Proxima B

By Giorgio Pulvirenti and Marco Negrone

One day not too far from now there will be too many people on this planet. When that day comes, what will we do? Jerry, Michael, Emily, Amelia, Abigail and David receive their answer in the form of a letter. Proxima B is waiting for them and is going to expose their differences and their fears, which will let them make unexpected choices. Sometimes, a more obvious answer is not more predictable.

Co-authored science fiction novel about a space mission that leads a group of colonists to land on Proxima b, which is an exoplanet in the habitable zone of the red dwarf called Proxima Centauri and whose distance from the sun is 4.24 light years. The year is 2099. Due to world's pollution, the excessive number of inhabitants, the subsequent lack of resources and other reasons, Earth is no longer fit to live in. The only hope is to try to reach what appears to be a ”second possibility”, Proxima b, indeed. This is why New Nasa Corporated is planning a mission called ”For everyone's sake!” that imposes the recruitment of several practitioners in their own field, including biologists, doctors, chemists, engineers and soldiers. These include Jerry, Michael, Emily, Amelia, Abigail and David, in addition to Matthew Ross, who is the captain of one of the three mother ships (the MATERs) that after the ”new colonizers” have been trained leave Earth and manage to reach the new planet through a wormhole. But during space travel something does not go as planned. Terrestrial beings find something different from what they expected on Proxima…

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tektime
• Release date: Feb 22, 2020
• ISBN: 9788835403036

Book preview

Chapter 1 – For the benefit of all!

Missoula, Montana.

S

ome workers were busily carrying out their job. They were scrupulously coordinated within an area where another 14-story building that was situated in the new zone of Missoula began to take shape. Peculiar cranes with long automatic jibs were tracking the contour of the building under the management of authorized personnel wearing hard hats and uniforms of Garcia Enterprise – that is the name of the society where the workers were employed – and supervising everything from below by means of some computers. Other workers were in the establishment and were arranging some tubes or other materials that apparently were not so heavy. Another expansion of the residential areas of the city of the U.S. state of Montana had already started some years earlier and urban territories needed more space that rural areas, which had almost completely disappeared, were obliged to cede. It was about 10 o’ clock in the morning and that same old Friday Philippe the foreman looked away from his workers for a while. He had to answer the phone. After a few seconds, the conversation was over. He had just confirmed that the work was going on and there were no glitches.

About half an hour later, those who were there were attracted by a black sedan that was about to cross the threshold of the workplace. Philippe, who was there, too, came up to the car. He was ready to greet the person who was about to get out.

Good morning, Mr. Garcia! Philippe said. He presumably greeted his supervisor that answered with a hint of a smile, Dear Philippe, a plan every eight hours. Finally, we shall go back to the schedule… Excellent!

David Garcia, a respectable man in his forties, was a successful businessman as well as one of the most valued civil engineers from Montana. And much more. After graduating from Billings University, he came back to Missoula some year ago to keep on increasing his business; he aimed mainly at the tender to erect buildings for dwellings that have a low environmental impact. You could think it was a paradox, but the fact is that David did not really like living in the city; he did not even like the life in the city. That is why he had arranged to keep on living in his grandparents’ house in the countryside just outside of Missoula. That house had always been a basic element in David’s life. He loved to stay right there when he was free from any meeting or business travel to enjoy that peaceful and silent place together with his son Leo and his wife Gaia. David considered himself to be a lucky man, since his job had allowed him to manage that corner of paradise where he preserved most of his childhood memories with his parents, his two brothers and his grandparents. David acknowledged the important values of life thanks to them, who taught him to take care of any animal or vegetal living form. David himself had struggled against deforestation in his land, but he could not do so much as a single citizen. That is why he arranged to study engineering; he aimed to be one of those who erected buildings, but, at the same time, he would never omit to fulfill the principles that his family had transmitted to him; he would respect the environment as much as possible. This philosophy was what he wanted his son Leo to absorb, but Leo was a child who was born in a modern and innovative era where what was essential for life was surely something different from cultivation and breeding. David moved forward along the perimeter delimited by his plantation. What he had always struggled for was about to come to life one more time.

Sir, there are four stories left. We think they will be ready within Monday.

Philippe was one of the most important members of Garcia Enterprise; David trusted him blindly and it was to him that he entrusted the management of the work that he considered important, just like the current work in the west side of the city.

Excellent! I can tell our buyers that we’re going to have it ready in time, David said. He was satisfied. He got nearer and nearer the building under construction.

Let me know when the structure is ready so that I can inspect it, the engineer told Philippe one more time, and Philippe made a signal in reply.

The two men said their goodbyes. One more time, David got into the same car by which he had got there.

David was inside a car that was traveling along a road in the countryside. There were several houses all around. They looked like ranches. They were completely different from the buildings in the city center of Missoula. When David could enjoy that rural panorama that he loved unopposedly, he did it, as if he were attached to those trees and those typical wheat fields. Past the first five dwellings, the car was about to cross the railings at the entrance. It delimited a path that led to David’s house.

The car stopped right in front of the front door and the engineer said goodbye to his autopilot.

Thank you, Albert. See you next Monday. Have a nice weekend.

An automated male voice came out of the car speaker, and when the owner of the car came out of it, it started to travel along the path in the opposite direction.

After a few seconds of nearly contemplation, David went up the few stairs to the front door of his house when suddenly he noticed a tennis ball rolling on the floor. A few instants before he had been right there. Suddenly a nice German shepherd that did not hesitate to bring the ball back; when it noticed that its owner was there, it began to bark with joy.

Roth! Come here! David uttered after leaning his overnight case on the floor and opening his arms to welcome his faithful friend. At the same moment, David noticed his son Leo appearing from the back.

Daddy! the boy screamed with joy as if he had not seen him for a long time. Leo began to run towards his father that moved away the dog for a while so that he could hug his son that cried out, Finally you’ve come back! Till Monday we’ll be together!

Of course, my son! his father answered serenely. Then he continued by asking, Is your mother in?

Yes, she is in! She’s doing laundry!

Okay, let’s go inside, then, the man finished. The two went in.

Gaia and David met when they were both about twenty-two years old during a mutual friend’s birthday party. They immediately got on well from the first moment they had met. They would never split up. The decision to have one baby only originated from an ancient tradition in David’s family and his wife finally accepted after some afterthoughts; she loved her husband and it was rationality that let her come to this decision.

The family was finally sitting at the country-styled kitchen table. They were all ready to taste a savory pie that Gaia’s hands had prepared with love after reciting a prayer to thank God for their food. When this ceremony was over, the three people began to eat.

By the end of the month, you will succeed in delivering the building, won’t you? his wife asked him. David did not hesitate and answered, We will, darling. Philippe has assured me the plans of the flat are ready next Monday. So we should succeed in delivering the building in time.

The woman did not say anything else.

And what about you, little man? Have you cleaned the rabbit cages as you promised, David asked the boy, who answered, Of course, dad! When lunchtime is over, I’ll let you see what I’ve done!

David showed Leo his approval and Leo kept on eating and smiled.

By the time the family had lunch, Leo was already standing; he was waiting with impatience for his father to see the result of the work that he himself had asked him to do. Come on, Dad! I’m sure you’ll be satisfied!

Leo could not wait any longer. David was about to stand up when suddenly Gaia stopped them before they could go out.

David, I’ve received a letter for you this morning. I have leaned it on the piece of furniture at the doorway.

It’s the same old letter from IRS, her husband said finally. He looked almost disappointed.

Leo had already gone out while David stood in front of the piece of furniture that his wife mentioned, the one upon which there was an envelope with two seals that caught his attention. The man grabbed it and began to look at it more carefully. He realized that it was not addressed the person that he had imagined. On the upper right side of the envelope there was the New NASA Corporate logo with its address; on the lower side there was a phrase, For David Garcia. For the benefit of all! At that point, David was devoured by curiosity as to the content of that envelope, when his son’s voice interrupted him once again, saying, Dad! Are you coming, or what?

David kept on staring at the envelope and tried to get rid of his son quickly.

Go ahead, son! I’ll come in a minute…

Leo did not add anything and went ahead, but his expression was unhappy due to what he was just told. Then David opened the envelope and its content was finally revealed. It was an official invitation from the U.S. government and New NASA Corporate to appear before the seat of Washington.

New York.

A man had just left a pub after an entire evening drinking whiskey and scotch. Former American Army corporal Michael Stateman was an excellent pilot on leave in his fifties, his hair was graying and his athletic silhouette was the result of a lot of time spent at the gym; when he was at home alone, he did not hesitate to drink and dwell on his wedding, which broke up due to his impetuous character. His long, dark coat and his typical hat used to protect him from the cold nights (night had come already) while he was going back home. The streetlights were lighting the sidewalk where the ex-corporal was walking. Suddenly he was stopped by an elegant man wearing a gray suit and a black coat who appeared behind a corner.

Gentlemen! the mysterious guy said firmly. Michael turned round suddenly when he noticed that he was there, but he did not say anything.

Michael Stateman, right?

Michael just nodded. After asking for confirmation about his identity, the man wearing the gray suit delivered him a sealed envelope with two seals: a seal of New NASA Corporate and a seal of the American government.

This is yours, he told him and after friendly greetings he got on his black sedan – he sat down in the backseat – and he disappeared just like he had come. Michael was puzzled and at the same time curious to know what that envelope contained. After a few seconds of consideration, he put it through the pocket of his coat and went his way back home.

Once Michael returned to his flat, which was dingy and messy, to say the least, he took his hat and his coat off and threw the door keys in a bowl on a small piece of furniture. That evening he looked more thoughtful than usual, which made him even more eager to drink some whiskey. He recalled the envelope that he was given by the mysterious man wearing the dark suit shortly before and walked towards the coat to grab it. Once he had it in his hands, he looked at it more carefully than he did when he was outside the pub and decided to open it. He pulled the sheet out of the envelope and began to read. He realized that it contained an invitation to appear in Washington or, more precisely, before the seat of New NASA Corporate, but he did not know why. But he was struck by a writing at the bottom of the sheet: For Michael Stateman, for the benefit of all! When Michael took the sheet and put it on the table near the cigarettes and the half-empty glass of whiskey, he noticed that the envelope contained some flight tickets. Departure date: in three days. He, who was perplexed and contemptuous, put everything back in the envelope and let it fall to the floor. Then he lay down on the sofa and tried to sleep. He looked at the ceiling that appeared to be moving to the left and to the right. But he realized that it was the result of one too many glasses of whiskey, or maybe more, and his mind was immediately filled with memories and fragments of a happy past that had abandoned him a long time ago. The memories of his walks by the lake, hand in hand with his wife, filled his head as if a film in black and white were being played out for him. She, who was a gorgeous brown-eyed woman with honey-hued hair, looked at him and smiled as if that moment had to last forever. The air and his lungs were filled with her scent that was like flowers in the desert; he got completely lost in her gaze. Excess alcohol got gradually in his system and Michael gradually closed his eyes; the images in his mind faded gradually and were finally replaced by a deep dark and a regretful heart.

Michael’s night had passed in the blink of an eye. Morning came.

What time is it? he wondered. He was stunned by alcohol.

Fuck! It’s too late! he said. He stood up in a hurry and tried to get back to his feet. That same morning he would have a job interview. He did not even have time for a shower. But he could not miss his coffee. He poured a little in a cup from the coffee maker in the kitchen and drank it like it was water. Finally, he was ready.

He got to the meeting point, which was the hall of a five-star hotel on Avenue 147, in New York, half an hour later than arranged. The former corporal met Mr. Gale, who was a rich businessman that wanted him to be the pilot of one of his own drones.

Hello, Michael started by saying awkwardly; he almost stuttered when he saw the man sitting on a very comfortable and elegant eco-leather armchair in front of him.

Sorry for coming late. The traffic is terrible in Manhattan, he added to try to explain. The rich man looked at him for a few seconds, and then he pontificated, I’m sorry, Mr. Stateman, I won’t stand it. What I stand least is your delay! Without a doubt! How have I become what I am, eh? Being late? This could have been a great opportunity. Then he cried out, Goodbye! he stood up with his co-workers and went away. Finally, Michael was there alone. He was furious with himself.

San Diego, California.

Open no. 2!

The woman’s voice who uttered these words resounded through the 60-square meter hall; it was almost muffled by the mask that covered her mouth. Five neon lights were attached to the ceiling, a floor lamp with seven lamps lit a body’s patient who was lying on a table, a row of monitors surrounded the smooth walls around the place, a special machine with mechanic arms moved on the body that was lying on the table directed by a team of surgeons standing at one end of the room, inside a sort of gazebo, behind a desk, they were all busy steering little levers on a keyboard. The place was one of the San Diego Health Sulpizio Cardiovascular center operating theaters, and the hospital was one of the most modern hospitals of the whole California. Doctor Amelia Fisher, who was the chief surgeon of the center, with her team, was carrying out one more robotic heart surgical operation that day.

Keep on widening. Jenny, keep on widening.

Jenny Andrew, Amelia’s vice, began to turn some casters in the keyboard in front of her, and some arms of the machine started to move. Amelia was regarded as one of the best surgeons in the State even if she was thirty-eight. She graduated from the USCF School of Medicine of San Francisco with full marks and had always wanted to be a doctor, specifically a heart surgeon, since she was a little more than a girl. His career path was marked by several difficulties, such as her parents’ premature death and the fact she was an only child. However, thanks to the fondness of her friends and her colleagues and her great determination, Amelia had attained her objectives.

Very good. We can say that’s enough.

This sentence was uttered every time a surgery went well, like this time. Amelia took off her mask and left the rest of the team work in front of their computers.

I’m done for today. See you outside, the doctor said. Then she left the room.

After leaving the operating theater, the woman got ready for communicating the outcome of the operation to the patient’s relatives.

So, how was it? the woman’s mother asked the doctor. She was scared and full of anxiety. Amelia leaned a hand on the lady’s shoulder to reassure her.

Do not worry, your daughter is fine. The operation has been successful.

After these words, the woman burst out an almost liberating sob, which was the result of the anxiety she had accumulated during the time of operation; she did not give up thanking the doctor; she wanted to hold her tight somehow. Amelia was accustomed to such scenes, but their effect on her was always good and they made her feel good. After all, these situations had contributed to her being a heart surgeon.

I’ve only done what I had to do. You only have to stay by her side now. And everything will be okay.

Amelia’s words were always sweet when she talked with the patients’ relatives that she operated, since she knew very well what the loss of someone that is loved meant. After the last goodbye to the woman, Amelia left the room. She was walking through the long corridor to her ward.

So? How was it? Thomas asked, stopping her. He was one of his colleagues as well as one of her dearest friends.

It was more complicated than expected, but in the end we succeeded, the woman answered. She looked tired but she was satisfied with the results.

Excellent! You’re coming to Manuel’s party tonight, aren’t you? the man in a white jacket kept on saying.

Well… actually, I’m a bit tired. I’d rather stay at home…

A strange expression entered Thomas’ features. Amelia captured it very soon.

Listen. I really don’t feel like it. It’s been a rough few days for me. Tell him I’m sorry, Amelia tried to explain herself.

Okay. But just know that he will take offense, Thomas said finally. He had been walking once again. He was walking in the opposite direction to his colleague. So, they went their way.

Once Amelia entered her room, she took off her white coat and arranged it into a locker on her right. After checking her mailbox, she took some sheets and secured them in a folder. She switched the computer on her writing desk off; she took her jacket and her bag from the coat rack and got ready for leaving her room.

She walked through the hallway, took the lift and finally ended up on the ground floor where, after a quick greeting to two receptionists, got ready to pass a special card through the sensor of a picket-shaped metal device just in front of the main exit in the building. Another workday had just passed.

Amelia was quite a peculiar woman. Sometimes her character was controversial, but she only needed to be with the right people to totally open her heart. It may have been the fate or her work, but the fact is that people like these were very few. Two of these were her friends and colleagues Thomas and Jenny. Thomas was an old college roommate of hers, whereas Jenny was her deputy within her team. He, who used to feel like a brother to her, had been looking for her proper boyfriend, but Amelia had succeeded in freeing from that situation, which she found a little uncomfortable. She wanted a man, of course, but she had not found the right one yet; she hated forced and scheduled things. Thomas used to ask her to spend some time with his friends so that he could introduce one of them to her, and actually, she had met many friends of his, but she did not really like one.

The doctor used to live in a rooftop penthouse of one of the most known buildings in San Francisco with Lilly, which is her lovely dog, and Lorry, which is the parrot that had been given to her as a present brought from Africa by Jenny. The building was a modern-styled house, big enough to ensure her the space she needed. Amelia parked her electric car inside her garage in the basements of the building and she got ready for going up the few stairs to the hall of the building where a certain Charlie worked as a doorman.

Good morning, doctor! the man greeted her, seeing her coming. She was an android equipped with a full artificial intelligence.

Charlie…, she answered, going towards the lift.

Stressful day? the robot asked her. He had noticed that the woman was tired.

Enough. I look forward to lying in my bed!

Then the android said, Wait… The sound of that voice caught Amelia’s attention, and she reached the writing table.

A few hours ago I received this one for you.

The man handed a letter over to the doctor and she looked at it with surprise. Then she asked with puzzlement, Why didn’t they put it in my letterbox?

I don’t know. I can only say that the man who delivered it was wearing all black. He didn’t even look to be from San Francisco…

Amelia was still looking at the letter out of curiosity.

I’ve understood. Thank you, Charlie. Have a nice day.

The woman said goodbye to the android and walked towards the lift.

Once she came at home, she leaned her bag and her jacket on the sofa. The letter was still in her hands. She looked at it tone more time, and then she leaned it on the table in the sitting room. She meant to read it when she would awaken. When the mistress came, Lilly began to bark with joy. Once she put on more comfortable clothing, Amelia went up to her bedroom. She was holding her smartphone to read the latest news before falling asleep like she used to do. Before entering her room, her eyes fell once more on the letter on the table in the sitting room. The woman rested a moment while she considered what to do, and then she thought she would not hang on until she awakened. So, she decided to open it. She turned the letter inside out and noticed that it was sealed and that on the upper side there were the U.S. government logo and the New NASA Corporate logo. On the lower side there was also an inscription: For Amelia Fisher. For the benefit of all! She did not notice that detail earlier. Then she did not hesitate to open the envelope to unveil its contents. Amelia pulled the accordion-folded paper out of its own envelope and started to read it. She had been invited to a special lecture that would hold at New NASA Corporate in Washington. The woman kept on staring at the letter without saying anything…

Springfield, Missouri.

Northwest Missouri State University, Room no. 3. There were about fifty people sitting in their places while a woman was sitting behind a writing desk and was using a stick to show some schemes that had been projected on a giant screen behind her. Doctor Abigail Sanders’ AP chemistry class was almost over. She was forty-five, her hair was dark brown and curly, her bright eyes were hidden behind thick glasses that let her look like a young nerd. She had been tenured and had been teaching chemistry for five years in one of the most important faculties of the whole State. She used to hold four classes a week in the morning and serve as director and head of Springfield biochemical engineering laboratory, which she loved too much, since she had financed a part of the renovation work that was carried out nearly ten years ago. She loved chemistry unconditionally. Since she was a child, she had been attracted by all that could be turned into something else. She was fond of all that. Thanks to her father, Carl Sanders, who was a successful chemist now retired, Abigail had succeeded in carrying out all her studies, since she had graduated from high school and from university with full marks. Unfortunately, mainly due to her work and her several travels for many updates, Abigail did not have much time to spend with her family. Her husband Sam, who was an honest electric car mechanic employee of Ionix & Co., and her three children, Robert, Cody and little Gwen, were often home alone and got used to taking care of each other over the years. They knew their mother loved her work and that when she could she spent her spare time with them in the best way. It was so. No one was really satisfied with that situation, but each one did something by respecting everyone’s will for the family’s sake.

Once again, we’re facing a partial oxidation! 1,200 degrees!

Abigail stopped for a while so that he could take a breath.

Well, that’s enough for today! Within Thursday I want you to send me the e-mails concerning your today’s report, which shall be at least six pages long! Thank you all! Have a nice day!

While our professor was uttering these words, the people who were sitting in front of her began to stand up, murmuring softly.

Abigail was reorganizing her notes on the writing desk while those who were there were all leaving the classroom. A man wearing a dark suit entered. He was quite calm. He went up to the woman who was about to unplug some wires from her notebook.

Professor Abigail Sanders? the man wondered while taking off his sunglasses, which let him reveal his eyes, which were as dark as his jacket.

It’s me, Abigail answered. She began to gaze at him.

I must give you this one.

The strange guy pulled an envelope out of his jacket. It was sealed with two seals. The woman did not hesitate to pick it up.

Who has sent it? And who are you? Abigail wondered. She was almost puzzled.

I can’t answer these questions. All you need is inside the envelope. Goodbye.

After these words, the man put on his dark glasses again and left the classroom. The professor stood there and held the envelope in her hand. The woman observed the shadow of the man until it was gone. Then she directed her glance towards the envelope again. She turned it inside out again and again. On its back side, the envelope was sealed with two seals. On its front side there were two logos that were as big as a stamp; they represented the U.S. government and New NASA Corporate. Abigail observed those symbols carefully and her eyes opened wide in amazement. On the lower side of the envelope there was a writing that the woman did not hesitate to read: For Abigail Sanders. For the benefit of all!

Chicago, Illinois.

Jerry was an ordinary guy. He was twenty-five and had an unbridled passion for biology. After graduating, he enrolled as a researcher in the Chicago biology institute for further study (a master’s degree). That was the reason why he had studied and this made his mother happy and proud. Jerry used to live with her in a flat in the eastern outskirts of the city. He did not want to change his lifestyle at that time. Still, his intention was to live alone shortly. He never came late at work. That morning he was about to come to the biology institute. He was wrapped up in taking on another day of research. He greeted those who were working there – the doorman first and finally his colleagues – and he entered his lab where he could see his colleague Bob, who was a biologist like him but who was not as good as Jerry.

Why are you here already? Jerry asked his friend.

You know… being single may have its pros!

The two were happily playing around before work. Jerry noticed a brownish envelope come out of a stack of white research sheets of paper shortly.

What is this? the boy asked Bob, intrigued by it. Bob, who was sitting in his armchair, used its wheels to push himself, Ah yes! It has been there since this morning! An elegant man left it. He was wondering where you were! I had to tell you, but I forgot to do it. Sorry! Jerry did not hesitate to open the envelope and pull the sheet out. He read it quickly, and then put it back inside its envelope without noticing some flight tickets inside.

That same evening, after work, Jerry went home, he dined and finally opened the envelope. He pulled the sheet out and began to read with much more attention than that morning. The sheet had an invitation to take part in a special lecture in Washington that was coordinated by the U.S. government and New NASA Corporate. The letter suggested that inside the envelope there were two flight tickets that Jerry would use to reach the capital city of America.

The following day the young biologist’s mind was distracted. He thought of the letter that he had received the day before, but the most persistent thought was about his colleague Isabel. Just Isabel. Jerry was in college when he first had a crush on her. They were at the same biology class and since he caught her attention, he was immediately fascinated by her. Her skin was pale, she had cold eyes and fiery hair; he was skinny and clumsy just like an overachiever can be, but the sense of protection that he felt for her let him be quite funny. A beautiful friendship was born between them. Jerry, who had just awakened and was sitting on his bed, began to think about Isabel and how he could declare his love for her. This scene repeated itself punctually almost every morning. Just like every day, though, he was as much afraid of his feelings not being reciprocated as he was in love with her. But he got ready for going to the institute. He came into his workplace and greeted Tim, as he always did. Tim was a man in his sixties and he was the reception supervisor.

Good morning, Tim! How are you? Jerry asked the man that was standing behind a glass slab in front of the entrance of the complex. He, who could see him reciprocate his greetings but could not hear him from behind the glass, smiled and took the lift. Just as the doors were about to close, a hand avoided it. It was Isabel, who entered and went close to the boy immediately.

Hey, hi! You disappeared yesterday… and I… you know… I need to tell you something! the girl cried out in excitement. Her words upset Jerry, who could not imagine anything.

Exactly! Yesterday I had a thing to do and I had to go away, you know… Jerry answered with a little embarrassment.

What did you need to tell me? he asked her.

There’s a person that fascinates me so much, but he may not know about this thing! Isabel cried out. In the meantime, the lift doors had opened.

This is our plan…, Jerry said.

How do you know that he doesn’t like you? the boy kept on asking; he was in a hurry,