Exploring The Unknown: A Bold New Future, #3

By RB Parkline

The adventure will continue for Captain Teri Cambell with her crew whose ship is on an adventure to explore uncharted areas of space.  The ship will encounter worlds that are strange and different from their own culture. They encounter a world of robots and androids who continues to maintain a world without humans. This world will be an opportunity for the Earth Confederation to colonize. A world is discovered that has used slavery for generations. Teri Cambell with her crew will resist this culture and attempt to make allies with the slaves who are afraid to resist. The result will be battles that will test the crew who are outnumbered. A dying plant whose inhabitants are not convinced the planet is dying. They will need to chose to stay or leave their home with a strange ship with people much different than themselves. While at home the Earth Confederation will deal with an old enemy who continues to raid vessels. The battles will also test the strength and resolve of the Confederation.  The young President will attempt to hold the Confederation togather with the Earth Council. There will be difficult decisions.

• Language: English
• Publisher: RB Parkline
• Release date: Apr 5, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201139766

RB Parkline

A quite individual. Writing for entertainmet as well as adding some historical facts with an underlying spiritual nature. Stories should touch the lives of individuals as their imagination is activated. 

Book preview

Exploring The Unknown

Chapter I

The Bumblebee flew through the expanse of space rapidly. The former battleship which was shaped like a boomerang had been converted to accommodate explorers, not just military men and women. The Bumblebee had seen battle in the war with the Krogans. Now with peace the former battleship was now on a mission of exploration.

Captain Teri Cambell sat in the captain's seat feeling the exhilaration of heading into the unknown. Space that no Earth human had seen before. She knew the danger as well as the opportunity to meet new lifeforms. She recalled her father's words,

Great risks can bring great results, or great failure.

She smiled thinking of her Father, She was willing to take the risk.

The Bumblebee was still equipped with the strong shield as well as all the powerful lasers and torpedoes. It was a ship that could defend itself if needed. Most of the crew were men and women who were veterans of the recent war. They were battle hardened veterans. She had confidence in their ability.

Along with the military veterans were scientists who were aboard to explore space. Her twin sister along with her family were also on board. Kari was a genius who had improved the Bumblebee and its capabilities along with other ships. She could be difficult to deal with when working with others. Teri smiled thinking how the Science institute was glad to have Kari go on a long mission. Teris husband and children were also on board. The mission would be long and the Earth Council after much deliberation decided it would be best to not separate families on such a long journey. They all knew the dangers but all chose to have their families accompany them on the long mission.

Kari was in charge of all computers and worked directly with all departments. She was so bright she would get frustrated when dealing with other scientists and researchers. She had insisted the android Alexis who had been discovered in an archeology dig accompany her. The Science Institute did not want to have Alexis leave Earth. However, Kari said if Alexis did not go with her she would stay. The Science Institute agreed to allow Alexis to go with Kari.

Raleigh, who was Kari’s husband, was in charge of the school. He taught all ages which included a variety of subjects. He recruited young teachers to join him with teaching. They agreed, looking forward to the adventure. The children would learn not only the basics, but would be taught practical experience. Scientists, engineers, medical and pilots would give children real life experience with their studies.

Jameson, who was Teri's husband, was in charge of the horticulture and biology department. He raised vegetables and fruit for the crew on their long journey. The children would come in and assist him with the plants.

Dale Myers, who had served as President of the Confederation chose not to run for office and was selected to be Ambassador. He was married to Micky who was head of the medical department as well as a Priest.

They had been on their mission for eight months. The astrometric lab was excited as they studied gasses from nova’s and other anomilities. The rest of the ship was bored. Teri was brought out of thoughts when she heard

Captain.

Terry turned in her chair looking at her science officer Sharon Holder who was Valerian. She did not say anything as she saw Sharon staring at the computer screen concentrating. Sharon looked up with a puzzled look on her face.

I am reading a human life sign, but very faint. It is confusing.

Terry sat quietly then said what do you mean confusing?

Sharon had turned and was staring at the computer screen.

The signal is faint. I don’t mean the signal itself. The life sign is faint. It appears to be a single life sign.

Terry said Computer contact Astrometrics.

Captain, is there something we can help you with? Are we still on track to reach the star that is about to go supernova? Is everything alright?

Terry smiled at the excitement of the scientist.

Yes Dr. Conrad all is well. Sharon is picking up a strange anomaly from her station. Can you confirm the signal of a human life form?

We have received the information and are analyzing it.

There was a moment of silence then Teri heard the excitement from The astrometric lab.

Captain, we are also picking up a life form. It appears to be coming from a distant planet. It is strange that there is only one lifeform. We will need to get closer to receive a better reading.

Teri stood up walking toward the science station.

"Do you have a position on the planet Sharon?

Yes we will have to change course. It will be a slight change. She looked up smiling. I believe it will not take us too far out of the way from the planet that is expected to go supernova.

Teri smiled slightly. Well good I would hate to miss the supernova. The astrometric lab would be disappointed. Send the cooridance to navigation. She walked back to her chair sitting down. Sandy change course and plot a course for the planet with new coordinates from Sharon.

Aye, Aye Captain! The young ensign said excitedly.

Teri smiled. She was also excited knowing they would discover something other than scientific gasses.

Course plotted Captain, we should reach the planet in six hours at our current speed.  We could go to a higher hyper supersonic speed and reach it quicker. Sandy glanced over her shoulder at Teri.

Teri shook her head maintain course and speed.

Sandy frowned looking at her instruments.

Captain, should I prepare Medical  in case we will face hostile aliens?

Teri  looked at Micky sitting in her chair looking at her. Micky was a Priest from the Religious order who was a medical doctor trained as a battlefield medic.

I don’t believe that will be necessary Priest Myers. It appears to be only one human life form.

Well it has been eight months and with the law of averages with you in command it is possible that we could be in for a rough time.

You seem to have a negative attitude, Priest. Where is your faith?

Micky sat back Just saying with you we might be facing a battle or something blowing up.

I believe Priest Myers is correct. Perhaps we should bring up the shield. Judy Bennett said, looking at the computer screen. Judy was in charge of security in addition to being  the tactical officer.

Teri looked at Judy. That will be enough, you are both on the verge of insubordination with your smart talk.

Aye, aye Captain. Judy said, trying not to smile.

Micky stood up nevertheless I’m going to medical to make sure we have everything in order in case we have a large number of casualties.

Chapter II

The Bumblebee circled the large plant in a low orbit. Sharon looked up from her computer screen.

This is very curious, Captain. I am reading an atmosphere that is compatible with  Valeria. There are fauna, trees  and animals. Water with life in the seas. There appears to be cities, but I only read the one faint life form.

Teri sat contemplating the situation. It seemed the planet was inhabited with life, but  one human life form is all that was detected. She looked at Judy.

What do you think, Chief?

We need to go down to the planet and see what is going on. The one life form could be stranded.

Teri looked at Dale Myers who was sitting close to Sharon. He smiled

We should keep in mind we may be going onto a planet that has had no contact from outside.

I was thinking the same thing. Teri said as she considered the possibilities.

Teri looked up as Keri and Alexis walked onto the bridge. She walked to Teri’s chair.

I’ve been analyzing the data from the Astrometric lab. It appears there is technology on the planet. I would like to go with Alexis and investigate it.

I’m not sure that is a good idea. Judy said, frowning at Kari.

Why not? Kari asked.

If you meet a peaceful race you will probably provoke them and we will have a war!

Kari waved her hand dismissively you are nuts Chief.

That's enough, Teri said standing up. We need to send a team to the planet.

She looked at Judy have Remi pilot the shuttle, Zenna will accompany Priest Myer along with Kari and Alexis. If there is technology Kari and Alexi would be best suited.

Judy nodded thinking Remi and Zenna were small but they were outstanding fighters. They would provide security if needed.

Micky stood up I’ll prepare a hypo spray with a sedative for Kari in case. Well, in case she acts like she normally does.

You know Priest that is not Christian. I believe you should show more Christian charity.

I do and it tries my patience with you Kari. I’m a realist who is prepared.

Standing in the shuttle bay Dale leaned down and kissed Micky lightly on the lips.

Be careful.

I will, she said quietly as she looked into his eyes.

I’ll take care of her, Remi said smiling.

I’ll take care of you. Zenna said with a smirk.

What’s that supposed to mean?

Enough both of you. Chief Bennett said, looking at them both.

Remi and Zenna looked like ten year old children. They were from a different planet that did not age past the age of twelve. They were in their late thirties and married. They were both battle hardened veterans.

Judy continued, I don’t expect problems, but there could be wild animals or possibly traps that have been set. Be prepared for anything. ''She looked at Kari and Alexis. All of you be careful."

Kari smiled as she and Alexis walked onto the shutte and sat down. Micky sat behind them as Remi and Zenna sat in the front.

Remi’s small hands flew across the lighted panel. He brought up the forcefield in the shuttle bay and opened the bay doors. The shuttle lifted off as it left the ship, the doors shut as the force field was dropped.

The small shuttle craft entered the atmosphere and shook as it felt resistance from the thick air. They were soon past the atmosphere flying toward a large city. The sun was shining and it was a