2625

By Donna Sears-Crider

Taking place in the year 2625, Zach and Saphire investigate a murder of one of the Head Scientists aboard the Space Station. While falling head over heels in love with each other, and other twists and turns we are able to get the glimpse into the future of space travel. As well as the feeling of what it could be like in that time... which leads us into the sequel Moonbase 3.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jul 13, 2020
• ISBN: 9781796076127

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Copyright © 2020 by Donna Sears-Crider.

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: 12/04/2019

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CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

CHAPTER

1

Z achariah Smythe is a man who loves life. He loves people. Especially the opposite sex. He has wined and dined the most beautiful women in the world; on some of his assignments. Zach has not missed being married. The majority of the women he dated, over the years; has not appealed to him as a long-term, permanent partner.

Zach realizes that he is not as young as he once was; therefore, in the past few months, he has thought about settling down, soon. He promised his mother, grandchildren! If only he could find the one special woman; the one he could share the rest of his life with, and all that he owns. Where would he find her? Where could he look? He knows that he would not find the in the circles that he has been in lately, considering the kind of woman that he has already met there.

At this point in time, Zach was lying on his bed in his bedroom; at his domicile. It was a quaint two-story abode that was perfect for his lifestyle. On the first level; there was a sitting room. It was decorated in pastel colors; much like the rest of his domain. The sitting room color scheme was greens and golds. He picked that color scheme because they denote intelligence and wealth; vigor and generosity. Nature and the environment.

The inside environment of his home is very important to him.

The cooking room is off to the side of the main entrance, and the foyer. The color scheme is yellows and browns. Those colors invoke feelings of happiness and calmness. They denote sunlight and joy, idealism, and earthly richness.

He has a work-out room built on the back of the cooking room; his private room. It has mirrors from floor to ceiling, with a rail running the full breadth of all the walls; about waist high. His waist. The shower room and the dressing room are attached to each other; as well as the cooking room and the work out room.

The bottom level makes a rectangle. The shower room is done in black and white. Those colors depict neutrality and renewing of the soul. The dressing room is done in pale blue. That color extrudes confidence and security, loyalty.

On the second level, there is his bedroom. It is decorating in greens and blues. Those colors combined create a feeling of tranquility and peace: Nature at its best.

Zach thinks those colors are the most peaceful. The guest sleeping rooms, across from his, are done in pinks and pale yellows. Pink is the color of love and fertility. It is very soothing.

The other room on the second level is another shower room-dressing room combination. This set of rooms is done in the same decor as the set on the first level. Off to the side of the shower-dressing rooms, is the wardrobe room. One wall of Zach’s bedroom is a window and a sliding glass door. It opens up onto the roof of the workout room, on the first level. This is an enclosed area, surrounded by glass. Zach calls the area his ‘garden spot’.

It has some potted trees and plants edging the two open areas, next to the railing. He had installed a sprinkler system to keep the plants watered automatically. He has two lounge chairs and an open pit to cook on. It looks like a park, in the olden days. Complete with tables.

Zach was thinking about his domicile. And his mother. She always had pastel colors in her domicile. Maybe that is why he decorated his domicile in pastels to remember his mother.

When she died; seven years ago, she made Zach promise her, he would get married and have children. She wanted Zach to remember her. Of course; Zach would never forget her. She was such a special lady. He loved her with all his heart and soul. She is the reason it has been so hard to find the right woman.

He bases the feeling of love for a special person on the feelings of love she instilled into him as a young man. She taught him how to respect a woman. He does realize that there would be some differences between him and another woman; but, the foundation of a relationship; would have to be as deep as the one he had with his mother. Zach was reminiscing about his mother. She was a fine woman, that was full of life. Until it ended tragically; one day.

He remembered how she handled his boyish pranks when he and his brothers were younger. She would speak wisdom when he was bad. She would say something witty; when he was sad. She had always made him laugh. She never raised her voice in anger, toward any of her sons. Even though, they did deserve to be scolded.

She has always tried to make them find the lessons in what they did wrong. Zach pulled himself back into the present. It was almost sundown; Zach was resting on his bed, thinking about the meeting he had scheduled at sunup. He had an anxious feeling about this meeting.

Even though; he did not have a clue why. After all; it was just a routine meeting. Wasn’t it? Every time, he was given an assignment, they would schedule a meeting. Routine.

He would be asked a lot of questions about the facts of the assignment. He would be given last-minute details; or, updated information.

He just could not shake the uneasiness he felt about this particular meeting. He never felt that way about assignments before. Why this time? He wondered. Zach was standing outside of Oliver Warren’s office building, at sunup. Oliver is Zach’s Superior at the Company.

Hello, Zach; Oliver smiled, as he shouted from his window. You’re here! I will be right down.

Oliver, how are you? Zach asked as he shook Oliver’s hand.

Oliver Warren was not only Zach’s Superior. He is Zach’s stepfather. Zach’s mother married Oliver four years after his father died. He died when Zach was thirteen. Zach joined the Company, two years later. Oliver met his mother a year after that.

Oliver had some important information for Zach; about an assignment, that he was about to embark upon. Oliver said it couldn’t wait. He delivered the information to Zach; at his home. That is where he met Zach’s mother. She greeted him at the door. That is when Oliver fell instantly and completely in love with her.

That’s how Oliver told the story. Zach could not help but believe him; because his mother told him a similar story. Zach never understood why; if they were instantly in love, it took them a year to decide to get married. Zach’s mother said she was afraid. And Oliver’s answer was simply Chicken!.

They remained married until his wife’s unfortunate accident.

Which Zach knows; was not an accident. He guessed that was Oliver’s way of not feeling the pain of losing his beloved wife; so much. Oliver has not remarried; as of yet. He said that he would probably remain unmarried for the rest of his life. He would never find another woman he could love as deeply and totally as he did Zach’s mother. Zach understood that; because he knew how special his mother was.

I am fine. My boy, and you? Oliver replied. I am a little restless. You know me, I have to keep doing something to keep busy; or I get bored as hell. Zach answered, with a smile on his face.

Yes! I know. Your mother was like that.

She was always doing this project or that project; just to keep busy. She always said, Idle hands, was the devil’s playground.’ Zach noticed how fondly he recalled his mother, Oliver still loved her; almost as much as he did. They both missed her very much.

Did you find the information on your assignment, acceptable? Oliver asked.

Sure. You said this assignment may be dangerous. I think that is exactly what I need right now, in my life. A little danger. I think I am getting soft around the edges. Zach replied.

One week off -away from danger- and he is getting soft. Somehow I doubt that. Oliver remarked, teasingly.

You said that you needed to talk to me about something. What is it? Zach asked, impatiently.

Yes, yes. It can wait for a minute or two. Right now, I wanted to see if you think that this assignment can be handled; you know, discreetly? Oliver asked.

Zach knew that that was not what was on Oliver’s mind. Oliver knows that Zach handles all his assignments with discretion. He wondered what Oliver had on his mind.

Of course, Oliver, you know that I always handle everything with discretion. Zach looked puzzled.

Your right, my boy. Oliver nodded, enthusiastically.

He knew he had not needed to even ask such a question. He was a little anxious to ask him the next question.

I just wanted to know if you needed to take a guard, to help you with this assignment? Oliver asked him.

Zach saw RED!!

‘Do I need a guard? Oliver should know better than to ask me such an insulting question. What kind of fool does he think I have turned into? That in itself was an insult.’

Oliver usually does not insult him; especially, not like that. ‘I wonder what he is up too.’ Zach was thinking.

NO!! Zach said firmly. You know better than to ask me such a question. How many times have I done assignments for the Company? How many times have I done them in short order? Well ahead of schedule? And how many times did I have to take a guard with me? Are you trying to insult me?

Zach was getting hot under his collar. He knew deep down inside of him; that Oliver was just trying to protect him, not insult him.

No, no; my boy. Oliver shook his head; he knew that Zach would get angry at him, for even thinking such a thing. He had no choice, orders were orders, and Oliver had orders to send a guard with him.

I knew that is what you would say. Of course, you do realize that this is not a routine assignment; we are asking you to do, this time. Don’t you? He asked Zach.

Yes, I understand! Zach was giving in; he could not remain upset with Oliver very long.

Especially, when Oliver had such a hurt look on his face. Right then, Zach realized that it was not Oliver’s idea. It was just Oliver’s duty to inform him of the decision. His anger was fading.

How difficult can this assignment be? Zach asked Oliver.

Oliver realized that Zach had let go of his anger. He looked up at him and smiled. Zach could see why his mother fell in love with him. He had one of the warmest smiles that he had seen on anyone. Zach did love Oliver, like a father.

But; Zach being the way he was; and, Oliver being his Superior; Zach never articulated that fact.

Very difficult. Oliver was saying, bringing Zach out of his reverie.

But, not for you, of course! Oliver had only the highest regard for his stepson.

All the same; I just wish you would let me send a guard with you; just this once. I have one, all ready to go with you.

Zach announced, plain and simple; he was not going to take a guard. No matter how many orders Oliver received; or how many guards he had ready to go.

I know how you feel; about this, Zach. But, this is an order. Oliver told him, with a firm look in his eyes.

Zach knew his mind was set, and there was no changing it. He resigned to the fact; he would be taking a guard with him, on this assignment. There was no way of getting around Oliver; not when he had set his mind to something. Zach knew Oliver had never ordered him to do anything; unless, it was very important. So, Zach just sighed and said:

Well, if you must give me a one; under protest, I will choose my own.

All right, but; whoever you choose, they will have approved by me, Oliver ordered.

Fine, I will let you know in a day or two, Zach said.

Good! Then it is settled. See you then. Oliver dismissed Zach.

‘Settled!?! Zach thought on his way to his aircar. ‘Sure! Now I am going to have to babysit an ‘IDIOT!’

On his way back to his domicile; Zach had to travel through the city. The city did not cover much ground area; only about twenty square miles. Most of the dwellings were built above ground. Some buildings were as high as four miles; some were only two. Depending on who lived there; and who owned them. He noticed some were empty. Their walls have been worn away; either by erosion; or, by vandalism. He also made a mental note; the city’s building was dirty. He wondered why the city was so grotty.

He remembered how the city looked when he was a young boy, no older than three or four. He was remembering watching some of the buildings being built. He remembered how excited he was watching the builders putting on some of the finishing touches; that made the buildings shine like glass, and looked like pure gold. When he was a boy, he thought, the buildings were made of pure gold. It wasn’t until he was older, that he realized they were made of metal and glass. He looked at the buildings now; and remembered.

The metal had a gold look to it then; now, it was just tarnished. The glass used to reflect the sun; now it just glares.

He couldn’t believe how bad the buildings have become, over the years. He thought the buildings would shine; forever. He couldn’t believe how run down and disgustingly dirty the city had become. How come the city hadn’t been kept up? How come the city dwellers hadn’t taken pride in the city, and kept up the buildings? He remembered he used to live in the city; before his father’s death.

He was just a boy, but, he remembered how his building looked. The buildings were all the same. Four bedrooms, cooking and dining room, shower room; and an aircar-port by the entrance of the building. Each building had an aircar-port. He remembered growing up in the city. He had some of the best times; there, with his brothers. As he traveled out of the city; his thoughts continued on about how dirty and unkempt the city had become.

‘Oh well;’ he sighed, ‘maybe in six; or so years: I will become Superior; then I will see what can be done to make the city better. One thing for sure; I will try to clean the city up. Everything from the buildings; to the people. Then the city dwellers won’t need guards. I still think city dwellers are afraid of their own shadows! I could have been a guard. That would have been boring, though. That is when and why I joined the Company.’

He reflected on the past. The Company has been very good to Zach. He receives a generous salary, every month. A new aircar, every year. They also furnished him with his lovely abode. He gets all the nutrition, he could possibly desire. He doesn’t want for anything. Zach had made plenty of wages, over the years; he could retire tomorrow if he wanted too. And live out the rest of his life very comfortably. Zach really wouldn’t want to do that. He would be bored to death.

He knows that he still has too much life in him, to quit tomorrow. He is too young to retire, and the Company needs him.

He still enjoys the thrill of the danger; that comes from chasing lowlifes around. Low-lifes that takes something that does not belong to them; like other people’s lives; or, belongings. This assignment will start the day after tomorrow; he has to go to the Space station. He has to find the murderer of the late Dr. Clifford Ives. And find his files, that were stolen.

‘Oliver may be right.’ Zach thought. ‘Maybe I will take a guard with me, not because I am afraid to find the murderer; I do that all the time. I will take one just to keep an eye on the other scientists; while I try to figure out what happened up there.’

The shuttle leaves in two days time; so Zach had plenty of time to look for a good guard. One that he could trust.

One that would watch his back, while he was watching the murderer. Where would he find one? Where would he start looking?

None of his brothers would be able to help him, this time. They all were on other assignments. He had to think of someone he could trust. But who? He would have to think about that later; right now, he had to stop at the library. Well; enough of that, for now, Zach mused. ‘I need to do some research on the space station. Get the lay of the land; sort to speak. I wonder how all those scientists; on the space station, could misplace a set of files.’

He was not told what was in the files; but, since he was called in, they were important. If those missing files reached the wrong hands, it would not be a very pretty sight.

Zach was going through the notes that he had made; at the library; while he nourished himself, at the nutrition center, next to the library.

He found out that the space station had been built at the end of the twenty-fifth century.

The material that was used to build the station; came from the moon ore. He noticed that the article written on the space station had mentioned the fact that the internal temperature remains constant.

He wondered how that was managed. He didn’t have enough time to do any research on the moon bases. After he finished eating, he left. Zach reached the aircar-port, where he left his aircar. He was thinking about what he needed to take with him to the space station.

He pondered on what type of clothing he should bring. How many pairs of slacks, shirts, and socks; should he take? Razor. Toothbrush. Comb. Personal items. As he made a mental note about what he should take, and how many of each, he reached his aircar. Zach, still in the middle of noting the items; when he noticed a commotion nearby.

Of course; being the way he was; he just had to go over, and investigate. Especially, since he just viewed the most "divinely tall, and divinely fair" feminine specimen of a woman; that he had ever seen. As he approached the woman standing by the aircar; he noticed that the man was holding a gun on her. Telling her to stay calm, and she would not get hurt.

‘Yea! Right!’ Zach was thinking. He has heard that before.

Zach was approaching the gunman from behind. He figured he would come up from behind the man, and catch him off-guard. He wasn’t too worried about the man; or the gun. He was more worried about the woman; being held at gunpoint. How would she react? Was she going to scream? Would she faint? Like most women would. Would she cause herself; and more importantly him, to get hurt; or maybe even killed?

Zach could not think about that right now. He had to concentrate on the gun; at this point.

He was cautiously coming up behind the gunman; when he looked straight into the woman’s eyes. Her eyes almost stopped him in his tracks.

‘Beautiful.’ He thought. He realized that he must not stop; all the years of experience of being in similar situations; as well as his training; told him to keep moving, until he reached the gunman. The element of surprise.

Just as he reached a short distance from the gunman; he noticed that the woman was continuing to look at him. He was afraid that she would give him away. He wished she would stop watching him, and turned her attention back to the gunman. It was like she read his mind. Because at that time he thought that; she