Wormhole

By C E Marshall

Having defeated the evil that forced the inhabitants of Paxlene, both human and animal to seek refuge at night in well lit locations. They attempt to return to Earth but reach it just before a large asteroid crashes into the Earth. They manage to cocoon a few isolated places then turn their faces back towards Paxlene. Shortly into their journey they discover that they can no longer access their controls and their course has been changed. Intercepted by friends from Paxlene both vessels are pulled towards, but not into, what they believe to be a black hole. They are met by another vessel whose occupants beg for help in sorting a problem on their planet. After much discussion and a visit to Paxlene, they agree to go with the strangers, although they are aware that there is something strange about them.
They find that what they believed to be a black hole is in fact a Wormhole through space. They pass through and come out in a new galaxy and land on the planet Traymar. As they come in they are confronted by dragons. Their new friends cannot understand why they are so calm. As when they approached it appeared the whole planet was on fire. Adventure follows and two of our characters are eventually changed. They have to work hard to be accepted into this society. Another form of evil is encountered and defeated followed by another attempt to return to Earth. The story continues with the final book ‘Restitution’.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris UK
• Release date: Dec 30, 2019
• ISBN: 9781984591326

C E Marshall

Chris Marshall was born in London in 1947. Educated first at Kilburn Grammar School from 1958 to 1965 and then gained a BSC from St Andrews University in 1969..Employed first by Brooke Bond Liebig and then by Charing Cross Hospital Medical School where he obtained a PhD for research into gastric hormones, again from St Andrews University in 1979. It was immediately after gaining the PhD that the germ of the idea for a book took hold and the first version of Starstruck was completed in 1980 / 1981. Not finding a publisher it was put away for 25 years, until the manuscript was suddenly rediscovered in 2015. Extensively rewritten as technology had advanced so much (no mobile phone in original version) and now twice the original length it has now been published. Starstruck did not end the story, however and this book continues the adventures of those characters and introduces some new ones, all of which spawned a third book to follow this one, Wormhole. Married, and with two children from his first marriage, he has four grandchildren and also two step children, five step grandchildren and a step great grandson. Shortly after gaining the PhD Chris’ career took a sharp turn into computer programming which covered many computer languages, some of which have now gone out of use. Working for Charing Cross Hospital, then Vamp Health, the Royal London Dental Institute and finally for CeLSIUS (Centre for Longitudinal Studies and User Support) first at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and finally at University College London. Chris enjoys reading, singing (was forty five years with the Royal Choral Society but now singing locally), gardening, and, when opportunity arises, travelling.

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Copyright © 2020 by C E Marshall.

ISBN:      Softcover      978-1-9845-9133-3

                eBook            978-1-9845-9132-6

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 Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 12/23/2019

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CONTENTS

Chapter 1    New Ground

Chapter 2    Gondar

Chapter 3    Starseeker

Chapter 4    Pax IV

Chapter 5    Men from Traymar

Chapter 6    To Go or Not to Go

Chapter 7    To Traymar

Chapter 8    Traymar

Chapter 9    Fire and Magic

Chapter 10    Dragon Fire

Chapter 11    Mary

Chapter 12    The Golden Dragon

Chapter 13    Os-ke-ton-non and Helushka

Chapter 14    The Search

Chapter 15    Vortroth

Chapter 16    Battle Plan

Chapter 17    The First Battle

Chapter 18    The Second Battle

Chapter 19    Vortroth’s Son

Chapter 20    Disclosure

Epilogue

Traymar and Earth

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CHAPTER 1

NEW GROUND

A great darkness began to cover the land far below us as the dust and debris from the asteroids’ collision with Earth rose into the atmosphere and spread across the whole surface of the planet. It would plunge everything below into an everlasting night. Not until the dust settled would the surface, what was left of it, see light again. I began to worry. We had left three small parts covered by shields which should keep those inside them alive. Would they survive the darkness? Without light, nothing would grow. Without vegetation, the food animals would starve. Without meat and vegetation, the humans living within the shield would also starve. Had we saved them from annihilation only to condemn them to lingering deaths?

All of us had tears in our eyes as we watched helplessly for another hour. Then, just as our hope was fading, three funnels appeared, climbing up through the gloom. Way into the stratosphere they climbed and opened wide. Light was gathered by the funnels and sent down below the clouds. We could only hope that this gathered light would be distributed evenly over the shields below and be enough for the survivors’ needs. Perhaps we’d come back and see if this was the case. But it would be many years, perhaps even decades, before that was possible. In the latter case, it would be our children or grandchildren who made the journey, for we’d be long gone.

With no more to be done for those on the earth below, we returned to our posts and set Starseeker once more on a course for Paxlene. We were now so used to the conditions aboard Starseeker that we became a bit complacent. Sure of her ability to stay out of trouble, we stayed in our rooms or the main lounge and let Starseeker get on with the job of taking us home. Paxlene was the only home we now had. Our wives were with us for this trip, but the rest of the families had been left behind. Again this was to guarantee our return.

We’d been aboard Starseeker for longer than ever before. When we left Paxlene, we were provisioned for a simple return journey with the supposition of taking on extra supplies from Earth. Now we only had what we brought with us, and I began to wonder if it was enough. Apparently, Starseeker was worried too, as all those not seated were suddenly thrown to the floor as the main engines cut in again to give extra thrust and increase our speed considerably.

I wonder why we’ve accelerated? asked Ian.

To get us back to Paxlene before the food runs out, I hope, replied Elizabeth.

Barry, Ian, and I made a hurried trip to the control room. A cursory glance around showed all the instruments steady and no winking or red lights. Bemused, we returned to the main lounge and rejoined our families.

We thought no more of the acceleration for another day. Then I joined Barry in the control room so that we could communicate with Paxlene and give them a rough idea of the time of our return. I activated the Z-transmitter and glanced idly over the nearby displays. In a moment, I was bolt upright and swearing like a trooper.

What’s up? asked Barry anxiously as he joined me.

That’s what’s up, I exclaimed, pointing to one of the displays. It should say four-six-seven-zero. Look at it—four-seven-one-five! So little difference we didn’t feel the change in direction, only the change in speed that must have occurred when we changed course. We’re not heading for Paxlene! We may not be heading anywhere. I hope Gondar or someone from Paxlene can intercept us and put us right.

I sat at the keyboard in front of the offending instrument and brought up the screen to set the course. Carefully placing the cursor in the correct box, I erased the figures there and typed the code for Paxlene, more or less as it would be slightly different from the original as we were now off course. I pressed the return key only for a box to appear on the screen with the message ILLEGAL COMMAND inside it. There were no other clues as to why it might be illegal to change back to our original course. I tried again with an identical result. Ian, Barry, Stewart, and Paul were all around me now, looking over my shoulder.

Suggestions? I asked.

If we were on the ground and in a simulator, I’d say Control-Alt-Delete and then reboot, responded Barry. But I don’t think that’s good idea at the moment. And I’ve a nasty suspicion neither of those options would be allowed.

You think we’ve been hacked? asked Paul.

I don’t see how, I said as ILLEGAL COMMAND appeared once more when I tried a different tack. You need a Z transmitter and specialist knowledge to even access the system. Certainly not available on Earth, and the only other place we know with a Z is Paxlene, and they want us back!

I think we should contact Paxlene and see if they’ve got an explanation, mused Ian.

I don’t think we’ve any choice, I said as I turned to the Z transmitter. I sent a message to Paxlene outlining our plight with the change of course and the apparent highjacking of our navigation computer, the details of our change of course, and our concerns. Then we could only wait as the reply would take at least an hour to reach us, not just because we were so far from Paxlene, but also because they would want to do some research before replying. At such distances, a normal two-way conversation is just not possible.

I just hope someone’s awake back there, I said to Ian as we returned temporarily to the main lounge.

An hour later, we gathered in the control room, each person armed with their electronic books in anticipation of a long vigil, to wait for a response from Paxlene. It was a long time coming, so long in fact that we began to wonder if our original message had been received and if perhaps we should send it again. Five hours and a whole book after sending our original message, I placed my tablet to one side and crossed to the Z transmitter. As I moved, the others looked up but said nothing, just watching and waiting.

I can’t stand the not knowing, I said. I’m going to send that message again.

But before I could position myself to send the message, the speaker crackled to life, and Gondar’s voice filled the room. We were immediately transfixed as there was no mistaking the tension in his voice.

My friends, this is all very worrying. Your course change was small, but as you’re so far from us, it was very significant. Rinstel took your problems to the highest levels, and it has taken this long to get even the most rudimentary of answers, none of which, I’m afraid, you’re going to like.

Gondar paused, and we glanced at each other, noting the frowns on each other’s faces. There was nothing we could do but wait for the rest of the message.

Gondar continued. "We first tried to access your navigational computer. Yes, we can do that, even from this distance. Like you, we were denied access, which should be impossible. We then went to our galactic experts to see if we could work out where you are now heading, and again, I’m afraid it’s not good news. As far as we can judge, you are now headed for a black hole we’ve called Geddon. It will take you twice as long as the journey to Paxlene to get near it. We’ve known about it for many centuries but never ventured to investigate further.

"Perhaps when we’re closer to you, we may be able to access your computers. But for the moment, we can only let you go on your way and track your course based on the direction from which your transmissions come and the details you give us from your navigational displays. Pax IV has time to return to Paxlene and then venture out to intercept you. How long will your supplies last?"

The transmission ceased, so I replied, We only really had sufficient supplies for the return to Paxlene. We can economise and eke them out for several days but not much more.

After the usual and expected time lag, the reply came. "We’ll have to try to bring enough to resupply you, but we need to return to Paxlene first. We’ll set out to intercept you as soon as we can. Then, when we’re close enough to have a live discussion, we should be able to decide exactly what to do, first to resupply you and then to try to get Starseeker to return to a course towards Paxlene.

Meanwhile, we ask that you transmit every hour just your ship’s name, apparent speed, and the course indicated by your instruments. This will enable us to plot your course and intercept you more accurately.

There was a crackle, and then the speakers went silent. The silence remained for several moments as we contemplated the implications.

Don’t want to have someone running in here every hour for the next heaven knows how long, I said. Stewart, can you set that up to be automatic?

No problem, he replied and tapped at a keyboard for just a few seconds. There, done. First message just gone and then on the hour, every hour.

Nothing more we can do then, other than wait, I said. I’ll check every so often that nothing has changed. Other than that, I reckon we’re free until we get more news.

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CHAPTER 2

GONDAR

G ondar turned away from his instruments, a deep frown on his face. Paxlene, he snapped when asked by his navigator where Pax IV was headed next. Then assemble everyone in the theatre for a briefing in five pars.

At once, sir, the navigator replied and fled from Gondar’s brooding presence.

Five pars, or roughly fifteen Earth hours later, Gondar stood in front of his whole crew in the steeped room they called the theatre. It wasn’t often used, for most trips were routine, and major discussions or briefings were rarely needed. In fact, mused Gondar as he surveyed the worried faces before him, it was so long ago that over half the people in front of him would never have been called to an onboard briefing before. No wonder they looked nervous.

Oh, well. Better get on with it, he thought. Gondar took a deep breath and held up his hand for silence.

"First, may I reassure you that, despite the rarity of a gathering like this, there is no danger. Pax IV is in one piece and expected to remain so. There are no external threats." All around the theatre, Gondar could see his crew relax and sink into their seats.

I must now confirm the rumour that’s circulating, we’re currently heading back to Paxlene.

There was an awkward shuffling as people wriggled in their seats, and a slight buzz as they whispered to each other.

"Why are we going back so soon when you thought this was just a routine journey to observe those planets we’ve found that support life of some kind? We have a new journey to make. One whose outcome is far from certain. We’re returning to Paxlene so that those of you who have families, or others who depend on you, can be allocated to new vessels and tasks.

"Of those who remain, the choice of whether to stay on Paxlene or to journey into the unknown with Pax IV will be given to you. No one who wishes to remain on Paxlene will be denied, nor will those who choose to remain be punished in any way. No one will be demoted or sidelined because of their choice."

The buzz in the room grew louder and Gondar once more held up his hand for silence.

"Pax IV is a large vessel. On this coming journey, we’ll need brave people, but we don’t know how long this journey will take. Even with all the people we’ll have as essential personnel, there’ll still be considerable living space available. Therefore, if it changes your decision, you may request to bring someone along with you. That person must understand the uncertainties; it may be that, once we leave, we’ll never see Paxlene again.

Also, because we’re uncertain of the length of the journey, we’ll need to create food on board, so for the first time in my memory, the section of the vessel known as ‘Agric’ will be activated. If any that you may wish to accompany you have food-production skills, they’ll be more than welcome. Others will be expected to use the skills they have, or learn new ones, for the benefit of all.

Midway in the theatre, Gondar noticed a hand raised. You have a question?

Captain, said the man in a hesitating voice, if we aren’t in danger, what’s happened to change our routine, and why do you think it possible we may not return?

If I say that, once we set out again from Paxlene, we’ll be headed directly towards Geddon, I think you’ll understand.

Gasps of horror swept through the theatre, and once again Gondar had to appeal for silence. "Why there? You ask. Our friends from the planet Earth, those who so bravely fought and defeated the Vorpatim, took their vessel Starseeker and returned to Earth. Their intention was to return those who had made the journey to Paxlene solely to assist in the fight against the Vorpatim to their homes on the planet’s surface. Sadly, they arrived above the Earth just as giant asteroids crashed into it. They cocooned small parts of the surface and believe they’ve saved their homes. But they were unable to return those on board to the surface or to take from the surface some of their friends and loved ones who’d expressed a wish to join them on Paxlene.

"They turned Starseeker back towards Paxlene, but before they had travelled far, they noticed a slight jolt in their movement. This, they assumed, was just some avoiding action on the part of their vessel, and it was about ten pars before they noticed that Starseeker was on a slightly different course. We tracked them for a short while and calculated that they were headed directly towards Geddon. They have tried to alter their course towards Paxlene but have been shut out of their computers.

"Our task is to meet up with Starseeker before she gets to Geddon and see if we can help. As it would seem that someone, or something, has taken control of that vessel, it’s quite possible that when we get close to Starseeker, it will do something to us as well. That’s why there’s no certainty of return. If both Starseeker and Pax IV are dragged into Geddon, we’re unlikely to survive. That’s why everyone on board at that time must be volunteers.

You may now return to your quarters or your duties and make your decisions. We’ll be back on Paxlene in thirty pars.

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CHAPTER 3

STARSEEKER

T he days passed slowly; we read, talked, watched old films, made love, slept, or just walked around the vessel. Every now and again, Starseeker made sudden moves around large masses that were in our way, yet every time I checked the control room the instruments showed that we were still heading for the mysterious black hole and also that nothing I could do would change our course.

We resigned ourselves to our fate, just hoping that Gondar would intercept us before we were dragged into the black hole. I’d just returned to the main lounge after making one of my checks and had sat down with Mary.

No change, I said. It doesn’t look as if— I broke off.

Did you feel that? I asked, looking at Mary.

I’m not sure what you mean, she replied with a puzzled expression on her face.

Something changed, I said. I think we’ve slowed down, which doesn’t make sense.

What doesn’t make sense?

We’re heading for a black hole. As we get closer, we should accelerate, not slow down.

So if we’ve slowed down, that’s good, isn’t it? Means the hole hasn’t got us in its grip?

I’ve no idea. Unless that thing isn’t actually a black hole. In which case, we really are heading into the unknown. I’ll get Ian and Stewart to see if they can work out what’s changed.

I called my two friends over from where they’d been snoozing on some loungers apparently unaware that anything had changed.

What’s up? demanded Ian.

I don’t know, I replied. "I felt a slight change in Starseeker’s attitude, and I think we’ve slowed down"

I didn’t feel anything, said Ian

I felt a very slight shudder, but what you say doesn’t make sense, said Stewart.

I know it doesn’t make sense. That’s why I called you over. We need to check everything again.

But you just did it. You gave us a thumbs up, Stewart protested.

That was before I felt the change, I replied, leading them back to the control room.

At first glance, as the three of us surveyed the controls with which each was most familiar, nothing seemed to have changed, yet something was bothering me, something had changed. I carefully checked all the readouts once more but this time more slowly, while cross-referencing the values I was seeing with those last written in the log (I hadn’t done this last time as nothing had changed for so long I almost knew everything by heart). Suddenly, I had it.

We’ve changed course! I exclaimed. Look, this used to say four-seven-one-five. Now it’s four-seven-one-three.

Speed’s changed too, remarked Stewart. Subtle, so you’d not notice unless you really looked for it, but we have slowed down.

Looking up from his log, Ian said, Two engines very briefly fired up about ten minutes ago. The length of time they were active and the position of the thrusts would account for both the course change and the deceleration.

We’d better alert Gondar, I said. We don’t want to miss our rendezvous!

Somehow, no matter how often whatever changes our course and speed acts, I don’t think we’ll miss the rendezvous, said Ian.

"You think it will also get hold of Pax IV," I said.

"I’m sure it will. Something has grabbed us for a purpose, I can’t say why, but I don’t think it’s malevolent. Whoever it, or they, are, I think they want us alive, and I also think they want Pax IV as well."

What for?

Knowledge, help, studs, for all I know! Stewart threw his hands in the air. We’ll find out in due course.

I used the Z-transmitter to send a message to Gondar, informing him of our speed and course change. Then we sat in silence to await his reply—assuming he was on his way to us and listening in.

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CHAPTER 4

PAX IV

H aving returned to Paxlene, and now with a volunteer crew and provisions for a long journey for both themselves and those aboard Starseeker , Pax IV was now on a course to intercept Starseeker and pass over these new provisions.

"Sir! A message from Starseeker, sir."

Well? Gondar turned to his communications officer.

Seems they’ve changed course, sir, the officer said, handing Gondar a piece of paper.

Gondar quickly scanned the paper’s contents. Hm! Both a course and speed change. How does that alter things for us?

I don’t know, sir. I just brought you the message as soon as it came in.

Gondar turned away. Navigator! he rasped. See what you can make of this and how it alters our expected rendezvous time.

Yes, sir, said the navigator, coming and taking the paper from Gondar. It may take a little while.

Currently, said Gondar, we had plenty of time; this may alter things. As fast as you can, please. Lives may depend on it.

I feel so helpless, and I don’t like it, Gondar said a few minutes later as he paced up and down in the main control room of Pax IV. I’ve never been in a situation like this or heard of anything similar. To make it worse, it’s people who have become close friends—despite what some people might think—who appear to be in danger. They risked everything for us. We can do no less.

Gondar continued his pacing, with the rest of the crew watching warily as he was known to have a temper.

After what seemed an age to Gondar but was in fact a little less than half a par (around ninety Earth minutes), the navigator returned with a puzzled look on his face.

Well? queried Gondar.

Sorry to have been so long, the navigator said, I had to treble check my calculations as the result didn’t seem logical.

Gondar raised an eyebrow, as he couldn’t remember the navigator ever having doubts before.

You’re not going to believe this, but they’ve changed course and speed to intercept us.

What! Gondar spun round and stopped his pacing.

Their new course and speed will mean they intercept us some eight pars before we’d previously anticipated. We can even reduce speed a little and not stress our engines as much as anticipated.

"They still cannot access their computers, so someone or something else has manipulated this. As this has apparently made things easier for us, it’s clear that whoever or whatever is manipulating Starseeker is also aware of our mission to intercept. So we’re just as involved as those on Starseeker, and I don’t like not being in control."

Gondar angrily thrust a fist into the palm of his other hand, then turned and addressed his crew.

Everyone, maximum alert. I want to know if anything—no matter how small—changes. And I will want to know immediately! Not after you’ve scratched your heads and verified it—immediately when it happens. Is that clear?

As one, the whole crew within earshot replied, Yes, sir, and quickly looked away, returning to their duties. But as they all turned back to their duties, everyone felt the slight change in Pax IV’s attitude and froze in place, looks of shock upon their faces.

It took Gondar only a few seconds to recover. Navigator, report, he snapped.

The navigator immediately came out of his trance and rushed to his instruments. Rapidly tapping the keys on his control console first a look of concern crossed his face, then one of wonder, but as he hit some more keys, the concern returned. He turned to face Gondar.

Well? queried Gondar sharply. What’s happened?

The first thing I noticed replied the officer, we’ve changed course and speed, nothing drastic, but changed nonetheless.

So where are we heading now?

"That’s just it, sir. We’re on almost the exact course I was going to set to intercept Starseeker. I tried to make slight adjustments, and that’s when I found out I can’t."

What do you mean you can’t make adjustments?

Just that, sir. I’m locked out of the system!

Anyone else? asked Gondar.

Sweeping his eyes around the deck only the environmental and communications officers indicated that they had control. All the others could only shrug their shoulders and say they couldn’t access their systems.

Send a message to Paxlene, instructed Gondar. "Tell them our situation, but also say they’re not to send anyone after us unless we specifically ask for assistance. I don’t want anyone else dragged into this unknown situation. As far as we can tell, we’re not being threatened and, indeed, our rendezvous with Starseeker has been made easier. I don’t think we’ll learn anything more until we’ve joined up with Starseeker. As we appear to be helpless here, I suggest everyone apart from those in environmental control and communications gets as much rest as possible until we get close to Starseeker.

"Make sure that message goes to Starseeker as well. They can’t do anything, but it will reassure them if they know we’re to meet sooner rather than later.

Now I’m going to get some rest. I’m sure someone will call me if the situation changes. With that, Gondar strode angrily, but purposefully from the bridge.

***

Now the situations on both Starseeker and Pax IV were the same; neither crew had control of their vessel, and while both vessels were still on course for a rendezvous, the point of that rendezvous wasn’t where originally planned, and neither crew knew what they would find when they got there.

Time passed slowly on both vessels as the crews paced around glaring at controls that refused to respond. Gondar on Pax IV was particularly restless, sending frequent messages to Paxlene and Starseeker. Nothing changed.

Two Earth days later, the two vessels had each other on their scanners (one of the few instruments on each vessel still working properly) and were alarmed to see that if nothing changed they were almost certain to collide when they finally came together.

Anxious hours were spent watching their respective courses with frequent attempts to change, if only slightly, the directions they were travelling. All to no avail. Just when both crews had begun to prepare for the worst, both vessels shuddered as their speeds and courses altered. A short while later, they found themselves on parallel courses but at a safe distance from each other. The main difference was that they were now once again headed directly towards the black hole known as Geddon.

***

I don’t understand, I said in a direct communication to Gondar. We’ve been manoeuvred together quite safely, yet we’re now heading directly into danger. We still can’t access our computers.

Neither can we, replied Gondar. We don’t understand, and also have no control.

I was about to say something more when an unfamiliar voice came through our speakers. We all jumped from this unexpected contact and stared at the speakers (one day we’d have a video screen as well—just not yet.).

Greetings, friends from Earth and Paxlene, began the voice. As you head towards that place in space you’ve named Geddon, you’re afraid, and rightly so, for our intention was to keep all others away from it, so we disguised it as a black hole; it is in fact a wormhole.

A wormhole? we all exclaimed together.

I thought they were figments of the imaginations of science fiction writers, said Ian. That is, if this is the same as we’ve read about and some people have theorised about.

Would you care to explain? came Gondar’s voice, and we realised that he had heard the same voice we had.

"The wormhole is exactly as you’ve all read about in stories and in theories. It’s a link