New Horizons: Europa Trilogy, #1

By Michelle C. Leigh

Alexandra has never been so far away from home…… or so far into danger.

 

Alexandra only wants to help support her family, so when the giant mining corporation MurAdKo offers her a position in data entry, she takes it gratefully. What the 23-year-old doesn't know is that the job isn't in a domed facility in Iceland as she thought — it's not even on Earth.

 

But being so far from her family on one of Jupiter's moons isn't even the worst part. It doesn't take long for Alexandra to discover that MurAdKo is up to no good …

and the company will stop at nothing to keep its secrets from getting out.

 

New Horizons is the first book in Michelle C. Leigh's Europa trilogy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Michelle C. Leigh
• Release date: Apr 23, 2023
• ISBN: 9798985945331

Michelle C. Leigh

I live with my partner in Minnesota where I enjoy the wonders of summer and learn to embrace the joy of winter.  Not always an easy task. Fortunately, snowshoeing on a frozen lake and looking into the night sky inspires me. 

Book preview

Prologue

Tom Hixton slid into his chair and placed the headphones on his ears, expecting another quiet night at the Goddard Space Flight Center. At first, he didn’t notice the fluctuation in the frequencies from the radio telescope. Instead, he blew on his coffee. Not because it was hot; it had cooled hours ago, after the second shift left. No, he blew on the coffee for the same reason that he did many things: mimicry. His shift couldn’t start without the simple rituals he had adopted to appear like his peers.

The doctors who had first diagnosed him predicted that he would become a famous musician. The ability to hear -10 dB (decibels) at a range as low as 1 kHz (kilohertz) and differentiate tones to a microhertz seemed to predispose him to a career around sound. However, music classes were not the utopia that his parents had imagined for him. Instead, they were torture chambers of slightly off-key students and teachers. He only survived by developing a habit of humming everywhere he went and wearing noise-cancelling headphones. But the doctors had been right—he was well suited for a career in sound, and felt at home in his position as the lead sonification specialist on duty.

He stopped blowing on his coffee and stood up from his chair as the frequency anomaly flowing through the headphones finally registered. Leaning against the desk, he moved the cursor to take the last sound bite back two seconds. He heard the anomaly again. While grabbing the folder with his list of contacts, he knocked over the coffee. He ignored the black liquid dripping to the floor.

Hi. This is Tom at Goddard. You got anything interesting in the air tonight?

Hey Tom. How’s the new apartment working out? Tom knew at this juncture that a response of fine would be appropriate. Afterward, he’d ask the person on the other end of the line about his wife and kids. Maybe he would even fake a chuckle when the voice on the other end would share an anecdote about his son playing little league. He didn’t want to appear normal tonight. He wanted to know more about the anomaly, which he replayed again. Tom was sure that the sounds were moving away from Earth. Quickly doing the calculations in his head, he knew that the radio telescope pointed toward the heavens would lose the signal from that place in space in less than an hour. He still had more calls to make.

Listen, he said, attempting to limit the mindless pleasantries, I have an anomaly I need to figure out. What’s in your sky tonight?

Oh, okay Tom. Let’s see, we have the same collection of communication satellites. A couple of old dated clunkers, but nothing new. Why, what do you hear?

Tom hung up the line and continued down the list, calling all the countries in the coordinates of the sound’s path. He breezed through the calls, looking for any new satellites, transmitters, or anything else mechanical. The sound he continued to replay in his ear was definitely mechanical.

After he exhausted the list, he called his supervisor.

I have a sound with no explanation. I checked the list and nothing is new up there.

I’ll be right in, the voice on the other end of the line said.

Tom sat back down and continued to listen until the sound faded away, when the angle of the radio telescope and the trajectory of the object finally diverged.

Chapter - 1

Alexandra gave her eyes a few minutes to adjust to the dark. The familiarity of the shared bedroom allowed her to make out the gray shapes. Across the room, the rhythmic snoring of her younger brother filled the otherwise quiet house. She stifled a grunt when she stubbed her toe against her bed frame. After swallowing her breath to keep from crying out, she bent to grab her bag from underneath her twin bed. In the other twin bed, her brother rolled over. The old springs creaked with his shifting weight. She froze. When his snores filled the room again, she let out the breath she had been holding and continued to their closet. Buried underneath an old blanket, she pulled out her packed suitcase. It wasn’t the new hover kind, but it had been within her budget at the local Goodwill. She slipped on a pair of large jeans and a baggy sweatshirt and tucked her long black hair underneath a baseball cap.

Pausing for only a moment at the door, she turned and walked down the hall. She had told her brother goodbye last night, after he fell asleep. Pouring her words into the dark, she had cleansed herself of all the things she wanted to say. Of course, he fell asleep during the conversation, but he had heard her say she loved him. It was enough. Her parents, well . . . that was a different story. Gripping her suitcase, she drifted out of the house like a ghost.

It wasn’t until she turned the corner that she saw a group of young men slithering toward her. I should have been paying attention this time of night. She scanned the street, looking for any other people. Sure that the threat was only behind her, she turned onto the next block.

Fear comes in many flavors. There’s the sweet kind that comes from leaning toward a crush for a first kiss. Then there’s the spicy kind from hacking a parent’s password to watch a rated R horror movie for the first time. These types of fears flavor a moment, making it enjoyable. The poisonous kind of fear can be deadly.

Hey, where are you going? We just want to talk! one of the men howled at her. Talking clearly wasn’t the only thing on their minds, so she quickened her pace. It was too early in the morning for the joggers and dog walkers to be out. When they turned the corner and started to run after her, Alexandra lifted her suitcase, secured her bag, and dashed into an alleyway.

Since the age of five, Alexandra had taken public transportation to school. At first, her mother had ridden with her and her little brother, as it was on her way to work in the school kitchen. By the time Alexandra was eleven, she made the trip without her mother, but with Jaret in tow. She knew the route well. Hidden from their view by a row of bushes, Alexandra squeezed her suitcase and bag through a small opening between a detached garage and a house. Jaret had found this small space chasing a cat after school one day.

Thank you, Jaret.

The gap connected with the road on the other side of the block. She put down her suitcase and leaned over to catch her breath. Reaching into the bag on her shoulder, she felt for the pepper spray. The canister with the key ring was easily recognizable. Holding it in one hand, she lifted her suitcase with the other hand.

Where’d she go? one of the young men slurred. Alexandra didn’t wait to hear any more. She sprinted toward an apartment building. Her parents had moved into this neighborhood because it was one they could afford, but most of the houses were owned by landlords more interested in making money than in making repairs.

Since this landlord was one of the ones that didn’t live in the property they owned, they didn’t care that the lock to this group of rooms had broken months ago. Jaret had discovered the broken lock when he innocently followed a woman and her dog into the hallway. Jaret had wanted to pet the dog. The woman, helpless against his smile and almond-shaped eyes, had let him. Alexandra knew she could knock on the woman’s door, but she had a plane to catch. Instead, she went through the hallway and down the stairs. Only someone familiar with the building would know that the laundry room at the bottom of the stairs led to a back door. After bouncing her suitcase down the steps, Alexandra hustled by the washers and dryers. On the other side of the door, she put the suitcase on the ground and listened. Silence. Alexandra sighed, then pulled her suitcase along the sidewalk toward the bus stop.

She sat on the bench waiting for the bus, feeling exposed in the bright light that was meant to protect but frequently made things more dangerous. She slid the cap down to help cover her face, looped the strap of her bag to her leg, and rested her feet on the suitcase. If anyone tried to grab it, at least she would have a chance. Sitting on the bus bench, she waited as another man staggered near. When he crossed the street, she reached her hand in her bag and fingered the pepper spray.

He glanced in her direction but sat at the end of the bench, giving her space. The fast food emblem on his hat and the permanent smell of grease let her know she didn’t have to be afraid. He was heading to work. She let the pepper spray go and pulled out a bag of taffy to offer him a piece instead. A woman would never take candy from a stranger, especially a man, but a man reached for the candy every time. More than once, a piece of taffy had enabled her to gracefully opt out of a conversation. But this guy was just trying to get through the morning, like her. He offered her only a smile, which she returned gratefully.

The bus was on schedule, giving Alexandra enough time to change from her baggy jeans into something more professional in the airport restroom. In the bathroom mirror, she added some makeup to her brown eyes and attempted to tame her long dark hair into a clip. When she stepped away from the mirror, she had almost convinced herself that she deserved this job. Almost.

Navigating the airport challenged Alexandra in every way imaginable. She staggered through one line only to be told at the end of it by a robotic kiosk that she was in the wrong place. After she checked her bag, she felt like she had reached the proverbial cheese until she turned the corner and saw the line for security. Twisting and turning through the path, meant to cover as much distance in as little space possible, the enormity of her decision hit her. With each change in direction, she felt more afraid that she had made a mistake.

Going on a vacation? the woman at security asked, looking at her passport.

No, I’m starting a new job, Alexandra replied.

Oh, the woman said looking down at her shoes. Intellectually, Alexandra knew the ambiguous response from an overworked woman at security didn’t mean anything. Emotionally, she felt like an imposter. Who was she kidding?

Now, alone at the airport, she wished she had shared the acceptance video with her mom and dad. She still wasn’t sure why she hadn’t told them about the job. Was it the fear that they would ask her to stay, or the guilt if they didn’t? They needed her, and she knew that. When she returned with the ability to really help her parents, they would understand. Right?

Emma, her best friend from school, was the only one she’d told about the job. Her initial excitement had given Alexandra the courage to accept the offer. Emma had helped her shop for clothes and plan for the trip. Her stomach swirled with anxiety, and her mind struggled to focus on anything. She pulled out her glasses and glove, intending to distract herself with a movie, but almost immediately took them off and put them into her pocket for later. Instead, she watched the other people waiting for the standard flight.

A man in a well-tailored business suit grimaced every now and then. Alexandra guessed he was watching the stock market report from his glasses, and was using his embedded stylus to maneuver around the applications. A woman with a young boy wearing Paw Patrol glasses nestled next to her broke out into laughter. She suspected a Pixar movie was the culprit. Boarding announcements and airport information required access to the internet as well, and the silence with her glasses and glove off felt strange. All these people, yet it was so quiet except for the occasional sighs or bursts of laughter.

A young woman wearing jeans and a coat strolled in her direction. Her brown ponytail swinging behind her kept time to her steps. The woman slid into a chair near Alexandra and reached inside her pocket for her glasses and stylus glove.

Hello, Alexandra said to the stranger.

Her greeting startled the woman, who dropped her glasses to the floor. Then she looked around for the source of the sound. People rarely greeted people they didn’t know.

I’m sorry, Alexandra said, feeling foolish. She reached for the woman’s glasses.

No need to apologize. I just didn’t expect it. The woman shoved her glasses back into her pocket. Then she let out a little awkward laugh.

I guess I’m a little nervous, Alexandra said, chuckling too.

Have you flown before? the woman asked.

First time.

Did you purchase any sitting time?

No, Alexandra replied, thinking about the stories her mother had shared about when she was a child, and people travelled in airplanes sitting down. A flight attendant would bring something for everyone to drink. Now, the main section had rows of people standing, all hooked into harnesses in case they couldn’t keep their balance.

Me either. The woman smiled. I couldn’t afford it.

Ditto. Alexandra chuckled.

They continued making small talk until they noticed many of the other people sitting at their gate removing their glasses and gloves and putting them into pockets.

Once on the plane, Alexandra found her row. She stepped into her square and put her feet on the white shoe prints on the floor. A video in front of the section showed the passengers how to put on the harness, as they would be standing for the duration of the flight. Alexandra yanked on the brown straps and slipped them around her legs. After clipping herself to the overhead strap, she pulled out her glasses and glove, looking to get lost in a romance movie; any diversion to forget her discomfort.

When they arrived in London eight hours later, Alexandra didn’t feel rested. Sleep had been impossible with the flopping arms of the fellow passengers, and the ache in her groin had compounded with the chafing and pressure of the straps. Her legs wobbled when she unhooked the overhead strap, so she searched for a place to sit as soon as she got off the plane. She smiled when she saw the woman with the brown ponytail walking toward her.

That sucked, the woman said as she slouched into a nearby seat.

Agreed, Alexandra responded, massaging her own aching legs and neck. The woman did the same. When the woman leaned forward to rub her shins, Alexandra noticed a charm that caught the artificial light. It was faded with wear, nothing really to look at, but an exquisitely cut gold chain supported it.

I’m Alexandra, Alexandra said, reaching out her hand.

The woman took it in her own. Sara. she replied.

Interesting charm, Alexandra blurted. Immediately, she regretted it. The look of hurt on Sara’s face was unmistakable. Alexandra recognized that look. At her high school, a clique of girls had complimented Alexandra on her Goodwill, not-quite-vintage clothes, only to laugh at her when they thought she couldn’t hear. Sara’s charm had greened on the golden edges, but the necklace that held it looked like pure gold.

The necklace is beautiful. The charm must mean a lot to you, Alexandra continued, unable to stop her mouth. It was a terrible habit that had plagued her all her life. Without thinking, she would say something that she had meant to be kind, but her honesty was frequently mistaken as an insult.

The charm does mean a lot to me, Sara said. I gave it to my mother when I was little, maybe eight or nine. It was the first gift I ever bought for her myself. I had forgotten all about it. When I went through her things after her funeral, I found this charm. She kept it for all those years and had put it on this chain.

I’m sorry for your loss, Alexandra apologized, then added, I’m also sorry if I offended you.

No worries. Sara smiled, fingering the charm. I know it doesn’t seem like much, but it’s my most prized possession. Funny how seemingly meaningless things can mean so much later on. I wish I had told her more often how much I loved her when she was alive. Sara shook her head and let go of the charm. Now, I’m off on a new adventure, since there is nothing keeping me back home. What about you? I hope you survived torture for a reason.

Yup. Starting my first real job. Alexandra said.

So am I.

I’m a little worried, Alexandra confessed.

Me too; I’m afraid I won’t like the apartment.

I’m more afraid I won’t be able to do the job. I kind of exaggerated my knowledge of simple coding, Alexandra blurted. You must think the worst of me. I just really wanted the job.

I think everyone tries to seem more capable than they feel. Sara touched Alexandra’s arm. I know a bit about coding. What language will you be using?

Alexandra pulled out her glove and glasses, then opened the attachment describing the job requirements. She swiped her glove and shared the attachment with Sara.

Sara donned her own glasses and glove, then let out a laugh. Alexandra felt embarrassed.

I can help with this, Sara said, taking off her glasses.

Really, it’s that easy? Alexandra asked hopeful.

No, it’s a difficult language.

Then how can you help? Alexandra asked.

I’ll show you when we get there. I accepted a position with MurAdKo too. I think we’re going to the same place. Sara smiled.

Alexandra beamed.

Chapter - 2

W e should probably find the shuttle, Alexandra said, standing on her shaky legs. The hours rest had barely been long enough to get feeling back into her toes.

I don’t think I can do another flight. Maybe we can take a boat to Iceland, Sara said as she rubbed her legs.

Are you kidding? Standing for a week? I would never be able to walk again, Alexandra offered her hand. Sara took it and stood with a groan.

Well, since you put it that way.

The light rail took them to the private landing strips at the airport. Sitting in the seat next to Sara, Alexandra reveled in Sara’s confidence. Despite the crazy flight standing up, Sara looked polished. Her ponytail, without a hair out of place, rested like silk around her shoulders. Alexandra, in comparison, struggled to tame her black mane into a clip, and hairs that had escaped during the flight were tickling her cheek. Despite feeling disheveled, hope swelled in her like a helium balloon as the rail came to a stop. For the first time, Alexandra stopped worrying about fitting in with her new colleagues. Maybe they would all be like Sara. The light rail came to a stop and they all stood. As soon as Alexandra had bumped her black suitcase down the steps of the rail car, taking extra care to keep the contents of her bag inside her bag, a young man motioned for them to follow others towing suitcases behind them.

Here we go again. Sara smiled, handing her bag to