Archive 99 Volume 1

By James Logan

"Archive 99" is a collection of compelling and engaging stories that challenge the frontiers of reality as we know it. Each tale is a journey through the infinite possibilities of the universe, exploring distant worlds, confronting the unknown and prompting us to reflect on our position in the immensity of the cosmos.

Volume 1

• Language: English
• Publisher: Crystal
• Release date: Dec 2, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223107873

Book preview

A lie is like a snowball; the more it rolls, the more it grows. -

Sir Walter Scott.

Index

1 - The citadel of the dead

2 - The desert

3 - Evasion

4 - Falling

6 - Anomaly

7 - Abduction

8 - Captive Fury

9 - Dark Reflections

10 - Despertar

11 - A Hero's Awakening

12 - Recovery Mission

The citadel of the dead

In the heart of the Swan Nebula, floated the USG Nangaa, a behemoth of steel and silicon nearly two kilometers long. A clever combination of mechanical engineering, particle physics and computer science had helped make it a PlanetCracker Ship-Drill, the pride of Corporation Concordance Extraction's fleet.

Dispatched to investigate the disappearance of the Nangaa, the USG Kellion, a Valor-class ship, was in the charge of Flight Lieutenant John Carver. Although he was known for his gruff and reserved nature, Carver was respected by his colleagues for his keen insight and perseverance. His training in space engineering and xenoarchaeology, along with an innate ability to solve problems, had made him a figurehead for his team.

Carver's team consisted of three space engineering specialists. The communications engineer, Sarah Vasquez, was an expert in cryptography and information theory, with a special talent for deciphering the most intricate communication systems. Despite her young age, her expertise and courage were unquestionable.

Alex Chen, the systems engineer, was known for his calm disposition and endless patience. His ability to analyze and solve complex problems in the shortest possible time was legendary within the team. When he was not solving problems, he loved to study astrophysics and cosmology.

The last member of the team, Ravi Singh, was the structural engineer. Notoriously stoic, Ravi had an exceptional ability to focus even in the most stressful situations. His understanding of advanced materials and complex structures was crucial to maintaining Kellion's structural integrity.

As they approached Nangaa's last known position, the tension aboard the Kellion increased. They did not know what awaited them. But they were ready to do everything they could to find out and, if possible, rescue their shipmates on the Nangaa. Guided by Carver's determination and backed by their specialized skills, they were ready to face whatever challenges they would encounter.

Through the Kellion's armored windshield, the Nangaa looked like an inert giant in the darkness of space. The PlanetCracker ship lay silent and dark, the only sign of its existence was the shadow it cast on the giant unknown star it was about to pierce.

Carver watched, his eyes fixed on the dead mass of Nangaa. The absence of lights or any sign of activity was troubling. The image contrasted sharply with his previous experiences on operational ships, always bustling with activity.

Prepare for docking, Carver ordered, trying to keep his voice steady.

Sarah Vasquez managed to connect to Nangaa's automated docking system. A weak and unstable connection, but enough to ensure a safe docking. The Kellion vibrated as the docking arms hooked into its structure. Feeling the slight chill through the ship's metal floor brought a shadow of reality to what until then had seemed like a nightmare.

As Carver and his team prepared to enter the Nangaa, they donned protective space suits. The suits were equipped with RCS (Reaction Control System) thrusters for mobility in weightlessness, life support systems to provide oxygen and regulate temperature, and a magnetic energy shield to protect the crew from space radiation.

The opening of the docking doors seemed to take an eternity. Each metallic squeak amplified by the echo in the empty corridor added to the suspense. The light from the Kellion's corridor slowly penetrated the darkness of