with that stupid planet. It’s the worst place to live, ever. It’s infested with bugs and wormholes and prehistoric sharks. I grasped the champagne bottle and poured a hefty splash of glistening, amber fluid. This is my future. I relaxed against the back of the tub, while tiny bubbles massaged every inch of my body. Oh, yes, I breathed.

My mother eyed me sharply. You’re not wounded. You’ll be expected at work tomorrow. I wouldn’t drink too much.

I’m taking a personal day. I’ve massage and chiropractor appointments. I’m getting my nails and hair done. I can’t believe you want me to work after everything I’ve been through.

She rolled her eyes. Gimme a break, Gabi.

I didn’t get much sleep. I didn’t eat anything other than weird alien food. I’m sore all over. I thought I was gonna die. I’ve been through trauma, Mom. I could use a week off, actually. I should check my contract. There’s a clause in there about that. I probably need to speak to a therapist too. I’ve lots to process.

I doubt it. You’re stronger than that, and you know it. She was all business in her white pantsuit and perfectly coifed hair. Oh, by the way. They did an analysis on the food you ate; you know, the alien protein cubes.

Really?

It’s pure protein derived from some sort of insect.

I spit out the mouthful of champagne. What?

She pushed the stool back under the sink. You ate bugs, Gabi.

My stomach turned over. Oh, God. I could’ve lived without knowing that. Thanks.

Laughter rang out. I just thought you might want to know. I’ll leave you now.

That’s so gross. That wasn’t helpful, Mom.

I thought Nate might have arrived already, but he had not. I suspected his debriefing had run over or some other work occupied him. Music played from hidden speakers while I dressed in a soft pair of drawstring pants and a loose-fitting, long-sleeved top. Relaxed and buzzed from the champagne, I held a menu from the main dining room.

Have you decided yet? Baxton waited for my order.

I think … I’ll have the gnocchi and a calzone.

It’ll be Italian tonight.

Why not? I grinned. And … you might as well bring the margherita pizza, fully loaded. They can throw everything on there.

Would you like a cocktail?

You know, I would. I perused the drink selection. I’ll take the peach cosmopolitan. You might as well make two. I handed him the menu. Thank you, Baxton. I really do appreciate you. I missed you. Being an android, he wasn’t the least bit emotionally inclined. He had no idea how to respond to that.

I am pleased to be of service, Miss Wallis.

You can call me Gabi. We don’t have to be so formal.

If you wish me to address you differently, you’ll have to update me, Miss Wallis.

Can we get the American accent back?

There are many options in my communication profile. You may choose any accent you wish; from any country you wish.

I considered that. I’ll think about it. I half-teased him with these questions, but it all went over his head.

I’ll put your order in. The wait time is forty-five minutes.

That’s fine.

I’ll make the cocktails straightaway.

Thank you.

He turned on the wheels beneath his ankles, and hesitated. Then he turned around to face me again. Might I say, it is a pleasure to have you back, Miss Wallis. Your parents are most relieved to have you home again.

I grinned. Why, thank you. That’s a thoughtful thing to say.

Now, if you’ll excuse me. I need to see to your dinner. He turned to leave, just as the door to my room slid open.

To my surprise, Nate stood a few feet away. Hey! He had showered and shaved with neatly trimmed hair that appeared damp. You cleaned up. I sat on the bed. Come on in.

With his hands behind his back, he brought them forward. Then he gave me a single red rose. For you.

I admired the flower and felt the soft petals, the scent sweetly floral. Thank you. He sat on the edge of the bed dressed in a fresh uniform. Are you working tonight?

Oh, I am. He grinned.

You are?

"I’m ready and able to perform any task you require."

Oh … that sounds promising. A silky little tingle raced down my spine.

Three

I polished off a piece of pizza, with soft mozzarella and kalamata olives. Nate did not seem to mind my food selection, as I had ordered without him. He even drank one of the peach cosmopolitans, although he was more a bourbon and beer type of guy.

He pointed to the little dumplings. What was that again?

Gnocchi. Good, isn’t it? The dumplings were smothered in a delicate white sauce with smoked specks of ham and mushrooms. I had already had some. We shared food from each plate.

I know what a calzone is.

Filled with ricotta, mushrooms, sausage, and tomatoes, it had been far too much for one person. I leaned back into a pile of big, fluffy pillows. I’m glad you enjoyed your meal, Mr. Oxford.

I would’ve had a hamburger.

I was thinking of maybe getting an expresso martini.

Sounds good.

Or a sangria.

How about dessert? Can’t have Italian without tiramisu.

Now you’re speaking my love language, I murmured. But I’m kinda full. I placed a hand over my belly. Thank God I wore stretch pants. I smiled happily at him, just tickled that we were together in a clean, comfortable place. After being trapped in a cave with a musty smell and dirt floors, this was like heaven. You want a beer?

He picked up a plate and put it on the nightstand. We could have eaten like proper adults, and now there were crumbs all over the bed. The rose he gave me stood upright in a pitcher of water. A wall of windows provided a view of space, with stars sparkling in the distance and the planet of Omega Vida below, its giant orb awash in blue and green. It hid a terrible secret: wormholes that swallowed people and shot them out in undesirable locations. The exception had been the lucky colonists from The Carnelian who lived at Harmony and Seaside, but how would we ever find them again?

You’re lost in thought, he murmured.

I was just thinking about Jillian and her husband, Doug, and all those people at Harmony. They’re lucky to be where they are.

They asked me about that.

In the debriefing?

He nodded. I told them we found them through a jungle wormhole, but I’ve no idea where it is. The selenite rocks give us warning, but other than that, they’re impossible to avoid.

Maybe science can figure it out.

They were super curious about the alien craft. Boy, they picked my brain about that one. They’re itching to go down to find it. Never pass up an opportunity to steal alien tech. It’s the backbone of our entire space program.

It is.

Nate grinned. But you don’t really want to talk shop, do you?

I shook my head. From the moment he had arrived for dinner I yearned to kiss him, the feeling oddly disconcerting and highly distracting. He leaned in and answered my silent call, his lips over mine in a soft, mind-numbing kiss that went on and on …

My fingers toyed with the buttons on his shirt and one popped open. Oops.

A chuckle rumbled in his chest. Is this a problem for you?

All the clothes? I asked innocently.

Yeah.

Not usually. Another button came undone. Oh, dear.

I’d say you might be a little overdressed yourself.

I might be.

He pulled the shirt free of his pants, the buttons no longer affixed. This exposed two tiny nipples amid a smattering of dark, curly hair. I touched his soft, warm skin, toying with a nipple. Firm and muscled, there wasn’t an inch of him that wasn’t covered in tattoos.

Do you still want that beer? I whispered.

No.

His arms went around me, as our mouths fused in a kiss that felt like I was drowning in a pool of liquid pleasure. I had never wanted anyone the way I needed Nate, and the feeling scared me. It was easier to think of him as something fun and casual, a harmless flirtation, but only when we weren’t in a life-or-death predicament, which seemed to happen far too often.

Oh, I gasped, as his hand slid into my pants. That escalated quickly, I murmured.

His lips on my mouth, he said, You’ve no idea.

I could just hear my parents in the next room, their voices in conversation. With nothing on other than a tangled sheet, I ran a finger down Nate’s chest. I held him captive with a leg, and I had no desire to move it.

Do you think you’re pregnant?

That question stunned me. Um … probably not.

You don’t have your period. You said it was late.

He certainly would know I wasn’t menstruating. It’s coming. It’s why I was so grumpy.

His hand stroked my back. When were you grumpy?

The whole wormhole thing and the cave.

Honey, everybody was grumpy, including myself. I didn’t want to be there either. Believe me.

I snuggled into him. It’s a distant memory now. In a week, it’ll be totally forgotten. I never wanted to think about that awful planet again.

What are your plans tomorrow?

Spa day. Celestial Day Spa. They’ve their work cut out for them, boy, I giggled. I still had dirt beneath my nails. What about you?

They might send me down again.

No. Why?

It’s my job, Gabi. The job’s not done. All the colonists are back on the ship. They should be down there and getting their housing set up. It’s a total disaster.

I wish you didn’t have to go again.

It’ll be fine. I want to have dinner with you tomorrow night, somewhere nice.

I’d like that. I planned to go shopping and find something new to wear. Most of my clothing was hundreds of years old. The Mesquite Grille? I can make reservations.

That sounds really nice.

"I can’t believe they’re