Red Entaries

By Ronald Bunch

A chairman who shares his great, great grand father's dream of helping moon colonists finds himself on a mission to surpass this vision. Whenever the chairman had a dream another one would bloom as well. The chairman's friend and engineer discovers the first asteroid auction to be for a lot on a space planetoid. Who ever owns this lot can mine for precious ore and that is the chairman's new dream and vision.

As the biding goes on for the asteroid lot prestigious companies have dropped out of the auction. It looks to be clear sailing for the chairman, but just when he's about to win the auction, he finds out the other members have been blackmailed, there is betrayal by his closest allies, even murder.

Can the chairman win the asteroid lot with a mysterious enemy, behind it all, that tries to blackmail him like the other corporations who dropped out of the auction? Only time can tell.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ronald Bunch
• Release date: Jun 26, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005404376

Ronald Bunch

Ronald Bunch is a dedicated and passionate writer with a deep love for the art of poetry, science fiction, and fantasy. His commitment to his Catholic faith and his work is inspiring.His interests include writing, reading, social media, weight lifting, and riding an exercise bike. He enjoys reading a wide range of genres, including poetry, fantasy, science fiction, Catholic books, writer/author biographies, writing tips, self-help, and fiction.Ronald’s life and work are deeply influenced by his religion, his love for writing, and his dedication to his craft. His journey as a self-published author who writes six days a week, copywrites, drafts, edits, and advertises his own work is commendable. His personal life, including his volunteer work at Kids Food Basket, his devotion to God, and his love for pizza and cats, adds a unique touch to his identity as a writer. His upbringing in Catholic schools and his birthplace, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, in 1982, have also shaped who he is today.

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Copyright © June 22, 2022 Ronald Bunch

All rights reserved

Most characters and all events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.

Contents

Copyright

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Chapter 55

Chapter 56

Chapter 57

Chapter 58

Chapter 59

Chapter 60

Chapter 1

If it was only a dream, why did I not shake it but hold it still so firmly? Why did the sphere of glass not crack upon the Moon the diameter of the palm of my hand, where I could squeeze as hard as I could, yet not so? My heart was in it, but why? A man’s thought elapsed. He stood to release the tension in his hand, but before the shimmering globe was let go, he observed a three-foot pedestal, half the size of himself, being a stature of six feet. He looked top to bottom to where the crown of the skinny neck was a bed cushioned to fit a bauble. The flat bottom had two legs, silver, heart shaped, and entwined.

His great grandfather shared it too, he thought, his dream.

He twirled the crystallized ball between his thumb and forefingers and around his fingers until it looked back at him like a giant eye, blinking, but not more menacing than the hard time he was thinking of, how the first Moon colony was built, but in Trevor’s case, yes, his name was Trevor Trahern. He even believed he had a small amount of royal blood back in the dark days. The documentation could prove it, he would say, but as I was saying; he was thinking of the first station on the Moon.

Trevor remembered when he imagined the Moon as a young child, a platform for First Reach and many generations of men before Trahern was raised. Here's how it goes:

A dusty old Moon,

Like a shaved rock and bricks bashed together

And shale that was as broken peanut butter brittle,

But not little as some were the size

Of or half a man—but shrewd and congruent.

These bits of rock or Moon rock,

Some might say,

Were used in the construction

Of an everyday First Reach public abode.

It was built in the hardest of times,

But not as hard as Moonlit,

An ale that would bring you back

To giddy childhood memories and a warm hearth’s fire,

Like your heart,

But it poured even as a steaming smelter

To dry parched tongues in radiated heat.

Moon Divers were risking their lives day or night.

A rock, or, as they would have it,

A pearl in the dark sea,

A pricey timeless ripple in space-time.

An ageless hope of mankind and the muscle

Within watching ever gleefully,

As the expectant watchtower,

Waiting for her mother ship to one

Day part into her white shores.

A sign of hope, she was the

First Reach of Moon Lodger’s Inn.

Trevor gently placed the Moon rock back in its case with respect for his great grandfather who, supposedly, bought the antique at a steal.

He let go then smiled gently and closed his eyes. He saw for the first time why this dream meant so much to him. He himself gave hope to others, and if they were willing to look back into the past, they could see how Trahern made a difference for the Moon colonists, but, being the overachiever as Trevor was, he wanted more.

Whenever Trahern had a dream another one bloomed as well, always one greater than the next. Now what can I do to surpass my great grandfather’s dream? Trevor thought as he moved to his desk which is ten feet from the door and the pedestal. So…I guess I am a dreamer, he thought, as he sat down and placed his knuckles to where his thumb smudged his face cheek into light wrinkles and rested his elbow on the verism table etched with art and a single desk light unit.

My grandfather's genius did manage to found this company, and that was a breakthrough in his life, but what about me? He placed his fingers and knuckles on the table with his chin upon them. How can I have a bigger breakthrough than him? Trevor squinted. Thoughts kept passing one by one, but there was always one hidden behind the others, a feeling since his childhood and if indeed this thought should be satisfied, he then would have a breakthrough.

Trevor Trahern began to look out the window of his penthouse office building, he could imagine it, a feeling of grace when his corporate spaceship would arrive, and it was done anytime from its current delivery.

The spacecraft itself was one-hundred twenty-five feet in length and could pack a punch through the atmosphere easily and breathlessly.

Trahern got halfway up his chair to meet the spaceship at its touchdown when his com began to beep.

This is Chairman Trevor Trahern of Lunar Life Corp; how may I help you this evening?

Aye, it’s Cliff. He is one of the corporation engineers and a dear friend of Trevor’s.

Trevor frowned when Clifford began a hearty laugh, not that he didn’t enjoy his friend’s laughter, but he knew this wasn’t Cliff’s sobering humility, and that he must have been on a drink run, and it’s unheard of him to arrive on the last day of the week, Sunday.

Trahern sighed with objection as Cliff spilled every exciting detail, and he always does, but not drinks, no, never those. He shook his head as Clifford mumbled on…and thought, doesn’t this guy get it? I’m not the nightclub party type, but no, he never ceases, one of these days I’m gonna go on one of those drink runs, he’s wearing me out, even though I’m the respectful saint type and you never know, it could be the place I find true love.

Yahoo! A loud cry came through Trevor’s com. He had to shake it more than once after an electrical disturbance to make sure it wasn’t broken. You’re not gonna believe this lad, oh, I mean Trev, there’s room open, even on Dakrin. Are you there Sir? I can’t hear you, your com’s not picking up.

I’m here! Trahern returned the electrical disturbance.

Cliff, I’m just in my office. I was about to head down to see the crew land.

No…stay there, I’ll be right up…

The sky drop elevator lit up at the brim where a rainbow of colors met a brown helix looking down upon Trevor. He came against the elevator entrance where it shot up in a second’s moment but touched gently in one smooth motion.

Clifford Clayworth felt as if he would levitate, then break back in his boots again. There was no bang, clang, or rattle, but a single chime as the doors resonated when breached.

Trevor was in position ready to catch him stumbling off his wits.

Cliff waltzed in. His ecstatic joy revealed something other than being drunk. Trahern welcomed the guest with open arms. Clifford wore a gray suit, silver tie, and ponytail. The guise of a chauffeur driver was not nearly enough to share his excitement with the host. (Cliff was ready to drive Trevor to the nightclub)

Cliff shook Trevor’s hand, then placed a document down the chairman’s inner pocket to next fix his suit’s tie, nice and neat. This reminds me, Cliff said, "when we first met, how you were the one who made my tie tight and straight…" Clayworth winked with humor.

Trevor broke away.

As Trahern walked, he looked back once from his office door and spoke sternly, Now, I’ve had well enough of your gay jokes, and I’m not going to the pub for a one-night stand!

But Sir, Cliff cowered, you're old, single, and I’ve got girls and beers…

A good woman would be a partner not a pitfall, Trevor responded.

Wait, wait, wait, just hear me out, it's different this time, I promise! Clifford jolted ahead of Trevor, and in his office, he searched through his Boss’s shelves.

Now where is it—? Cliff clapped.

Go fish! Trevor said, the tone was as if he didn’t care to blow his employee off, but to Clayworth the Boss played hard to get to the pub.

For someone, one and lonely, Cliff said, you sure know how to hide a bottle of Moonlit.

Out—the expression was not words, but how Trevor Trahern pointed his finger.

But gov… Clifford was going past the, I’ve had enough and into the red zone, you're fired! Sir, you don’t mean it… Cliff cowered once more, I have terrific news for us…I mean, you, you, you, he rolled up his sleeves then nodded. There’s a plot or lot where the asteroid is mined, Sir, Cliff nodded once more.

Trevor felt jittery in his heart then placed one leg on his desk and turned his head away, then said, it’s in the Moon bauble’s pedestal, it slides open…

Now, this is no practical joke that none has signed up, Cliff said. He shook the bottle, tried to pull the compressed cork. There are no bids, Sir, it's all ours. Clayworth had a wide grin like a homeless man who found a lost bottle of booze.

Trahern walked back to his window and saw the corporate spaceship land. Okay Cliff, keep this quiet.

Clifford knew Trevor’s heart was enthralled.

Just the thing to honor my expired great grandfather, and you know what, Trevor turned around, took off his suit, also not forgetting, but forgiving when he held the document from his inside pocket. I’m yours tonight, Cliff, anyplace you want, he said wryly then laughed, but keep it secret and safe.

Aye, scouts honor Trev.

And bring that bottle along, Trahern finished.

Chapter 2

Trevor and Cliff continued their conversation in the later afternoon—which was Clifford’s Idea.Eddy Elliot, Trevor’s butler, now was driving them in a white hover car. Not a limousine or taxi, but it had four doors and the new age art young adults whistled at.

Brooklyn had electricity that night. It burdened Cliff with how innocent and inexperienced Trahern was and with nightclubs.

Relax Sir, Clayworth said. The music was prodigiously in the car at this point. Trevor, you’re a legend, just play it cool.

Me—but, I haven’t been to a nightclub in ages.

That’s good, that’s good, you're going to be the rebel who spiked the punch. I’ve made the arrangements. VIPs are here from around the world—companies just like ours that support the Moon colony.

But what about spiking the punch? Trevor said.

Well, there’s a speech, dance, and a sprightly young lass who’s just your type and actress to boot, Cliff winked.

So, you think I’m going to fornicate with her? Trahern said with objection.

"Sir, just calm down and go with the grain."

Trevor closed his eyes tightly while taking deep breaths and took the bottle of Moonlit upon his lap.

Alright, I’ll mingle, Trevor Trahern said freely, but no one-night stands.

The butler, Eddy Elliot, spoke as the car stopped abruptly, the host of the house awaits. They got out in the order of introductions. Trevor, Cliff, then the butler who waved bye to see his master make it inside. Ed was enticed to join the dance party, but his doctor told him to take it easy. His heart health has seen better days. Trahern thought, what have you gotten me into Clifford! The chauffeur shook Trevor’s hand. He wore a ghastly attire with laser beads on his cheeks and ears; it was trendy these days.

Trevor was escorted beyond the midst of the long lines and throngs and into the club Friends Night Out. I’m about to embark on a great journey, Trahern thought. My great grandfather would be proud.

Trev showed the doorman his guest pass. He walked as he smugly held the bottle of Moonlit against his belly. He reminisced as the doorman shook his head—no; thinking of his first day at work, then how accomplished he would be to buy a lot on a mining asteroid. If I owned a lot on that asteroid, then a whole new world would open to me, Trevor thought, I would even be given the opportunity to buy a property on First Reach. It is said it’s more wonderful than living on the Earth.

The doorman refused to unhook the tether guard for Trahern, but held his hand empty, as if he expected something.

Do you not know who I am? Trevor said, as if he discovered he was now president of a new company.

The bottle, you can’t go in with the bottle.

Do you not know how priceless this is?

I’m sorry, either it goes or you.

Trevor Trahern shook his head twice then nodded once. He said, "goodbye my old friend, as the doorman had to pry it from his fingers. Just don’t open it, it will be worth more than you can imagine."

Trevor walked smugly as he was allowed in, and Cliff followed close behind.

Trahern was nervous. The lady inside took his black cloak, revealing the blue and silver suit underneath; Clifford himself wore the suit he had when he told Trevor about the terrific news.

Wow, this is my kind of party! Trevor said to Cliff. Then they were led to two named seats. No roaring mob dancing their hearts out to earn a date like Clifford loved. Although Trahern did hear music resonating in the backdrop, it must be to set the mood, he thought.

The party was organized, just like the aftermath of a wedding, where there was a round table and many prestigious people waiting for a chance to send their blessings and condolences, even the speaker who finished his last line was excited as if he was newlywed.

The speaker said, thank the heavens for the First Reach colony. Everyone began to clap, the smile on his face was dignified by the two lady robots he sat next to, even nodding. Trevor congratulated them, and they smiled. Trev was appalled that a person would choose robots instead of human partners.

Aren’t they precious? Clayworth whispered in Trahern’s left ear.

A little too perfect I’d say, Trevor responded, and one way to determine if they’re machines.

Now for our next speaker: Trevor Trahern! They clapped for him more than the speaker before him, the gentleman from Shanghai wasn’t pleased.

Aw, you shouldn’t have, Trahern spoke lightly, then made his way to the podium. Trevor cleared his throat then checked the microphone. It was working. This is such an honor, I thought I was heading to one of those wild club parties. Laughs. Then I stumbled into such a treat indeed. Claps. I’ll keep this short, I’m kind of antsy since I lost my bottle of Moonlit. Laughs. "You know, I was going to share it with you all, only Clifford clapped this time.

Aye Trevor! Cliff said. Then they stared at Clifford Clayworth with all the integrity of the world, he felt belittled, but they let him off with a smile.

It’s been some time since my first day as chairman, Trevor said, in fact, today is that anniversary when I began the journey. Wow, I can’t believe this is happening, such an honor. It all started when my great grandfather had a dream. He built our company from the ground up, thanks to God, and him, I have the lives of the colonists to support everyday. If it wasn’t for companies such as yours and mine, they wouldn’t have enough food, water, or even the toys they have to give them pleasure. Our companies supply the needs for asteroid miners… Trev suddenly felt uncomfortable, a gut feeling to get off stage.

Close one, Trahern thought, and he wiped his brow. I almost squealed my plans away. (Trevor knew the other company chairman would figure out there was an asteroid lot for sale, but he hoped he could fly under the radar and purchase it before they made any solid investments.) He wanted to leave and make the largest investment he could. He was prepared to sell his own company if that’s what it would take to buy the asteroid lot.

Yes, Trevor thought, I’ll sell my company, and make the largest investment I can to purchase the asteroid lot. In the spirit, my great grandfather may be angry, but I could at least buy ten more companies like my own, or even, build one on the Moon. Yeah! That’s what I’ll do, and I’ll make it into one of the largest mining corporations to boot. My great grandfather wouldn’t be ashamed of that! And so, Trev had a breakthrough, but he needed the resolution even more now.

Anyway, Trahern paused in thought for a good three seconds… You’re all welcome to visit me at my estate at Dahlgren Plaza Road, for lunch, thank you all so much.

Trevor was carried off by the claps as he went back to his seat.

The host himself sitting at the round table said: thank you, you’ve all been a treat.

Then a chime rang, and the room went all dark except for the four eyes of the robot ladies.

The hall illuminated once again signaling everyone to rise and join the party.

The holographic chamber was now replaced with a dance floor; Trevor was amazed. The ceiling lights were like a wormhole pulling in a galaxy. The host and hostess were dancing in limbo, or at least, which looked like some kind of gravitational disturbance that allowed this older couple to swing from the hip like bull riding. So light-weight and agile, they must be cyborgs. Their bodies almost floated, as if they were in the Moon’s gravity.

Phew, they don’t waste time, Trahern said, I can’t keep up with them, I need a drink…

Apparently, a drink was handed to Trevor. A lady was waiting for him to re-materialize.

Cliff must’ve set this up, Trahern thought, I’ll be nice and find some way out of this…Trevor knew the moment she took a drink and smiled with a full mouth of wine, she wasn’t his type.

Almost choking, Trevor mumbled: Clifford, you’ll pay for this! She was all over him like a cat rolling in the sun looking for human contact, but this attempt to draw him into her vulnerable side wasn’t working; so instead of a playful smile, she went for an innocent dance.

Trevor’s soft side was indeed his weakness. He caved as she began to pet his hair after she walked her chin on his shoulder, next, her head leaned against his chest, then they began to dance.

Everything slowed down, especially the music, which Trevor wasn’t thankful for.

You work fast, don't you miss…?

I know I’m a bit aggressive, she said, but you’re such a catch, I’m Laura Rains, I didn’t want to miss this chance with you…

I’m Trevor Trahern, he rolled his eyes, as you're aware of, but for me…could we, could we have another drink? I’m parched.

Sure, Laura said, smiling without blinking. She had her eyes fixed on him. She even went as far as to hold his hand when they went to sit.

Clayworth where are you, Trahern thought, how am I going to get out of this? I don’t want to hurt her feelings. I suppose I might have to give her this bachelor date, then let her down gently. I don’t feel a love spark with her right now.

The two made their way to the mini bar as the actor began to unfold her life story. Trevor was glad to be served wine and to be given a short break from the conversation.

Trev responded: Well, you seem familiar, but I’m not surprised you’re an actor, and that new romance movie you're starring in, what was the name?

Nerve to Love, Laura said.

I’m happy for you, Trevor said, oh, but I must tell you something Laura. I…I think you're pretty while your dress is red carpet worthy, and your hair even makes my knees weak. Trahern sighed, he was about to let her down. She looks so innocent and she’s enjoying herself, this won’t be easy.

Clifford walked by while Trevor felt his burden with Laura resting.

Cliff! I want you to meet Cliff!

Trevor Trahern grabbed the engineer’s attention by pulling his suit. Clifford sat next to Rains in the only free bar stool.

Cliff and I are best friends, aren’t we pal?

Yes, we sure are Trev.

Laura, isn’t Trevor everything I told you he was? Clifford