Full Circle

By Steven Bieler

A science-fiction thriller set twenty-five thousand years in the future when humanity has left earth and is still a thriving civilization. Dr. Dana Jones is spearheading a revolutionary time travel project accompanied by her best friend Dr. Bruce Kraft and Patrick Barkley, a young kid who might just be too bright for his own good. An unexpected event gives the trio more than they bargained for when they find they can travel anywhere in time, creating several time travel incidents which just might impact the future of humanity.

Some might consider it one of the best action and adventure books on time travel, scientific hypothesis, and interstellar adventure that will keep readers engaged with every turn of the page.

Suppose you’re looking for science fiction and fantasy books or action and adventure. In that case, author Steven Bielers’ Full Circle won’t disappoint with a trio of fictional characters that come to life off of the pages and pull you into human history and popular conspiracy theories.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Sep 8, 2020
• ISBN: 9781728355191

Steven Bieler

Steven Bieler is a single father who used the madness of the pandemic to fulfill his dream of becoming an author. Growing up, he always imagined how it would be to travel through space and meet alien life. He became an author to show his son that no dream is too big to become a reality. You can follow him on Twitter: @Project_D_A_D and on Instagram: @steven_bieler_author.

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© 2020 Steven Bieler. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or

transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 09/08/2020

ISBN: 978-1-7283-5520-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-7283-5519-1 (e)

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.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in

this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views

expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the

views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

To my son Harry:

No dream is ever too big to accomplish.

CONTENTS

Chapter 1     Wake up

Chapter 2     Discovery

Chapter 3     Opening a window

Chapter 4     Red

Chapter 5     Ensign

Chapter 6     Missing

Chapter 7     The right tools

Chapter 8     Space station

Chapter 9     Code

Chapter 10   Secrets

Chapter 11   Suit up

Chapter 12   Building

Chapter 13   Blue

CHAPTER 1

Wake up

Static…. An automated voice: We are approaching the target system. Dropping out of hyperspace. Wake up protocol engaged. The celestial dropped out of hyperspace on the outskirts of the target system. All systems sprang to life. Screens lit up and the lighting changed from emergency lighting to full. The crew and passenger stasis pods lit up and initiated the wake-up protocol. Sensors were activated to scan the nearby area, while automated drones were launched from their bays to gather more detailed information about the makeup of the target solar system. The computer started to state the standard procedures for after waking from stasis. Crew members and Passengers, be sure to keep your heartrate at a low pace. Sudden movements are not advisable. Prepare for med-check in med-bay with Dr. Takei and his team. In her quarters Dr. Dana Jones slowly gained consciousness. The screen in her stasis pod lit up, but she kept her eyes closed. She wanted to savour the peace and quiet just a moment longer. You have a personal message, Dr. Dana Jones. She pressed the play button prompted on the chamber screen. Her fathers’ face appeared. I hope this message finds you well. By the time this message reaches you, you should have safely arrived in system 50L-001. I know you went there, against my recommendation, but I was never able to stop you once you made up your mind. We did not leave on the best of terms, but I want you to know that I still wish you luck. Please do not be too disappointed if you do not find what you are looking for. The system has been deemed uninhabitable for more than 25000 years. I have attached a software update for your window device. It should enhance the clarity of the readings by 3.5%. Good luck, my child, and Godspeed. A tear rolled down Danas’ face. Even though her father and herself would often argue about anything and everything, she still missed him greatly. Her late mother theorised that this was down to them being very similar, maybe too similar, and Dana had come to the conclusion that her mother was not wrong. Her father was in his final cycle and she wished that she would be able to see him again before the end.

A knock on the door shook her out of her thoughts. Come in. Dana said, still trying to shake the tiredness of a long stasis jump out of her head and body. A young lieutenant entered her room. Dr. Jones, I am sorry to interrupt. The captain would like to see you, a.s.a.p. he said very to the point. It’s ok, lieutenant. Tell the captain I will meet him in his office in an hour. She stated while her eyes were still closed. Yes Ma’am. Can I get you anything? he said with genuine kindness in his voice. No thank you lieutenant… she asked. Mitchell Ma’am. he replied quickly. No thank you, lieutenant Mitchell. I will be fine as soon as I get a bit of food and caffeine into me. Now leave so I can get ready. She said with a very tired smile. Yes, Ma’am. The lieutenant left the room and Dr. Jones stretched her acing limbs. Uuuuuuuuaaahhhhhhh. Dear lord, I will never get used to traveling in stasis. Although, it’s still more pleasant than the re-gen process. She got up and slowly made her way into the cleansing unit. The personal computer, or Pup as she named it, of Dr. Jones greeted her Good morning Dr. Jones. It is now 0515 hours. Dana looked into her mirror and took a deep look into her eyes. Pup, how many times do I have to tell you not to remind me how early it is? She said half yawning. It is my duty to not withhold any information from you. I see you have received your father’s message. Pup stated. I did. I just wish he could share a bit of my enthusiasm about this system. I know we will find something. she replied. Enthusiasm is something that you do not seem to have a lack of, Dr Jones. The computer said in his neutral voice, although Dana could swear that he was trying to be sarcastic. It made her smile, as it reminded her of her father’s dry humour that only she seemed to understand. She went into the shower unit and had a calming ultrasonic shower. It always helped her muscles loosen up and prepared her for whatever lay ahead. She exited the chamber and stood in front of the mirror and thought At least one does not age while in stasis. She turned the handle of the sink in front of her and splashed some cold water onto her face. Pup, contact Bruce and ask him to meet me in the mess hall after his Med-Check. We’ve got a lot do and we better get started. It seems he is still asleep, Dr. Jones Pup stated, while Dana was getting dressed. Hmm, well then let’s wake him. This time we will use protocol 3, I think. she said with a grin on her face. Yes Dr. Jones. Initiating fire alarm in Dr. Kraft’s room. Dana started counting. 3,2,1…. A clearly annoyed Bruce was visible on screen, the alarm was still active. Hells bells and buckets of blood Dana, I hate you sometimes. Bruce said annoyed. Oh hey Bruce, you’re up. Get ready and meet me in the mess hall in 20 minutes. Bruce started to complain Tell your bloody A.I. assistant to turn off that damn alarm. You know they always say to take it slow after waking… . Bye, Bruce. Dana disconnected the call and left her quarters to get the Med-Check over with.

The bridge was already busy with all personnel on deck and each station was being double and triple checked to ensure it was in proper working order. Captain Lucas was delighted to see the bridge crew beating their wake up record by 2.3 seconds. Main-system checks were also in progress and a steaming cup of his favourite tea was on his chairs armrest. Lieutenant Smith give me shipwide. The captain looked at the newest member of the bridge crew with a stern expression. Aye Captain Lucas, you’ve got shipwide. The young lieutenant said, with a light nervous quiver in his voice. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is your Captain speaking. We have safely arrived at our destination. System and Med-Checks are well under way. I expect your reports on my table by 0900 hours. Carry on. The captain signalled Lieutenant Smith to cut the connection with a nod. His second in command, Commander Cesario Torres approached him. Good morning, Captain. Torres said and saluted him. Good morning, Commander Torres. You have done a fine job improving the wake up time. The crew seems in tip top shape. The Captain said, with a faint smile. Yes sir. Thank you, sir. How do you like the new stasis units? According to Mr. Welsh they are 17% less straining on the body and 15% less straining on the mind. Torres recited the information provided by Peter Welsh, chief stasis engineer. Give my regards to Mr. Welsh. If you’ll excuse me, I have matters to attend to. Commander Torres, you have the bridge. The Captain took one more look out at the busy crew, took his cup of tea, entered his office and closed the door. Commander Torres sat down in the captains’ chair and was pleased to see that everything seemed to be going according to plan.

The ship was floating through the vastness of space. Sunlight gleaming along the edges of the hull. From afar she may have seemed like a faintly twinkling star among countless stars in the universe. Only by doing a closer inspection one may have seen a few dinks and scratches, where she had encountered small objects, which interrupted the pristine look. The old gal, as the captain liked to call her in a casual moment, had served the crew well beyond the original intended life time and would continue to do so, as long as she could. The crew, especially Lt. Commander Monterey and chief Bigsby would make sure of that. They both shared a similar fondness for this inanimate object, just like captain Lucas. The human fleet was too far away to even consider dismantling and scrapping her for parts and to build a new ship. So, this is it?! Thought the captain. I hope this not another one of those wild goose chases Dr. Jones has come to have a reputation for. Could this really be the planet we once called home? It has been so long since our ancestors last stepped foot on it, that might not even be suitable for our people. He let his mind wonder among the stars for a few moments, while sipping his tea. A ritual of sorts, that he had adapted from his former captain. Admiral Hilary McLean had tough him everything that made him a great captain and she had taught him well. The burden of leadership always weighs heavy on the shoulders of those who lead. That was never reason enough to make the people feel any less valuable than the captain. This was one of the first lessons she had taught him, when he became her first officer. First initial reports started to arrive on his computer screen. He could see its reflection in the window. He took a deep breath, turned and sat down at his desk. The preliminary scans of the system revealed nothing out of the ordinary. The sun, planets, moons, asteroids and space debris all moving through space in a well established dance, which had been going on for millions of years. Drones which had been sent out to the celestial bodies, to get a more detailed analysis, were doing their job well. He must remember to congratulate Lt. Commander Monterey and Dr. Kraft for a job well done. Something was odd about that gas giant, at least that is what science officer lieutenant Berg felt after the first data started to come in. Captain Lucas had to agree with lieutenant Berg, for now, but wait until all data had been collected and analysed.

Bruce was glad that the routine checks of chief medical officer Dr. Takei had been clear. Although his slight hypochondria made him doubt the absolute validity of any type of medical results. When he entered the mess hall, he found Dana at her favourite table. Her face, as always, glued to her research on her pad. Focussed like a laser on what she was reading. He made his way to the nearest nutrition unit and ordered eggs, bacon and strong black coffee. The machines were able to produce fairly accurate versions of these items, not that he ever tasted the real thing to make any kind of comparison. Larger ships of the fleet had been fitted with hydroponic gardens, so that the crew could at least grow and eat fresh vegetables. This ship was a mid-sized science vessel and was not afforded such luxuries. Still, the food tasted good enough and included all nutrients a human body required, so there was little to no reason to complain. He sat down opposite of Dana without her noticing. No glance or other type of movement indicated that she was aware of his presence. So, he did what he always did. He enjoyed most of his breakfast, savouring every bite. The taste receptors always needed to adjust after a journey in stasis. Then, when he was ready, he made her aware of his presence. Bruce to Dana… Bruce to Danaaaaa. Dana are you there?. She glanced over her pad and realised she wasn’t alone. Being who she was, she said You know that I am aware that you say nothing so that I leave you eat your food in peace, right? All he could see were her eyes and raised eyebrows. Bruce gave her a look as if to say Yeah right. So what’s on the agenda? he asked. I’d like you to run simulations using the update my dad sent over in his last message. Please be thorough, I really need the tests to go well. Captain Lucas won’t let me field test the window otherwise. She said with a stern tone to her voice, that Bruce knew so well. He played along and replied with Aye ma’am. and saluted her. They both finished their meals chatting away like they always have done. Afterwards they left the mess hall. Dana made her way to the captains office, while Bruce made his way to the lab.

Hallways. Seemingly never-ending hallways. Full of doorwarys, bulkheads, screens, people and lights. Endlessly repeating over and over and over again. To some this may have been a maddening fact, but to Bruce it was a constant flow of calm and unity. When he needed to think, or sometimes just because, he would wander these hallways for hours on end. That’s what got him the nickname Ghost. Now, he wasn’t a superstitious person and he probably couldn’t be further from it if he tried, but he had to admit that it made him feel rather cool. Normally only the military types received nicknames after they did something special or heroic while on a mission. Plus, it gave him a chance to play pranks on those who called him that. His partner Jake did not like it at first. He had assumed that Bruce was being mocked for his albino complexion. Jake actually was quite proud of Bruce for not having his genetic code altered to have it removed. Bruce didn’t mind Jake standing up for him. It gave him a wonderful warm and fuzzy feeling of being loved and protected. Their relationship had been going on since the last re-gen cycle. It was the stuff of romantic novels, where they both locked eyes across the room and knew in their souls that they were made for each other. All that was missing was some kind of romantic music playing in the background, like in the movies they both enjoyed so much. They both made sure that their new bodies were as closely modelled after their previous bodies as possible. To each other, they were simply perfect. When Bruce arrived in the lab, his colleagues were already busy working on whatever project they were assigned to. An orchestra of blinking lights, screens and 3-D images, which might have seemed like total chaos to a layman. When he approached his station, his A.I. assistant Sheldon sprang to life. Greetings Dr. Kraft. You have 3 unread messages. Would you like me to read them for you? Bruce replied Not necessary, I will check them later. Please give me the rundown of the preliminary scans of this system. Oh and please make me a nice cup of coffee while I wait. Milk and 3 sugars, as always? Sheldon asked. Make it 4 sugars and no milk. This time the stasis really seems to have taken a lot out of me. A cup appeared in the beverage dispenser and shortly after hot coffee was pouring into it. The sugars popped onto a tray next to the cup. Bruce took the cup, added the sugars, lift the cup and took a deep breath to inhale the comforting aroma. He then sat down in his chair doodling on his pad and sipping his coffee for a few minutes. Savouring every last bit of it and feeling the caffeine provide the energy he felt he was missing. Dr. Kraft, I have completed my task. The system consists of an average star with 9 planets, one of which is a gas giant and two in the goldie locks zone. Roughly 170 natural planetary satellites and an asteroid belt. Bruce didn’t look up from his pad and replied So nothing out of the ordinary? Just another standard system? He could have sworn that Sheldon took a moment longer than usual, but that could just be him adjusting to living in real time again. He decided to not pay too much attention to it, for now. The drone data is still being processed, but it does seem that way. Sheldon replied. Ok, well then lets get to it and see if we can find what we’re looking for. Sheldon lets focus on the 2 goldie locks planets, but let us not ignore the lovely gas giant. Bruce said with a wink. Your fondness for gaseous objects will always make me smile. Jake said while wrapping his arms around Bruce. Well, it’s also part why I love you, my lovely tooting man. Bruce replied and kissed his husbands’ wrist, while boyishly grinning. Generally, marriages ended once a cycle was complete, but they both just could not be without each other. So they renewed their vows in Elysium and had made plans there to do so in reality again. "We can’t all