Music for Centauri: The Second Book in the Sci-Fi Series

By Donald Krueger

Shawnis is beautiful, she is brilliant, and she is a senior educator at the Centauri University in Atlantis. She is married, she is sinuous and the perfect age to have children but to her disappointment, she cannot. She is not alone. Natural pregnancies no longer exist on the planet Centauri. The species is being kept in existence through cloning. Shawnis is the unchallenged master at cloning embryos for implanting in females. She is on the board of several clinics that have that purpose only.
But the population is declining at an alarming rate and she is not the only one concerned. A small but elite council has been formed to seek a solution. She is honored to be one of the six. If these, the best minds on Centauri fear their genus will be extinct in three thousand years.
An ancient expedition discovered that the planet Centauri is a twin of a distant planet called earth. Centauri is far more advanced yet the populous of earth is expanding almost too fast. Perhaps an answer lies four light years away.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Oct 20, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524550233

Donald Krueger

Donald Krueger Sci-fi author Donald Krueger is a retired airline pilot. His airline career had him flying transports starting with the DC-3 and ending with the DC-10. He lives in the pleasing climate of Southern California and enjoyed numerous interests other than flying, including music and sculpture. Currently is his interest in writing. The 'Snows of Shangrila' is book five of his science fiction book series. It spans a dozen years of research plus a vivid imagination. The stories have a rich mixture of imagination and actual history. More than once the reader will find his/herself pondering, “I didn’t know that”, yet on checking find the occurrences are factual.

Book preview

Copyright © 2016 by Donald Krueger.

All rights reserved. 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 copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 10/07/2016

Xlibris

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

751414

CONTENTS

Chapter One - Centauri, The Twin Of Earth 1706

Chapter Two - The Centauri Quandary

Chapter Three - The Centauri Council 2nd Meeting

Chapter Four - Launch Day

Chapter Five - Bambino Returns

Chapter Six - Research, Research, Research

Chapter Seven - Take A Look At Odyssey

Chapter Eight - Grace’s Big Date

Chapter Nine - A Welcome Surprise

Chapter Ten - They’re Coming

Chapter Eleven - Odyssey Launch

Chapter Twelve - Let’s Build A Hangar

Chapter Thirteen - Trouble On The Odyssey

Chapter Fourteen - Getting Ready

Chapter Fifteen - Let’s Wake Him Up

Chapter Sixteen - Downs This Is Odyssey

Chapter Seventeen - Getting Together

Chapter Eighteen - Trouble For Horth

Chapter Nineteen - Willy The Charmer

Chapter Twenty - Solar System Tour

Chapter Twenty-One - Back To School

Chapter Twenty-Two - Wedding Planning

Chapter Twenty-Three - The Double Wedding

Chapter Twenty-Four - Chicago Visit

Chapter Twenty-Five - The Departure

Chapter Twenty-Six - The Journey Home

Chapter Twenty-Seven - Journey Home; 2nd year

Chapter Twenty-Eight - Journey Home; 3rd year

Chapter Twenty-Nine - Journey Home; 4th year

Chapter Thirty - Centauri at Last

PROLOGUE

T he planets of Earth and Centauri are so identical it seems they were made so by design. Even the human and animal species are the same in every way. The noticeable difference lays in the advancement of technology. Here that difference is vast. Centuries ago the science of Centauri took a different direction in the study of gravitational forces. One break through after another evolved into the manipulation of these forces. This power source gave Centauri a giant leap in putting this energy to use, from ground vehicles to flying vessels that were able to achieve orbit. The ultimate was the ability to travel at light speed. The cosmos suddenly became sma ller.

This story begins on Centauri to provide the genesis origin of the Downs family that were the central figures of the first book; Hush, Sisters, Hush. The Earth characters reside in Dayton, Ohio. They are siblings, two males and two females.

The first book brought them together. They were born in 1711 as the result of a 4 light year sojourn bearing eggs in a tiny spaceship affectionately named Bambino. Persistent research by an investigative reporter has established the possibility of another planet being the origin of their existence.

Now the patriarch of the earth family is intent on establishing contact with the suspected host planet. The story is formed around his efforts and his successes.

Contact was established with Centauri, a planet 4 light-years distant. This advanced society is so delighted with the contact they undertook an expedition to Earth, namely Dayton Ohio. This monumental undertaking is the focal of this story.

CHARACTERS

CHAPTER ONE

Centauri, the twin of Earth 1706

S hawnis gazed into the night. When Conner fell back asleep, she got out of bed and went for a stroll out on the deck. Even from there she could hear his heavy breathing and figured he’d be out until morning.

But this night had been a wonderful, loving one. Their rhythms together seemed so perfect. Could she have been ovulating? Her passion was so high she felt there must be a reason. She remembered that just a century ago, such an experience had a good chance of making a child. Maternal feelings frequently came over her, but in reality she could only dream what it must be like to carry a child.

There were only a few mothers on Centauri who had experienced natural pregnancy, but it was so long ago. Shawnis wondered if the stories had substance or were embellished as happens when stories are told over and over. Her own mother died giving birth to her and her father raised her. She wondered what her mother was like. She could only go by her father’s description, but he was so in love that Shawnis only believed half of what he said.

She looked up to the heavens. The sky was gorgeous. The stars seemed so much brighter tonight as all three suns were on the other side of Centauri. My goodness there are millions and millions out there, she thought. She’d heard there were other worlds, possibly like the one right here on Centauri. She stared deep into the night sky, and tried to visualize another world.

With so many stars, she thought, there had to be just as many planets. History books in school made mention of an expedition, hundreds of years ago, to a habitable planet. There were records, but she hadn’t paid a lot of attention. At the time of her history class, she was more interested in boys.

She started feeling a bit sleepy, so decided to return to her bed. She snuggled up to her husband and went soundly to sleep.

The brightness of the morning sunlight woke her and she realized she’d overslept a bit. When she went to the kitchen, she noticed a blinking light on her message device. It was from Cyrus. He was calling for a meeting of the newly formed Council of Centauri. This special council had just been formed and she was honored to be part of it.

Conner was now awake and he came into the kitchen to give her a morning hug. Hmmmm, he nestled in her neck, last night was wonderful honey. You came to life like you did on our honeymoon.

She blushed and gave him a kiss. That my love was because you are a wonderful lover. You hunted for my sweet spots and last night I think you found them all.

Now he blushed. She certainly had a talent for pumping up his ego.

So, what’s the message about?

Cyrus is calling for us to come to a meeting today. It’s in Pacificis.

Pacificis? That’s 8,000 kilometers to the north.

I know, but they’ve given us a Pipeage pass.

It must be important. That thing is super expensive.

Yes, but it gets us there in an hour. If the meeting is over by 4 p. m., I’ll be home for supper.

Are you telling me that canister gets up to 8,000 kph?

That’s what they say. When I get back, I’ll tell you all about it.

They had a light breakfast and then, Shawnis put on her business suit. Conner looked her over. My, don’t you look professional. Be careful with those guys. Even if they’re big wheels, they’re going to notice you are a very desirable and beautiful young woman. I’m an expert and I’m tempted to undress you right here in the kitchen.

For a second Shawnis thought about last night and it crossed her mind to stay home. But there were important things to do today. Behave yourself Conner. You’ll get your chance tonight. Now if you can stop looking at my butt, how about taking me to the Pipeage Terminal?

Why don’t you take your Autocar?

Because there’s no decent parking down there. You have to use the valet service and those car-parking kids go nuts in an Autocar. They can’t afford one so they act like race drivers when they get the chance.

CHAPTER TWO

The Centauri Quandary

Centauri 1706

C yrus sat eating a leisurely breakfast and pondered how he’d conduct the meeting. He’s been the president of the Pacificis University for a good spell and for the next four years the presidency of Centauri rests with him. Every four years it alternates between the president of the Pacificis University and president of the Atlantis University. Both cities have a population of about 25 million. They are the two dominant cities of Centauri. It has worked out very well being located an equal distance from the equator but one north and one south. The change of seasons has made for a very stable economy. Farms located over the vast expanse between the two cities provide the populous with adequate foods. Centauri has it all, at least did have it all until this birthing problem changed things.

Cyrus looked at the time and decided he’d better get started. The stabilizer on his Autocar vehicle was inoperative and he must be careful not to go too fast. It rides just a foot above ground with an anti-gravity suspension. Bumps can start it to bounding. First, he checked to see if the restraint belt worked properly. He set the maximum speed pointer at a respectable 60 kph. That way he should be okay. It only takes 15 minutes to get to the complex. He made a note to look into buying a new Autocar. The late models have some features he likes. At his age it doesn’t make sense to keep the old model. After all he’s the big man of Centauri. He laughs at himself for thinking such an egotistical thought.

He got to the Complex and slipped into his ‘RESERVED FOR THE CHAIRMAN’ spot. Whoa, the damn thing almost bumped the stop barrier. Besides the stabilizer, now the braking system needs service. He parked right next to Randal’s new wine colored model. My, he thought, that thing is gorgeous. I’m going to find out how much that sucker costs. Randal has always been into speed. Perhaps that’s why he’s so involved with futuristic energy sources.

Randal is only 300 years old and the youngest of the men on the council. Shawnis is but 200 and the only female. The rest of the group thinks of her as a child but she has unbelievable credentials in the anatomy of the female. She spent over 20 years in graduate school and earned five doctorate degrees. Another 20 years teaching until she was promoted to department head at the Atlantis University. She’s on the board of a half dozen clinics whose purpose is reserved for placing cloned embryos in the uteruses of consenting women. Using the techniques that Shawnis developed, over 95 percent of the placements have resulted in the birth of healthy babies. Besides her successes, she is a looker and for that reason alone it’s a pleasure to have her in the group – but it’s ‘Look but don’t touch’ as everybody knows that her husband Conner is the jealous type. Cyrus pictures them in the sack, thinking to himself, He’s one lucky SOB.

His thoughts must be very powerful because just as Cyrus got out of his Autocar, a cab pulled up and Shawnis got out.

Good morning Cyrus.

Morning, Shawnis. How was the ride up?

A bit exciting, especially during the accelerating and decelerating stuff. But, once at speed, you can’t feel a thing. Too bad you can’t see out, but I guess at 8,000 kph you couldn’t see much anyway. Wow, look at that. I bet its Randal’s, right?

Right you are. He’s a bachelor and I think a big part of it is to impress the ladies.

Hell, you got that right. I’m married and am still impressed.

Cyrus laughed and then, Shall we go in?

They went into the complex, which was comprised of various rooms. Some were large meeting halls but Cyrus took her to a small room where a round table was setup with place settings for eight. At each place was a tablet with a stylus, a glass of water, and a large pitcher of water is in the middle of the table. All the members on the Council were in the room making social conversation. The only one missing was Bandar. Shawnis knew he lived in Atlantis and was most likely on the Pipeage, but she didn’t see him.

Randal walked up to Cyrus. There are only six members on the Council, but the table is set for eight. Did you ask more people to join?

No I just told the complex management I wanted a small table in a small room. I think this is the smallest they have.

Shawnis joined in the conversation. We were looking at your Autocar, Randal. New isn’t it?

Yeah, isn’t it a beauty? That sucker will go 200 kph. Would you like a ride home?

Shawnis laughed, Are you kidding? I just came up from Atlantis on the Pipeage. It makes your beauty look like a real snail.

I know but you’re stuck in a straight line between the two cities; My Autocar can give you some real thrills.

Cyrus had a thought,

Randal, I don’t know how long today’s meeting will last since it will be more just to generate a plan. But if it goes up to lunchtime, how about giving me a ride to the diner? My old machine has got the hiccups. I’m going to have to trade it in soon and I’d like to see what’s new.

Randal agreed. Then he saw Bandar coming into the room. He was red in the face and piping mad.

The damn cabby had a wreck. Where the hell do they train these clowns? I got up here in an hour on the vacuum tube and I spent another hour trying to get from the Terminal to here.

Anybody hurt?

No, it was just a little thing but there was a big argument about whose fault it was. Somebody had their avoidance sensors turned off but neither one would admit to it. Then the cabbie decided to call his boss. And listen to this -- wouldn’t you think the boss would send another cab for me? Well the SOB didn’t and I had to sit there like a bump on a log for another 20 minutes.

Cyrus patted the old fellow on the back, trying to calm him down. Bandar was a touch over 550 years old and the oldest on the council and probably the smartest. So he was understandably a bit short tempered.

Cyrus hailed the waiter, Would you bring my friend some tea please? On second thought, bring us all tea. We’ll just start the meeting a little late.

They gathered around the table. There were names placed at each setting. It was a formality because most of them knew each other anyway, if not personally at least by reputation. The Council was a select group. Because they were keeping a low profile, they had little contact with news media. Cyrus saw no reason to have public awareness, at least for the beginning of these discussions.

They sat and sipped their tea for a few minutes, waiting for Bandar to appear composed. Then Cyrus began the discussion.

"As pointed out in the memo, when you were first contacted, our purpose is to find answers to the threat that our genus could become extinct. This first meeting is just to look for solutions. The citizens of Centauri don’t have a clue and it’s better that way for the time being. The reduction of populous is quite long term. I’ve selected you five because you’re the best minds on the planet. The general public doesn’t think that far ahead, but I think the time is now. The longer we wait the greater the problem becomes. So let’s get started. Let me direct your attention to the screen. These are the names of our small but powerful council:

Cyrus - chairman

Jurnar - genome mapping

Shawnis - female reproduction

Bandar - cloning expert

Wendum - other worlds expert

Randal - space travel expert"

Wendum spoke. From your memo, we are to attempt an solution to the natural birthing problem, or should I say ‘the absence of it’. Your called us powerful’ but I for one don’t feel very powerful. If the medical community can’t figure it out, how in the world could we?"

Cyrus looked at him and then back to the group. I don’t have any misgivings that it may be easy bur the Centauri Senate has agreed that this Council is permanent until our problem is solved. Of course, if one of us unfortunately expires, it is my obligation to select another. I spoke with you briefly when I first invited you to join. So as this problem may be long lived, I need your affirmation that you are a dedicated to it as long as there is a need. So please, if you’ve had a change of heart let me know now.

No hands were raised.

"Most of you know each other, but if not I can assure you that you will by the time our meetings have concluded. All of you have shown concern, as have I, that the future of our species is threatened. There has not been a natural birth recorded on Centauri for a very long time. We of this council are all natural birth citizens and we are becoming a rare breed, as only a few thousand exist on Centauri. Choosing you was no accident. It is my belief that cloned citizens may not have the same concerns we do. Therefore our sole purpose is addressing our inability to reproduce by the sexual joining of a man and a woman.

All of you are special in your own fields. We must find answers before our race is threatened beyond repair. I’m sure all of you have opinions and that is why we’re here. Let’s just go around the table so each of you can respond. Please make just a short summary and when we hear an idea that is pertinent, we will let it evolve into a discussion. It is my assumption that there will be several meetings like this and when we’ve finished we’ll be a tight little family."

Cyrus looked around the table. The looks on the faces were attentive and serious.

Jurnar sat just to the left of Cyrus. He was a very distinguished looking fellow, around 325 years old. His group had done extensive research in the life structure of our genus.

Cyrus continued, So Jurnar, why don’t you kick things off?

We have traced the genome mapping for our species back for ten generations, hoping to find a variance that could explain the phenomenon and we struck out. There is nothing that we can isolate. In fact, I am embarrassed that we have not discovered any cause. When I started I was confident, and my mapping technology is precise. The search engines are designed to tag any changes, but there are none -- absolutely none.

Cyrus looked a bit surprised. He had thought that Jurnar would have narrowed it down.

He looked to Shawnis. Shawnis, you are the only female of our council and your credentials in birthing are significant. I can tell by your look of disappointment, you also have found little to report.

"You’re right, sir, our tracks have led nowhere. We have no living mothers to examine. Our examinations have been on frozen cadavers of known childbearing women. Comparisons to living females have not been possible. The reproductive organs in our clones are complete in every respect. Yet the eggs produced do not respond to fertilization whether by intercourse or by in vitro implantation. My techniques for implanting cloned embryos in a woman’s womb have been perfected with very few problems.

Most of our problems are embedded in the mindset of women and men due to unnatural pregnancies. The mothers usually have less love for the newborn because there is this feeling of having been a surrogate. Because of this there is the slight but noticeable decline in women who want to be mothers.

Centuries ago there was also the factor of accidental pregnancies. There were a sizable number of girls, who had had surprise pregnancies, and suddenly decided that by keeping the baby, there could be a new and exciting life ahead. It also resulted in keeping the mate in many cases. Of course that scenario does not exist today. None-the-less, being impregnated by sexual intercourse is instinctive in a woman."

That didn’t get unnoticed by Randal. His mind wandered to picturing himself making love to Shawnis. Cyrus noticed and gave him a look.

Shawnis continued, Then there is the fatherless problem.

A couple of the men gave her a questionable look and she continued, Fathers in families with cloned children abandon their spouses more frequently. Pregnancy by intercourse has a bonding element. I have no data to support this. The assumption was gathered from a polling of mothers.

Shawnis had been standing and now she sat back down indicating her briefing was complete. Cyrus took back the floor.

"Thank you Shawnis, that explains the effects, but the mystery is still out there. What do you think