The White Gate

By Jess Evertson

A renegade general and a pair of indestructible soldiers await a fuel tanker on the lawless and spent planet of Kilth. While there, the general befriends the young starport mechanic. The landing of a small personal craft carrying a disoriented maiden and her lifeless brother causes the general to enlist the help of an eccentric, sometimes maniacal ship captain to help return the young woman to her home world.

Two legendary soldiers, one from folklore and the other from the general's past, join them along the way. Together they will wage war against the ultimate evil outside the known universe, beyond the White Gate.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fulton Books, Inc.
• Release date: Jun 13, 2023
• ISBN: 9798887313719

Book preview

Table of Contents

Title

Copyright

Hangar

Burial

Crisis

Negotiation

Sentiments

Legends

Upgrades

Fallout

Habits

Departure

Refuge

Showdown

Farewell

Histories

Journey

Awakening

Scars

Pulse

Warmth

Inventory

Arrival

Renewal

Recovery

Predator

Replenish

Unbeaten

Payback

Pressure

Cleansing

Gathering

Assault

Preparations

Sacrifices

Ceremonies

Acknowledgements

About the Author

cover.jpg

The White Gate

Jess Evertson

Copyright © 2023 Jess Evertson

All rights reserved

First Edition

Fulton Books

Meadville, PA

Published by Fulton Books 2023

ISBN 979-8-88731-370-2 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88731-372-6 (hardcover)

ISBN 979-8-88731-371-9 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

To Doug and Judy,

I will see you there.

Hangar

Alex gazed somberly out the dirty little window at the dust-blown tarmac. Just two more days on this miserable rock, then he would have the fuel to keep going. This was his last mission, and he was at peace with that fact. The celebrated general was resolute that this final endeavor was honorable and that the simple soldier in him had a duty to carry out.

The spacious, darkened hangar was still and quiet, the only light coming from the makeshift office of the young man who operated this last chance fuel station. He was a tall, lean, quiet kid and an exceptional mechanic, judging by the hobby ship he was restoring. He seemed perfectly at home in the engine oil and grease of his daily routine. It made no difference to him that his service uniform sported only a J on his name patch because the A and Y were worn off. No matter how it was spelled, he was Jay. He carried a pronounced limp that was the result of an injury some years ago, Alex determined. He had adopted too smooth of a rhythm to his broken gait that only years of compensation could have produced. Alex hoped Jay would finish that ship and fly far away from this dismal world one day.

He could get a good mechanic job on a planet with warm sunlight and pretty girls, Alex thought. The service would never accept Jay due to his physical impairment; perhaps that was a blessing for him, given the current state of the military. When Alex was ready to call it a night, he heard Jay shouting from his office approximately thirty yards away.

No! No! Jay bellowed. The blue pad, not the orange! Do you copy?

Peering out the filthy window, Alex quickly scanned the tarmac, watching as a tiny craft descended downward into view. It was eerily quiet and had no landing signals as it came to rest only fifty yards or so in front of the hangar. Jay was upset as he pulled on his grimy sweatshirt, flung open the hangar door, and tore out to the small ship. The pilot's side hatch opened slowly as Jay reached the craft. In the dim light, Alex could make out a shapely, gowned figure trying to exit the ship. The girl was dazed and rambling incoherently as she began to stagger toward the lights of Yergus, the rowdy old mining town about two miles in the distance. Alex sprang into action, as the thought of that poor girl wandering into that lawless wolf's den panicked him. The security barrier around the starport would have prohibited her from leaving, but she was clearly in shock and needed assistance. Jay stood stunned as Alex raced by him.

You are safe. It's okay, Alex soothed. He removed his jacket and draped it around her shoulders as she mumbled incoherently. Alex smiled at the lovely girl and gently turned her back toward the hangar. Jay shuffled behind them, clearly taken by this pretty girl and stunned at the unfolding events. The girl was still mumbling when they reached Jay's office.

By the time Alex sat her down, he had realized the nonsense she was uttering was a foreign language; he would need an interpreter. Hold tight, he instructed Jay and sped off through the darkened hangar.

Jay stood frozen, staring at the frantic girl in front of him. She was motioning wildly with her hands and arms as she sat at his little desk. Each time she attempted eye contact, Jay quickly looked away. He felt unworthy of those sparkling blue eyes.

Alex reached the ship he had been hiding in the hangar for the past two days. He did not bother to take the stairs leading up to the entrance; he bent his knees and leaped into the opening about seven feet up. Sergeant Morgan, Alex bellowed. Sergeant Morgan! he barked once more. Then he remembered the correct name. Recon, he finally shouted.

Immediately a dark-skinned figure appeared from the rear of the ship. Recon's six-foot frame was dressed in Alex's gray tee shirt, black pants, and green windbreaker. Yes, sir! Recon replied as he snapped to attention with a salute.

Recon, please do not ever salute me again, Alex insisted.

Yes, sir.

I need you to interpret. Follow me, Alex ordered.

Yes, sir, Recon replied again as they headed out. Alex jumped from the ship with Recon in tow, racing back to Jay's office.

Who is he? Jay asked in a befuddled tone. He was completely confused by Recon, whom he had never seen.

It's okay. He's a friend, Alex stated. He can interpret what she is saying.

Jay nodded, taking a seat on the little couch at the back of the office. The girl seemed reassured by the presence of Alex and began to relax, offering him a warm smile. The shock seemed to be subsiding; she spoke in a more subdued, measured tone.

Recon, what is she saying? Alex asked.

Assessing, sir, one moment, Recon began. Dark…death…help…help. It is a dialect that is not on file and is the best I can decipher from my data, he concluded flatly.

The girl looked at Recon for a moment, clearly frustrated at the inability to convey her message. She reached out to touch the side of his head. He recoiled suddenly into a defensive stance, twelve-inch blades simultaneously springing from his wrists.

Recon, no! Stand down! Alex shouted the order. The blades retracted instantly, and Recon stood straight in a less menacing posture. Jay sat frozen, his eyes and mouth wide open, completely astonished.

Alex went over to him and shook his shoulder, snapping his attention back. Listen, kid, Alex said to Jay. She's in trouble. I think people are trying to hurt her. I need you to move her ship into the hangar.

Yes. Of course, sir, Jay agreed as the stunned look faded from his face. He cautiously crept around Recon, who stood motionless.

Alex moved back toward the girl, who was now standing. You are safe now, he said warmly; she smiled back. She looked at him innocently and raised her hand, slowly this time. She is trying to communicate with her hand, Alex reasoned.

She reached with her forefinger and touched Alex on the left temple. She closed her eyes; Alex heard her soft voice say Ara, but her mouth did not move. He knew instinctively it was her name. The sound of a hangar door opening broke their connection; they flinched and jerked back as if a trance had been broken.

Alex, he said as he patted his chest to convey his name. Ara smiled and sat back down.

Sir! Sir, Jay shouted as he burst into the office. You need to see this, he continued as he wheeled around and ran back to the small ship.

Alex sprinted past Jay and jumped into the open hatch of the tiny craft. His eyes grew wide as he took in a scene he had seen his entire career in the service: a young man completely bled out and expired. Alex needlessly checked for a pulse. He and death were intimate acquaintances, and now they met once again. Alex looked over the mortal wound, surmising he had been run clean through with a sort of stabbing weapon. There was no sign of burns or cauterizing, which would be evidence of being shot. Alex sighed, collecting himself. He climbed down from the ship, slowly walking back to the office with a very concerned, upset Jay in tow.

All right, kid, take it easy, Alex offered soothingly as they entered the office.

Ara smiled warmly at Alex when their eyes met again. She motioned him over and touched his temple. Brother, she conveyed to Alex, her voice fainter. She closed her eyes and, within moments, drifted off to sleep. Alex concluded she was exhausted from her long journey from wherever it was she had traveled.

Recon stood in the same position, still and motionless. Jay, Alex began, this is my android assistant. He is quite harmless if you do not make any sudden moves toward him. I have another assistant. He is much bigger and can help us move her ship inside the hangar.

Jay nodded. He had no problem with keeping his distance from the mysterious Recon.

Recon, stand guard until I return, Alex ordered.

Yes, sir, Recon replied, snapping to attention.

Alex and Jay walked to the darkened ship that had served Alex without fail for years. The open hangar door allowed in the light from the distant town. The name Freshwater Pelican revealed itself above the ship's entrance.

Corporal Flowers, Alex called from the bottom of the stairs to the open door. There was no response, and then he remembered. Grunt! Front and center, Alex barked. The plodding thud of heavy steps was audible. Jay stared intently at the doorway. Alex leaned toward him. Remember, keep your distance, kid, Alex whispered to a very intrigued Jay.

A hulking frame that filled the entire portal appeared then quickly descended the steps. Grunt stood at attention before Alex. Jay stared in awe at the heavily muscled, 6'8" specimen. Jay looked him over where he stood, awaiting the general's next command. Alex wished Grunt could fit into his clothes the way Recon did, but Grunt was stuck in those standard-issue, basic green fatigues and cap for now.

Grunt, I need you to pull that ship inside this building, Alex ordered, pointing out the hangar door.

Yes, sir, Grunt replied. The massive soldier lumbered past Jay as if he were not there then jogged the fifty yards to the small ship. Alex took a seat on the steps of the Pelican, watching as Grunt positioned his shoulder under the nose of the craft. He wrapped his massive arm around it and casually walked it back to the hangar. The ship's wheels rolled freely, as Ara had failed to lock the landing gear; it would not have made much difference if she had. Grunt walked inside the hangar with the ship. Jay closed the door behind him, and the city lights disappeared. Alex welcomed the knowledge that the small vessel was secure out of sight.

Well done, Corporal, Alex shouted into the darkness.

Yes, sir. Thank you, sir, Grunt called back. Alex shook his head and stared at the floor sadly. Thank you, sir meant Grunt did not quite get what Alex said; he did not understand the title corporal. Alex hated calling him Grunt; it seemed so cold and cruel.

Very good, Grunt, Alex corrected himself.

Yes, sir, the deep voice returned from the darkness.

Alex did not need light to know that Grunt was standing where he put the ship down, awaiting a new command. Jay stood in silence, still absorbing the sight of the giant figure. After a quiet minute or so, Alex exhaled audibly and stood up.

Grunt! Front and center, Alex commanded. The sound of heavy boots moved his way. I need you to guard the ship.

Yes, sir, Grunt replied, taking his post next to the Pelican's steps. Although the ship needed no guard, Alex felt good about giving the corporal something to do. Alex turned and walked back to the office, Jay following close behind.

Reclined in the chair, Ara lay still, her breathing labored and shallow. Recon stood next to her motionless. Alex moved to her side and put his ear to her mouth. She needed pure oxygen now. He gently gathered her in his arms and made his way to the Pelican. Kid, turn a light on out here, he shouted. Recon, follow me.

The lights above the Pelican came on as he reached the steps. Grunt stood immobile, eyes forward. Alex knew the oxygen mask was with the medical supplies. Alex made his way onto the ship then to his quarters. Ara was gasping as he placed her gently on his bed. Recon stood in the doorway, waiting for his orders.

Recon, get the oxygen equipment and administer aid to the girl, Alex ordered.

Yes, sir, Recon replied, quickly retrieving the needed items. Recon had been programmed with extensive field-medic data and knew precisely what to do. Alex stepped aside, watching as Recon administered the oxygen to Ara. She drew in one deep breath then another, seeming to level off.

Very good, Recon, Alex said in a calm, relieved voice. Now please care for her in any way you can, he concluded.

Yes, sir, Recon replied, and Alex turned away. She would be in good hands with the more-than-capable sergeant.

Alex went to the kitchen for a glass of water. He gulped it slowly, noting that it was almost midnight and he still had work to do.

Coffee, he thought aloud. That would be nice. He started a pot before going to check on Ara once more.

Alex could see her chest rising and falling at a steady, relaxed rate; she was resting peacefully. Recon was crouched next to her, studying her condition. Satisfied that she was safe, Alex turned and exited the ship, breezing past Grunt and going to Ara's small craft. Ara's brother would need a decent burial, he decided, before returning to the office.

Burial

Jay was sitting at the desk with his head in his hands when Alex walked in. Hey, kid. How are you holding up?

I'm okay, sir. How's the girl? Jay asked.

She will be fine. Recon is a medic and quite capable of caring for her, Alex assured him.

Oh. That's good, Jay responded with a puzzled look. Alex knew Jay was confused by the appearance of the two figures he had kept hidden from the young man. Right now, he did not have the time or energy to explain.

You wouldn't happen to have any shovels around here, would you? Alex asked.

Yes. The miners left a lot of tools here, Jay answered. Why do you ask?

I need to bury the young man, Alex replied. I also need a blanket or sheet, something to wrap his body in.

I just have what's on my bed, Jay answered, but there is a tarp in the hangar.

Good. That will do fine, Alex responded as Jay turned on another light in the back of the hangar. Jay walked Alex over to the tarp; and in the corner were spade shovels, picks, and other old mining tools. They had been left behind, forgotten on this choking planet. Jay handed Alex the best spade from the lot.

In the light, Alex got a good look at Jay's project ship. I'm not going to be here forever, Jay uttered, almost apologetically.

I know, kid, Alex replied, putting a hand on the young man's shoulder. There's a big, beautiful galaxy out there waiting for you. Jay inhaled deeply and beamed a warm smile at Alex. Thanks for the help tonight, kid.

They walked to Ara's ship and spread the tarp on the floor. I will get up there then lower him down to you, Alex said.

Yeah…okay, Jay answered nervously.

Alex realized Jay had never seen a dead body, much less handled one. Grunt can help me if you're not up to it, the general offered.

Oh, no. I can do it, Jay asserted strongly.

Great, Alex replied and sprung up to the cockpit almost effortlessly.

The sight of the lifeless young man stirred up too many memories to count for the general. He had seen more than his share of dead young soldiers torn apart and destroyed by the ravages of conflict. Alex noted that he was a good-looking, fit young man as he gently unfastened the body from the seat. He lifted then lowered the lifeless body with just his left hand. Jay awkwardly hugged the corpse and could not put him down on the tarp fast enough. Alex jumped from the craft. He gently positioned the body as its vacant, lifeless eyes stared up into the dim light. The young man was wearing a white gown similar to Ara's; it was blood-soaked from the chest down. Alex quickly wrapped him in the tarp. He did not want to see those eyes anymore.

Alex stood, turning to Jay; he asked, Where can I bury the body?

Not here, Jay responded. The entire starport is five-foot thick solid tarmac and reinforced steel. It was built to support the big mining freighters. The only soft ground, he offered, is outside the barrier.

Alex nodded, pondering his options. Then I will have to go outside the barrier. Tonight, he said sternly.

You should go in the morning, sir. Jay warned, There are wild gangs that roam out there in the dark.

Alex's military mind absorbed this information, coming to a practical solution. The planet Kilth was moonless; with night-vision goggles and Grunt, this would be a very workable mission. I want to get this done now, Alex asserted. The corporal will assist me. We'll be fine, Alex concluded, glancing in Grunt's direction.

All right, sir, Jay answered. There are only two gates: the main one toward town and the emergency exit toward the foothills.

Rolling hills would be a proper place for the young man to rest, Alex decided. Perfect. I will take the back exit, Alex stated.

Jay led Alex to the east side of the hangar. Looking out the dirty window into the darkened night, he pointed. The barrier is about a mile out. You will see two very tall poles. That's the gate. I can deactivate the gate when you get there, but only for a couple of minutes, he concluded, turning away from the window.

"Great. I have some gear in the Pelican for this mission," Alex replied with a wry smile and a wink. He turned and strolled toward the Pelican. After being cooped up in the hangar for a length of time, Alex looked forward to doing something, anything.

Recon, how is the girl doing? Alex asked as he boarded his ship.

She is stable, sir. Her vitals are unchanged, the sergeant promptly responded.

Good. I need to get some things but will be back shortly. Continue to look after her. You are doing great, Alex stated.

Ah, the coffee, Alex remembered. He poured himself a cup, sipping it as he collected the items he would need. Night-vision goggles, two-way radios, a flashlight, and gloves. Check, he thought out loud to himself. He took a deep whiff of his coffee before gulping the rest down.

Corporal, come with me, the general ordered as he exited the Pelican. No response. Grunt, he corrected. Come with me, he called again.

Yes, sir, the deep-voiced corporal answered.

Once at the office, Alex laid out his plan. Okay, kid, here is a two-way radio set to channel 5. I will call you when we reach the gate, then you open it, Alex instructed. I will need a second spade in case this old one breaks, he concluded.

Yes, sir, Jay replied, turning to fetch another shovel from the corner; Alex and Grunt followed.

Okay, Grunt, I need you to carry that, Alex ordered, pointing to the tarped body.

Yes, sir, Grunt affirmed as he effortlessly snatched up the body and slung it over his right shoulder.

When Jay returned with the extra shovel, Alex was set to go. He hung the goggles around his neck and handed both shovels to Grunt. Here, Grunt, take these, he commanded.

Yes, sir, the corporal replied, taking both shovels in his massive left hand. They were ready.

Jay, we will be at the gate in a couple of minutes, so be ready, Alex directed.

I will be, Jay assured.

Good. Alex nodded and continued, Grunt, adjust your sight to night vision.

Yes, sir. Adjustment confirmed, the corporal responded. Alex could see the pupils in the soldier's eyes had changed to a piercing red. They left the hangar.

Grunt, keep pace behind me, Alex ordered and took off at a jog. He heard Grunt's reply and his heavy footfalls keeping pace.

Feeling the need to give his lungs a decent workout, he picked his pace up to a run. It felt good to stretch his legs and clear his mind. He picked up the pace a little more. He could hear the heavy boots of the corporal behind him. Alex knew his own top speed was thirty-eight miles per hour; the hulking corporal was clocked at a max speed of twenty-six, so he kept his pace in check.

Keeping an even rhythm, Alex scanned the open tarmac. He was surprised to see another ship sitting at the northernmost end of the starport. It looked to be rather fair-sized from a distance and was shaped like a civilian exploration craft. He wondered how long it had been out there and if the ship was waiting for fuel like he was. He could see the two poles now. They stretched high into the moonless night, easily two hundred feet tall, and stood forty feet apart.

Okay, kid, we're here, Alex announced to Jay over the radio.

Already? Wow! Jay exclaimed. Okay, I'm opening it now. The force field is deactivated.

All right, we are through, Alex signaled.

Sir, I have to close it behind you. If it stays open for more than five minutes, an emergency signal is sent to the fuel cartels, Jay warned.

Then close it. I will radio you when we are ready for you to open it again.

No, that won't work, sir. The barrier will block your transmission.

Of course, good thinking, kid. Alex thought for a second. Give me exactly thirty minutes then drop the gate again. Okay?

Yes, sir. I will open it again in thirty minutes. Good luck, sir, Jay finished.

Sounds good. Thanks, kid. Close it.

Alex scanned the area; he spotted a nice flat piece of ground next to some scrub brush, about twenty yards out. Perfect, he thought, walking quietly to the spot with Grunt close behind. He took out his flashlight, outlining a rectangle on the ground for Grunt to see. Okay, you can put that down now, Alex whispered, shining the light on the bundle on Grunt's shoulder.

Yes, sir, Grunt seemed to yell, his voice cutting through the silent darkness as he laid the body on the soft ground.

Grunt, adjust the volume of your voice to my current decibel level, Alex whispered.

Grunt lowered his volume, affirmed the order in a whisper, and stood awaiting his next instructions.

Good. Now I want you to dig a hole right here, Alex again outlined the rectangle on the ground. I need the hole to be three feet wide, six feet long, and six feet deep.

Yes, sir. With that, Grunt dropped one shovel and began digging with the other.

Alex was impressed with the rate of speed with which Grunt was stabbing, scooping, and tossing the soil. Of course, digging a trench would be in his programming, Alex reasoned. This will take no time.

In less than two minutes, Grunt was knee-deep in his work. A loud clank rang out as Grunt's spade hit a large boulder. Seconds later, a rat-tat-tat-tat-tat filled the night. One of Grunt's features was a pneumatic hammer from the elbow to the palm of his left hand.

Hey! Be quiet. Alex whisper-yelled the order.

Grunt stopped and looked back at the general for a moment. Yes, sir. Thank you, sir, he responded in a whisper then returned to pummeling the rock. Rat-tat-tat-tat…until finally, the boulder broke. Grunt effortlessly tossed the chunks of stone out