Post by coffee on Sept 21, 2005 21:01:03 GMT -5
This was a story I started over the summer, but stopped and started writing "the Naming" (see fragments).
Chapter One
The room was dark. The only light came from a small computer screen, which illuminated the room a pale blue. A hand, reached out of the darkness, grabbed the computers mouse, and double-clicked an icon labeled, Comm. Link. The computer screen flickered and went black. The room was engulfed by an unnatural darkness. A small bar appeared on the bottom of the screen, the word, loading, began blinking. The bar loaded slowly... 12%... 22%... 32%... 46%... 55%... 61%... 79%... 83%... 92%... The hand reached out and tapped the top of the screen.
“Come on, damnit!” A voice grunted. 98%... 100%... The screen flickered again and an image appeared. A man, his face, half shadowed, only showing his left eye, half his mouth, and bottom left portion of his jaw. The man looked clean-shaven, but because of the shadow, it was hard to know for sure. The lone eye was intense and hard looking; the look of a hungry animal, the look of a killer.
“What?” Static followed the voice. But anyone listening could tell he had a deep, graveled voice. The voice was use to ordering and demanding, he was a man in charge.
“Sir...uh, calling to report.” The man in the room squeaked.
“What is the time of departure?” The man demanded.
“Sir, uh, the crew told me something about five ‘o clock am.”
“’Something?’” He snarled.
“Yeh...yes, sir.” The man stuttered.
The shadowed image took a deep breath. “Worthless. I want facts understand?” He did not wait for an answer. “Good. You will report to me after first camp planet-side. And listen up you little worm. I’m not paying you to be on vacation, I want information! I want facts and I want them soon. So stop relaxing and get me my information or I will personally end you!” The screen blinked black, and once again, the room was swallowed in darkness.
The man quivered in the darkness. ‘What have I done? What was I thinking? There is no way out... if I try, he’ll kill me... Damnit! I have sold my soul to the devil... and I am his slave...’
The United States Space Shuttle: Expedition 07, hovered weightlessly above the alien planet of Rain Land.
Doctor Alyna Kershaw sat on a sofa in the break room, staring at a page of the book she had been reading. She finished reading the page five minutes ago, but now, she was lost in thought.
A voice broke her trance. A man approached her and held out his hand. His brown hair cut too short, revealing his many cowlicks, she thought.
“Ma’am can you hear me?” The man asked.
She blinked, “Oh, my apologies.” She shook his hand.
“Ah, no need.” He sat down on the chair in front of her. “My names Scott. I’m the meteorologist.” He said proudly.
She considered the man for a moment, believing him to good looking to be a meteorologist; she was comparing him to the weatherman on the news back home. “Meteorologist, huh?”
“Yes ma’am. Why, my old man’s one, too.” He laughed. “He’s not too good at it though... better at shootin’ snakes in the back yard.”
She noticed his accent and decided to mention it. “That’s quite the accent you got, where you from?”
“Me? I’m from Georgia.” He leaned back in his chair. “Atlanta. Where you from?”
‘I don't think it matters where I’m...’ “Austin, Texas.”
“Texas?” He echoed her. “I don't hear a Texas accent.” He lifted an arm and scratched behind his head, his short sleeve shirt rolled to his shoulder revealing his arm.
Alyna noticed his muscular arms and began wondering how munch he could lift. “Well, my parents were born in Montana, then moved to Texas. Then I was born, and we lived in Texas for only three or so years, and then moved back to Montana. I moved back to Austin eight years ago.”
“Ah okay, so...” He began but was instantly cut off by an intruder.
“Good golly, Miss Molly!” A voice yelled from across the break room. Standing by the door was a Latino man. He moved toward the pair. His hair was long and ended close to the middle of his back. The long black hair was also tied into a ponytail and swayed from side to side as he walked.
“Well, never in this Mexicano’s life would I think I’d see my sweet baby sister again!” The man walked over and hugged Alyna tightly, then kissed her on the forehead. “Oh mi dios! Dónde usted ha estado?” He spoke rapidly.
“Since when do you speak Spanish?” Alyna looked at the Latino is surprise.
“Oh. I’ve been taking lessons. Gotta know ya heritage, ya know?’” He took a seat next to her. “I just said-and I quote. ‘Oh my god! Where have you been!’?”
“Oh, you know, here and there and everywhere.” She chuckled. “Where’ you been, Eddy? Off chasing tail again I assume?” Eddy tickled her ribs playfully. She laughed and lightly smacked him on the head, and Eddy backed off.
“Ah, yeah! Found me a nice piece of...” His eyebrows rose and he put his hand on his chin, “Ah yeah... pedazo de la cola.” He struggled with the words.
“Really, Eddy, what you been up to?” Alyna looked at Eddy questionably and wondered what he had said.
“Ah, found me a honey to spend my life with. We got a kid!” He spoke excitedly as he leaned further into the sofa. “This is a nice couch ‘eh?”
“A kid? Eddy you got her knocked up and you married her didn't you?” She gasped.
“Ah no! You got it wrong baby sister. I married her then three hours later I got her knocked up!” He laughed loudly. Only after he calmed his laughing did he notice Scott. “Oh, sorry.” He leaned forward and extended this hand. “My names Eddy Garcia, I’m one of the Biologists.”
“Scott Rowe, Meteorologist.” They shook hands.
“So I see you met my baby sister ‘eh?” He eyed Scott up and down. “Yeah, I guess you’ll do. How much you bench?”
“Eddy!” She punched him on the arm.
“What baby sister? I’m just lookin’ out for ya!” He smiled at her then turned his focus back to Scott, “No seriously how much? Two-Two fifty?” She hit him again.
Eddy turned and stared at Alyna. “Ya know you got some anger issues. I thought I told ya no more tequila.” The pair laughed.
“You two brother and sister?” Scott crossed his arms and tried to lean further back in his seat. He was uncomfortable with Eddy around. Something about the little Latino did not sit right with Scott.
“Yeah, can’t you see the resemblance?” Eddy leaned over and put his cheek to Alyna’s.
Scott grinned slightly and raised an eyebrow questionably. They had absolutely no resemblance at all.
“No. Not by blood.” Alyna pushed Eddy away.
“Ah, you gonna put me down like that baby sister? I thought we we’re like this.” He crossed his middle and forefinger.
“Eddy, honey, if you and me were ever that close I’d say it was in one of your dreams.” The pair laughed cheerfully.
“So you guys know each other from?” Scott studied the pair.
Alyna calmed herself and began. “We met at college, I was-” Before she could start Eddy cut her off.
“Getting drunk with some quarterback named Bobby Busch!” He snorted.
“No I wasn’t getting drunk. I had only a few drinks and was talking to Bobby to pass the time.” She held up a finger before Eddy could open his mouth. “And yes, I was fully aware he wanted to get into my pants.”
“Yeah, yeah, whatever ya say baby sister. I just want it on the record that I saved ya from that asshole.”Eddy grinned.
“No you didn’t save me, he gave me a kiss, and you gave him two black eyes and a bad broken arm ending his football career.” She jabbed fingers at him.
“Whatever. Ancient history. All I know now is that I can’t wait to get to the planet and start my job!” Eddy clasped his hands together and broadly grinned.
“Speaking of the planet. Have you guys seen anyone else that's goin’?” Scott asked.
“No, it’s weird, have you?” Alyna asked. Her smile faded as she began pondering the absence of the other scientists.
“No I haven’t, it’s kinda weird actually.” Scott looked at his watch. “We’ve been awake for six hours now.”
Eddy stretched on the couch, extending his arms and legs. “I don’t know ‘bout you guys, but I didn’t like those frozen bed things we were sleeping in. My neck’s been sore since I woke up.” He rubbed the back of his neck roughly.
“Eddy, I know whatcha mean, my leg has been half asleep for-” Scott looked toward the door of the wreck room as a large man walked into the room.
Eddy stared wide eyed at the large, elderly man. Never had he seen such bulk since his Uncle Randy and Rodney. The man that walked into the room made both of his Uncles look puny.
The large man walked over to the group. He had short, salt and pepper hair that was thinning. He walked heavily, with every step came a loud thump! Each step reminded Alyna of an old Frankenstein movie.
“My name is Doctor Nathan Sawyer.” The old man’s voice boomed. “You cannot call me Grandpa, Grandpappy, Old man, Nate, or Doc. I am Doc-Tor, Nath-An, Saw-Yer.” He tilted back his head, almost as if he was showing off his long, Santa Clause-like beard. “I am one of the Botanists of the scientific expedition to...” He lowered his head and searched his pockets but pulled out nothing. “To... to...” his wrinkled face grew red with frustration. “Ah never mind.” He walked away.
“Temper, temper.” Eddy chuckled when the older man left the room.
“That’s the other Botanist?” Alyna groaned.
“I feel so sorry you.” Scott said.
Over the next two hours, the three grew to be good friends. Sharing their experiences and future dreams, and telling each other jokes and secrets.
After much conversation, Eddy got off the couch and walked over to one of the four pool tables in the wreck room. “Scott Rowe, Meteorologist.” He cocked his head to the side with a grin. “You wanna play me?”
Scott wrinkled his face at the thought of playing pool. The last game he had played pool he lost, and he was playing a fifteen year old at the time.
“Oh hell, why not?” Scott got out of his chair and walked to the pool table.
“How much, thirty maybe forty?” Eddy pulled out his wallet.
“Well, hey why don't you pass some of that this way.” Scott held out a hand jokingly.
“Give? Hell no hombre, we play for cash!” Eddy spoke with an evil smile across his lips. A smile the devil would be weary of.
The three scientists walked down the long hallway that led to the cafeteria. The expedition team was to meet in the cafeteria at six ‘o clock, once they awoke from their frozen slumber.
“Damn, Eddy, I didn't know anyone could play pool that good.” Scott shook his head. “I practically gave you that seventy five bucks.”
“Yeah, well, ya know. I’m just damn good at playin’ pool for a fool’s money. A fool like you.” Eddy laughed.
“I didn't think you did to bad Scott.” Alyna patted Scott's back. “You did better than most against this fool here.” She thrusted a thumb towards Eddy.
“Now is that called for baby sister?” He lowered his head. “And I thought you liked me.” He chuckled.
“Oh, I do like you Eddy.” She patted the top of his head. “But, you know, I’d like you even better if a tombstone was above your head.”
“Ah, baby sister, you’re so kind, I should give you an award.” He searched his pockets and pulled out dime. He grabbed her hand and put the dime in her palm. “This dime here represents the love I have for you.” He paused, pretending to whip away a tear. “I only gave you the dime, because that's all you’re worth.” He laughed.
“Eddy!” She punched on the arm.
“Okay, baby sister! Okay... gee that kinda hurt...” He rubbed the spot she hit.
“I think we’re late.” Scott pointed at the open cafeteria door.
“No we’re not late; we’re just not on time.” Eddy chuckled, still rubbing his arm.
The three walked into cafeteria. The smell of food ignited senses and reminded the threesome of how hungry they were. Alyna found a chair and sat down. There were only seven people in the room when they walked in. Alyna wondered why they were so small a number. Normally an expedition team consisted of many more people than the ten that were apparently going. She shrugged of the thought and sat down behind a blonde man. Eddy and Scott took off in the direction of the food tables. Alyna began to rise from her seat to follow the two.
“Hey.” The man in front of her turned around. “I’m Thomas Arch.” He held out a hand and smiled.
She shook his hand. “I’m Alyna Kershaw, one of the Botanists.” She smiled. There was no going to the food tables now. She let the thought of food dissipate as she eyed Thomas Arch. He was handsome and had shaggy blonde hair with bright blue eyes.
“Botanist huh?”
“Yeah why?”
“Oh, just you got Doc-Tor, Nath-An, Saw-Yer to deal with.” His expression turned to a disgusted look and jabbed a thumb at the old man sitting on the far wall of the room. “So he gave you that bit too huh?” She shook her head. “As long as he doesn’t interfere with my work, I don't care if he hangs himself.”
“Those are some strong words. But yeah, you’re right. Good luck with the no interference though. He seems to like to take charge and be the big boss man.”
“Why do you say that?” She shifted in her seat.
“’Cause, I was in the library reading some reports on the land, you know, being the Geologist, it’s my job. I was taking notes when Grandpappy,” he smiled broadly, “came over and picked up my notes. Then he threw them on the ground, leaned over, was nose to nose with me, and said something about how I can’t read reports and that my work is crap. The old geezer said it was because of scientists like me that give science and doctors like him a bad name. Then he walked off.” He cleared his throat. “You know, back home in California...” A noise drew his attention away from Alyna. He turned around in his seat. “The guy that's going to brief us on the expedition is here.”
A tall man walked into the cafeteria, and made his way to the front of the ten scientists. His hair was white and combed straight back, revealing his scalp. His beard, neatly trimmed and white as snow, sculpted to his broad chin, gave him a distinguished look, a look of a man in charge. The man’s face was dark brown, he had but a few wrinkles. As Alyna watched the man, she noticed a large scar that descended from the top of his eyebrow to the bottom of his jaw line.
The man stood, arms behind his back, legs apart; a military stance. His face showed no expression, and his eyes scanned across the group of scientists.
“My name is Colonel Markman.” The man’s eyes continued scanning, giving the effect of looking each in the eye. His eyes met Alyna’s; he raised an eyebrow slowly and grinned out of the side of his mouth. Alyna shifted her gaze from the man and her cheeks flushed. She noticed Eddy and Scott making their way back from the food tables with three plates of food. She heard her stomach rumble, reminding her that she was extremely hungry. Eddy handed Alyna a plate of food as he took his seat.
“Eat baby sister.” He whispered, and then began eating his own food: A sandwich with a side of barbecue chips.
Alyna looked at her own plate; it was the same thing, a wheat sandwich with a side of barbecue chips. She sighed softly. She had been hoping for a steak and a baked potato.
“I am here on official United States government business. At this time I am to brief you on your current scientific objectives.” Colonel Markman began. A man sitting toward the middle of the ten scientists raised his hand. “What?” The Colonel’s tone was impatient.
The man stood. He was Chinese and had jet-black hair and a thin mustache. The man was thin looking, as if he had not eaten in few days. Alyna stared at the Chinese man for a moment, then her sight fell upon the Colonel, whose impatience was clearly visible through his contorted face.
“My name is Doctor Huang, MD. You said you were on ‘official United States government business’?” The man crossed his arms and tilted his head back.
“Yes I did.” The Colonel gave Huang a hard look. “What of it?”
“What official business?” Huang uncrossed his arms, put his hands in his pocket and shifted his stance nervously. The Colonels glare made Huang uneasy.
“That is none of your concern. Now if you would be so kind as to sit your yellow ass down and shut up!” He almost shouted.
Huang sat down immediately, lowered his head, and did not look at the Colonel for the remainder of the briefing.
“As I was saying before I was interrupted.” He glared at Huang. “The exploration team-that's you. Will be going planet-side to study the plants, animals, soils, and waters, or whatever else your type does. Now, you will have security so don’t worry. A squad of U.S. Army Rangers will accompany you during you entire expedition. Doctor Hunt-that is the Head of Scientific Operations- will give you a more thorough briefing upon your arrival.” He scanned over the ten scientists again. “This is a one-in-a-life-time opportunity for you... I hope you realize that. Now I can tell you something Doctor Hunt will not... The animals on Rain Land are vicious and will kill you if hungry enough. If you see something that’s bigger than you...kill it. Don’t take chances damnit. I’ve had too many Rangers die because of unfriendly cats or bugs. And they are trained soldiers. That’s all I am cleared to say...actually it’s more than I am cleared for. I apologize for the lack of information.”
Scott got up from his seat and slowly stretched, and began leaving the cafeteria. “I’ll see y’all later, I’m gonna get some sleep.” He turned and yawned loudly.
“Sleep?” Eddy stretched his arms across the tops of the chairs to either side of him. “Why you gonna do a stupid thing like sleep when we got the whole ship to mess ‘round in? Besides, we were asleep for three months.”
“’Cause we’re leaving early tomorrow. Colonel Markman forgot to mention that part. We’re gettin’ up at five ‘o clock.” Scott turned back around and left the cafeteria.
“Well baby sister, I’m gonna follow Scotty boy. Sleep sounds like a good idea if we’re gonna get up at five ‘o clock in the morning.” Eddy yawned loudly, as if trying to convince Alyna to follow Scott’s example. When the gesture failed, he headed after Scott.
“Then looks like I’ll do what I want.” Alyna smiled. “Explore.” She picked up her plate of food and took the last bite of sandwich, but left the chips alone, then headed out of the cafeteria to explore the ship that she had been sleeping in for three months.
Alyna walked silently down the long, cold hallway that led to God knows where. She had been exploring the shuttle for the past few hours and had found many interesting things. The south end of the shuttle is the engine room, and the crew down there was very inviting. The west side of the ship is the crew’s living quarters and storage compartments. However, not many people were over there. The east side is where the expedition team was sleeping. It is also, where the cafeteria and wreck rooms are. Many of the crewmen go there on their lunch break to have a little fun before going back to work. When Alyna was in the wreck room, many of the crewmen were very anxious to teach her how to play pool. She smiled to herself, remembering how they had wanted to get close to her so desperately. She had toyed with them the full hour she had been down there. However, this moment was not full of joy and flirtation. She had left the wreck rooms and headed north, toward what she believed to be the cockpit or officers quarters. Though the walk had been scary thus forth, she was determined to explore the entire Navy vessel. Once or twice, she believed herself to be lost. There were no maps on the walls to redirect a lost person such as herself, nor where there any signs telling what were in the many doors she had previously passed.
The further she walked down the long hallway, the stranger things seem to become. Loud noises clanked and clunked, snapped and popped. She began hearing people. The voices seemed to come at her from nowhere, but no one was ahead of her. She could see ahead a few hundred feet and only a single door was visible.
“This place is creepy...” She whispered.
The noises grew louder and louder the closer she moved toward the door. She approached the door slowly, stepping lightly, as if she were walking into a bear’s den and did not want to wake the beast. She put her palm against the cold metal door, vibrations shot through her arm instantly. She pulled her hand back quickly, holding it to her chest like it hurt. She bit her bottom lip and reached for the door handle. Moving slowly she put her hand on the handle, the vibrations rattled her arm, she pulled the door slightly, and a flashing light blinded her shortly as she opened the door further.
A piercing scream startled her. She jumped and screamed loudly. The light stopped flashing instantly. She rubbed her eyes quickly to clear her vision, and found she was staring at a large white screen. She lowered her gaze and met the eyes of twenty or so crewmen, of who, most had a bag of popcorn and a can of beer in their hands. She began laughing aloud; she was completely embarrassed. Alyna put her hand over her eyes to try to hide her embarrassment. The twenty or so crewmen began laughing as well, though they were laughing at her, not with her.
“Hey lady!” A high-pitched voice yelled out.
She lifted her hands to see a small, gangly looking man hop off a seat and approach her.
“Hey lady?” He tilted his head to the side. “You wanna watch a movie with the boys and me?”
“What you mean ‘boys’!” The crewmen began laughing again. “You the only boy on this metal hunk of cra- I mean fine vessel.” A large, muscular black man rose from his seat and walked over to her. “My apologies ma’am. We tend to have our flicks a little too loud. Capin’ says we gonna go deaf.”
“No I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.” Her cheeks flushed. She bit her lip again. “Sorry.”
“Don’t be. That was the funniest thing I’ve seen on this ship since Rat first walked on.” A man in the front yelled out.
“Hey! Why don’t ya come on ova here and say that to my face!” The tiny crewman shouted, shaking a fist angrily.
“Ma’am, would you like to watch a movie with us?” The large black man asked. His voice was strangely deep, but had an innocent sound.
“Sure, why not?” She walked shyly down the row of chairs. She noticed the crewmen staring at her.
The large black man jogged down beside her. “You can sit here, it’s a nice seat, you get both speakers on either side, and your in the middle.” He smiled.
“Thank you... uh... I didn’t get your name.” She held out a hand. “I’m Alyna, you can call me Ally.”
“I’m Jacob, that there is Rat-” He pointed at the tiny crewman. “That guy is Robby. ” He pointed at the crewman toward the front that made the remark about Rat.
The crewmen began blurting out their names and patting the seats next to them, but she couldn’t remember all their names, and she sure didn’t want to sit next to them. So, she decided to sit down next to Jacob, in the seat he indicated. She noticed Jacob’s large arms. “That’s a strong arm Jacob.”
“Yes ma’am, I’m an engineer. But most of the time I just carry parts from place to place.”
“Engineer my ass! I bet the only thing you can fix is a dinner plate!” Rat started laughing. His laugh sounded like a high pitch squeal. Alyna shivered at the sound of Rat’s squeal. It was an evil sounding laugh. Though, she hardly believed Rat could be evil.
“It cold in here?” Jacob looked down at her with a warm smile.
“Oh, no. What movie are we watching?” She smiled back.
“One of my favorites: a remade Dracula movie!” His smiled broadened as he leaded further back into his chair. He grabbed a popcorn bag next to him and offered her some. She refused.
The movie screen flickered and an image of a woman running through woods appeared. The woman screamed as she fell to the ground, tripping over some unseen object. Alyna smiled to herself. Even in the twenty second century, horror movies still seemed ridiculous and everything too predictable. She noticed Jacob who ate his popcorn rapidly, focused entirely on the movie; his eyes widened as Dracula appeared on the screen and revealed his fangs.
The jungle around her seemed to move with every movement she made. Vines and bushes almost seemed to jump up at her as she ran faster and faster. Gunshots nearby startled her and caused her to fall face first onto the moist ground. She rolled over in time to see a large, muscular man lift a pistol and aim at her head. His face, painted green and black contorted with fierce anger. The face painted man laughed menacingly as he pulled the trigger.
Alyna shot up in her bed, gasping for breath. Her forehead was dripping with perspiration. She blinked her eyes several times. The image of the man standing above her haunted her mind. She realized it was only a dream. However, everything felt so real. The moist ground, the bushes and vines that hit and cut at her at every opportunity. Alyna closed her eyes and took a deep calming breath, then looked at the clock on the bedside table. 1:23 am.
“Four and a half hours ‘till wake up.” She mumbled.
She got off her bed and put on a pair of pajama pants and a tank top, then slid on a pair of slippers. Alyna walked toward the door of her room while repeating to herself. “Only a dream. Only a dream.” She opened the door and headed to the cafeteria. “Coffee...” She said aloud.
Chapter One
The room was dark. The only light came from a small computer screen, which illuminated the room a pale blue. A hand, reached out of the darkness, grabbed the computers mouse, and double-clicked an icon labeled, Comm. Link. The computer screen flickered and went black. The room was engulfed by an unnatural darkness. A small bar appeared on the bottom of the screen, the word, loading, began blinking. The bar loaded slowly... 12%... 22%... 32%... 46%... 55%... 61%... 79%... 83%... 92%... The hand reached out and tapped the top of the screen.
“Come on, damnit!” A voice grunted. 98%... 100%... The screen flickered again and an image appeared. A man, his face, half shadowed, only showing his left eye, half his mouth, and bottom left portion of his jaw. The man looked clean-shaven, but because of the shadow, it was hard to know for sure. The lone eye was intense and hard looking; the look of a hungry animal, the look of a killer.
“What?” Static followed the voice. But anyone listening could tell he had a deep, graveled voice. The voice was use to ordering and demanding, he was a man in charge.
“Sir...uh, calling to report.” The man in the room squeaked.
“What is the time of departure?” The man demanded.
“Sir, uh, the crew told me something about five ‘o clock am.”
“’Something?’” He snarled.
“Yeh...yes, sir.” The man stuttered.
The shadowed image took a deep breath. “Worthless. I want facts understand?” He did not wait for an answer. “Good. You will report to me after first camp planet-side. And listen up you little worm. I’m not paying you to be on vacation, I want information! I want facts and I want them soon. So stop relaxing and get me my information or I will personally end you!” The screen blinked black, and once again, the room was swallowed in darkness.
The man quivered in the darkness. ‘What have I done? What was I thinking? There is no way out... if I try, he’ll kill me... Damnit! I have sold my soul to the devil... and I am his slave...’
The United States Space Shuttle: Expedition 07, hovered weightlessly above the alien planet of Rain Land.
Doctor Alyna Kershaw sat on a sofa in the break room, staring at a page of the book she had been reading. She finished reading the page five minutes ago, but now, she was lost in thought.
A voice broke her trance. A man approached her and held out his hand. His brown hair cut too short, revealing his many cowlicks, she thought.
“Ma’am can you hear me?” The man asked.
She blinked, “Oh, my apologies.” She shook his hand.
“Ah, no need.” He sat down on the chair in front of her. “My names Scott. I’m the meteorologist.” He said proudly.
She considered the man for a moment, believing him to good looking to be a meteorologist; she was comparing him to the weatherman on the news back home. “Meteorologist, huh?”
“Yes ma’am. Why, my old man’s one, too.” He laughed. “He’s not too good at it though... better at shootin’ snakes in the back yard.”
She noticed his accent and decided to mention it. “That’s quite the accent you got, where you from?”
“Me? I’m from Georgia.” He leaned back in his chair. “Atlanta. Where you from?”
‘I don't think it matters where I’m...’ “Austin, Texas.”
“Texas?” He echoed her. “I don't hear a Texas accent.” He lifted an arm and scratched behind his head, his short sleeve shirt rolled to his shoulder revealing his arm.
Alyna noticed his muscular arms and began wondering how munch he could lift. “Well, my parents were born in Montana, then moved to Texas. Then I was born, and we lived in Texas for only three or so years, and then moved back to Montana. I moved back to Austin eight years ago.”
“Ah okay, so...” He began but was instantly cut off by an intruder.
“Good golly, Miss Molly!” A voice yelled from across the break room. Standing by the door was a Latino man. He moved toward the pair. His hair was long and ended close to the middle of his back. The long black hair was also tied into a ponytail and swayed from side to side as he walked.
“Well, never in this Mexicano’s life would I think I’d see my sweet baby sister again!” The man walked over and hugged Alyna tightly, then kissed her on the forehead. “Oh mi dios! Dónde usted ha estado?” He spoke rapidly.
“Since when do you speak Spanish?” Alyna looked at the Latino is surprise.
“Oh. I’ve been taking lessons. Gotta know ya heritage, ya know?’” He took a seat next to her. “I just said-and I quote. ‘Oh my god! Where have you been!’?”
“Oh, you know, here and there and everywhere.” She chuckled. “Where’ you been, Eddy? Off chasing tail again I assume?” Eddy tickled her ribs playfully. She laughed and lightly smacked him on the head, and Eddy backed off.
“Ah, yeah! Found me a nice piece of...” His eyebrows rose and he put his hand on his chin, “Ah yeah... pedazo de la cola.” He struggled with the words.
“Really, Eddy, what you been up to?” Alyna looked at Eddy questionably and wondered what he had said.
“Ah, found me a honey to spend my life with. We got a kid!” He spoke excitedly as he leaned further into the sofa. “This is a nice couch ‘eh?”
“A kid? Eddy you got her knocked up and you married her didn't you?” She gasped.
“Ah no! You got it wrong baby sister. I married her then three hours later I got her knocked up!” He laughed loudly. Only after he calmed his laughing did he notice Scott. “Oh, sorry.” He leaned forward and extended this hand. “My names Eddy Garcia, I’m one of the Biologists.”
“Scott Rowe, Meteorologist.” They shook hands.
“So I see you met my baby sister ‘eh?” He eyed Scott up and down. “Yeah, I guess you’ll do. How much you bench?”
“Eddy!” She punched him on the arm.
“What baby sister? I’m just lookin’ out for ya!” He smiled at her then turned his focus back to Scott, “No seriously how much? Two-Two fifty?” She hit him again.
Eddy turned and stared at Alyna. “Ya know you got some anger issues. I thought I told ya no more tequila.” The pair laughed.
“You two brother and sister?” Scott crossed his arms and tried to lean further back in his seat. He was uncomfortable with Eddy around. Something about the little Latino did not sit right with Scott.
“Yeah, can’t you see the resemblance?” Eddy leaned over and put his cheek to Alyna’s.
Scott grinned slightly and raised an eyebrow questionably. They had absolutely no resemblance at all.
“No. Not by blood.” Alyna pushed Eddy away.
“Ah, you gonna put me down like that baby sister? I thought we we’re like this.” He crossed his middle and forefinger.
“Eddy, honey, if you and me were ever that close I’d say it was in one of your dreams.” The pair laughed cheerfully.
“So you guys know each other from?” Scott studied the pair.
Alyna calmed herself and began. “We met at college, I was-” Before she could start Eddy cut her off.
“Getting drunk with some quarterback named Bobby Busch!” He snorted.
“No I wasn’t getting drunk. I had only a few drinks and was talking to Bobby to pass the time.” She held up a finger before Eddy could open his mouth. “And yes, I was fully aware he wanted to get into my pants.”
“Yeah, yeah, whatever ya say baby sister. I just want it on the record that I saved ya from that asshole.”Eddy grinned.
“No you didn’t save me, he gave me a kiss, and you gave him two black eyes and a bad broken arm ending his football career.” She jabbed fingers at him.
“Whatever. Ancient history. All I know now is that I can’t wait to get to the planet and start my job!” Eddy clasped his hands together and broadly grinned.
“Speaking of the planet. Have you guys seen anyone else that's goin’?” Scott asked.
“No, it’s weird, have you?” Alyna asked. Her smile faded as she began pondering the absence of the other scientists.
“No I haven’t, it’s kinda weird actually.” Scott looked at his watch. “We’ve been awake for six hours now.”
Eddy stretched on the couch, extending his arms and legs. “I don’t know ‘bout you guys, but I didn’t like those frozen bed things we were sleeping in. My neck’s been sore since I woke up.” He rubbed the back of his neck roughly.
“Eddy, I know whatcha mean, my leg has been half asleep for-” Scott looked toward the door of the wreck room as a large man walked into the room.
Eddy stared wide eyed at the large, elderly man. Never had he seen such bulk since his Uncle Randy and Rodney. The man that walked into the room made both of his Uncles look puny.
The large man walked over to the group. He had short, salt and pepper hair that was thinning. He walked heavily, with every step came a loud thump! Each step reminded Alyna of an old Frankenstein movie.
“My name is Doctor Nathan Sawyer.” The old man’s voice boomed. “You cannot call me Grandpa, Grandpappy, Old man, Nate, or Doc. I am Doc-Tor, Nath-An, Saw-Yer.” He tilted back his head, almost as if he was showing off his long, Santa Clause-like beard. “I am one of the Botanists of the scientific expedition to...” He lowered his head and searched his pockets but pulled out nothing. “To... to...” his wrinkled face grew red with frustration. “Ah never mind.” He walked away.
“Temper, temper.” Eddy chuckled when the older man left the room.
“That’s the other Botanist?” Alyna groaned.
“I feel so sorry you.” Scott said.
Over the next two hours, the three grew to be good friends. Sharing their experiences and future dreams, and telling each other jokes and secrets.
After much conversation, Eddy got off the couch and walked over to one of the four pool tables in the wreck room. “Scott Rowe, Meteorologist.” He cocked his head to the side with a grin. “You wanna play me?”
Scott wrinkled his face at the thought of playing pool. The last game he had played pool he lost, and he was playing a fifteen year old at the time.
“Oh hell, why not?” Scott got out of his chair and walked to the pool table.
“How much, thirty maybe forty?” Eddy pulled out his wallet.
“Well, hey why don't you pass some of that this way.” Scott held out a hand jokingly.
“Give? Hell no hombre, we play for cash!” Eddy spoke with an evil smile across his lips. A smile the devil would be weary of.
The three scientists walked down the long hallway that led to the cafeteria. The expedition team was to meet in the cafeteria at six ‘o clock, once they awoke from their frozen slumber.
“Damn, Eddy, I didn't know anyone could play pool that good.” Scott shook his head. “I practically gave you that seventy five bucks.”
“Yeah, well, ya know. I’m just damn good at playin’ pool for a fool’s money. A fool like you.” Eddy laughed.
“I didn't think you did to bad Scott.” Alyna patted Scott's back. “You did better than most against this fool here.” She thrusted a thumb towards Eddy.
“Now is that called for baby sister?” He lowered his head. “And I thought you liked me.” He chuckled.
“Oh, I do like you Eddy.” She patted the top of his head. “But, you know, I’d like you even better if a tombstone was above your head.”
“Ah, baby sister, you’re so kind, I should give you an award.” He searched his pockets and pulled out dime. He grabbed her hand and put the dime in her palm. “This dime here represents the love I have for you.” He paused, pretending to whip away a tear. “I only gave you the dime, because that's all you’re worth.” He laughed.
“Eddy!” She punched on the arm.
“Okay, baby sister! Okay... gee that kinda hurt...” He rubbed the spot she hit.
“I think we’re late.” Scott pointed at the open cafeteria door.
“No we’re not late; we’re just not on time.” Eddy chuckled, still rubbing his arm.
The three walked into cafeteria. The smell of food ignited senses and reminded the threesome of how hungry they were. Alyna found a chair and sat down. There were only seven people in the room when they walked in. Alyna wondered why they were so small a number. Normally an expedition team consisted of many more people than the ten that were apparently going. She shrugged of the thought and sat down behind a blonde man. Eddy and Scott took off in the direction of the food tables. Alyna began to rise from her seat to follow the two.
“Hey.” The man in front of her turned around. “I’m Thomas Arch.” He held out a hand and smiled.
She shook his hand. “I’m Alyna Kershaw, one of the Botanists.” She smiled. There was no going to the food tables now. She let the thought of food dissipate as she eyed Thomas Arch. He was handsome and had shaggy blonde hair with bright blue eyes.
“Botanist huh?”
“Yeah why?”
“Oh, just you got Doc-Tor, Nath-An, Saw-Yer to deal with.” His expression turned to a disgusted look and jabbed a thumb at the old man sitting on the far wall of the room. “So he gave you that bit too huh?” She shook her head. “As long as he doesn’t interfere with my work, I don't care if he hangs himself.”
“Those are some strong words. But yeah, you’re right. Good luck with the no interference though. He seems to like to take charge and be the big boss man.”
“Why do you say that?” She shifted in her seat.
“’Cause, I was in the library reading some reports on the land, you know, being the Geologist, it’s my job. I was taking notes when Grandpappy,” he smiled broadly, “came over and picked up my notes. Then he threw them on the ground, leaned over, was nose to nose with me, and said something about how I can’t read reports and that my work is crap. The old geezer said it was because of scientists like me that give science and doctors like him a bad name. Then he walked off.” He cleared his throat. “You know, back home in California...” A noise drew his attention away from Alyna. He turned around in his seat. “The guy that's going to brief us on the expedition is here.”
A tall man walked into the cafeteria, and made his way to the front of the ten scientists. His hair was white and combed straight back, revealing his scalp. His beard, neatly trimmed and white as snow, sculpted to his broad chin, gave him a distinguished look, a look of a man in charge. The man’s face was dark brown, he had but a few wrinkles. As Alyna watched the man, she noticed a large scar that descended from the top of his eyebrow to the bottom of his jaw line.
The man stood, arms behind his back, legs apart; a military stance. His face showed no expression, and his eyes scanned across the group of scientists.
“My name is Colonel Markman.” The man’s eyes continued scanning, giving the effect of looking each in the eye. His eyes met Alyna’s; he raised an eyebrow slowly and grinned out of the side of his mouth. Alyna shifted her gaze from the man and her cheeks flushed. She noticed Eddy and Scott making their way back from the food tables with three plates of food. She heard her stomach rumble, reminding her that she was extremely hungry. Eddy handed Alyna a plate of food as he took his seat.
“Eat baby sister.” He whispered, and then began eating his own food: A sandwich with a side of barbecue chips.
Alyna looked at her own plate; it was the same thing, a wheat sandwich with a side of barbecue chips. She sighed softly. She had been hoping for a steak and a baked potato.
“I am here on official United States government business. At this time I am to brief you on your current scientific objectives.” Colonel Markman began. A man sitting toward the middle of the ten scientists raised his hand. “What?” The Colonel’s tone was impatient.
The man stood. He was Chinese and had jet-black hair and a thin mustache. The man was thin looking, as if he had not eaten in few days. Alyna stared at the Chinese man for a moment, then her sight fell upon the Colonel, whose impatience was clearly visible through his contorted face.
“My name is Doctor Huang, MD. You said you were on ‘official United States government business’?” The man crossed his arms and tilted his head back.
“Yes I did.” The Colonel gave Huang a hard look. “What of it?”
“What official business?” Huang uncrossed his arms, put his hands in his pocket and shifted his stance nervously. The Colonels glare made Huang uneasy.
“That is none of your concern. Now if you would be so kind as to sit your yellow ass down and shut up!” He almost shouted.
Huang sat down immediately, lowered his head, and did not look at the Colonel for the remainder of the briefing.
“As I was saying before I was interrupted.” He glared at Huang. “The exploration team-that's you. Will be going planet-side to study the plants, animals, soils, and waters, or whatever else your type does. Now, you will have security so don’t worry. A squad of U.S. Army Rangers will accompany you during you entire expedition. Doctor Hunt-that is the Head of Scientific Operations- will give you a more thorough briefing upon your arrival.” He scanned over the ten scientists again. “This is a one-in-a-life-time opportunity for you... I hope you realize that. Now I can tell you something Doctor Hunt will not... The animals on Rain Land are vicious and will kill you if hungry enough. If you see something that’s bigger than you...kill it. Don’t take chances damnit. I’ve had too many Rangers die because of unfriendly cats or bugs. And they are trained soldiers. That’s all I am cleared to say...actually it’s more than I am cleared for. I apologize for the lack of information.”
Scott got up from his seat and slowly stretched, and began leaving the cafeteria. “I’ll see y’all later, I’m gonna get some sleep.” He turned and yawned loudly.
“Sleep?” Eddy stretched his arms across the tops of the chairs to either side of him. “Why you gonna do a stupid thing like sleep when we got the whole ship to mess ‘round in? Besides, we were asleep for three months.”
“’Cause we’re leaving early tomorrow. Colonel Markman forgot to mention that part. We’re gettin’ up at five ‘o clock.” Scott turned back around and left the cafeteria.
“Well baby sister, I’m gonna follow Scotty boy. Sleep sounds like a good idea if we’re gonna get up at five ‘o clock in the morning.” Eddy yawned loudly, as if trying to convince Alyna to follow Scott’s example. When the gesture failed, he headed after Scott.
“Then looks like I’ll do what I want.” Alyna smiled. “Explore.” She picked up her plate of food and took the last bite of sandwich, but left the chips alone, then headed out of the cafeteria to explore the ship that she had been sleeping in for three months.
Alyna walked silently down the long, cold hallway that led to God knows where. She had been exploring the shuttle for the past few hours and had found many interesting things. The south end of the shuttle is the engine room, and the crew down there was very inviting. The west side of the ship is the crew’s living quarters and storage compartments. However, not many people were over there. The east side is where the expedition team was sleeping. It is also, where the cafeteria and wreck rooms are. Many of the crewmen go there on their lunch break to have a little fun before going back to work. When Alyna was in the wreck room, many of the crewmen were very anxious to teach her how to play pool. She smiled to herself, remembering how they had wanted to get close to her so desperately. She had toyed with them the full hour she had been down there. However, this moment was not full of joy and flirtation. She had left the wreck rooms and headed north, toward what she believed to be the cockpit or officers quarters. Though the walk had been scary thus forth, she was determined to explore the entire Navy vessel. Once or twice, she believed herself to be lost. There were no maps on the walls to redirect a lost person such as herself, nor where there any signs telling what were in the many doors she had previously passed.
The further she walked down the long hallway, the stranger things seem to become. Loud noises clanked and clunked, snapped and popped. She began hearing people. The voices seemed to come at her from nowhere, but no one was ahead of her. She could see ahead a few hundred feet and only a single door was visible.
“This place is creepy...” She whispered.
The noises grew louder and louder the closer she moved toward the door. She approached the door slowly, stepping lightly, as if she were walking into a bear’s den and did not want to wake the beast. She put her palm against the cold metal door, vibrations shot through her arm instantly. She pulled her hand back quickly, holding it to her chest like it hurt. She bit her bottom lip and reached for the door handle. Moving slowly she put her hand on the handle, the vibrations rattled her arm, she pulled the door slightly, and a flashing light blinded her shortly as she opened the door further.
A piercing scream startled her. She jumped and screamed loudly. The light stopped flashing instantly. She rubbed her eyes quickly to clear her vision, and found she was staring at a large white screen. She lowered her gaze and met the eyes of twenty or so crewmen, of who, most had a bag of popcorn and a can of beer in their hands. She began laughing aloud; she was completely embarrassed. Alyna put her hand over her eyes to try to hide her embarrassment. The twenty or so crewmen began laughing as well, though they were laughing at her, not with her.
“Hey lady!” A high-pitched voice yelled out.
She lifted her hands to see a small, gangly looking man hop off a seat and approach her.
“Hey lady?” He tilted his head to the side. “You wanna watch a movie with the boys and me?”
“What you mean ‘boys’!” The crewmen began laughing again. “You the only boy on this metal hunk of cra- I mean fine vessel.” A large, muscular black man rose from his seat and walked over to her. “My apologies ma’am. We tend to have our flicks a little too loud. Capin’ says we gonna go deaf.”
“No I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.” Her cheeks flushed. She bit her lip again. “Sorry.”
“Don’t be. That was the funniest thing I’ve seen on this ship since Rat first walked on.” A man in the front yelled out.
“Hey! Why don’t ya come on ova here and say that to my face!” The tiny crewman shouted, shaking a fist angrily.
“Ma’am, would you like to watch a movie with us?” The large black man asked. His voice was strangely deep, but had an innocent sound.
“Sure, why not?” She walked shyly down the row of chairs. She noticed the crewmen staring at her.
The large black man jogged down beside her. “You can sit here, it’s a nice seat, you get both speakers on either side, and your in the middle.” He smiled.
“Thank you... uh... I didn’t get your name.” She held out a hand. “I’m Alyna, you can call me Ally.”
“I’m Jacob, that there is Rat-” He pointed at the tiny crewman. “That guy is Robby. ” He pointed at the crewman toward the front that made the remark about Rat.
The crewmen began blurting out their names and patting the seats next to them, but she couldn’t remember all their names, and she sure didn’t want to sit next to them. So, she decided to sit down next to Jacob, in the seat he indicated. She noticed Jacob’s large arms. “That’s a strong arm Jacob.”
“Yes ma’am, I’m an engineer. But most of the time I just carry parts from place to place.”
“Engineer my ass! I bet the only thing you can fix is a dinner plate!” Rat started laughing. His laugh sounded like a high pitch squeal. Alyna shivered at the sound of Rat’s squeal. It was an evil sounding laugh. Though, she hardly believed Rat could be evil.
“It cold in here?” Jacob looked down at her with a warm smile.
“Oh, no. What movie are we watching?” She smiled back.
“One of my favorites: a remade Dracula movie!” His smiled broadened as he leaded further back into his chair. He grabbed a popcorn bag next to him and offered her some. She refused.
The movie screen flickered and an image of a woman running through woods appeared. The woman screamed as she fell to the ground, tripping over some unseen object. Alyna smiled to herself. Even in the twenty second century, horror movies still seemed ridiculous and everything too predictable. She noticed Jacob who ate his popcorn rapidly, focused entirely on the movie; his eyes widened as Dracula appeared on the screen and revealed his fangs.
The jungle around her seemed to move with every movement she made. Vines and bushes almost seemed to jump up at her as she ran faster and faster. Gunshots nearby startled her and caused her to fall face first onto the moist ground. She rolled over in time to see a large, muscular man lift a pistol and aim at her head. His face, painted green and black contorted with fierce anger. The face painted man laughed menacingly as he pulled the trigger.
Alyna shot up in her bed, gasping for breath. Her forehead was dripping with perspiration. She blinked her eyes several times. The image of the man standing above her haunted her mind. She realized it was only a dream. However, everything felt so real. The moist ground, the bushes and vines that hit and cut at her at every opportunity. Alyna closed her eyes and took a deep calming breath, then looked at the clock on the bedside table. 1:23 am.
“Four and a half hours ‘till wake up.” She mumbled.
She got off her bed and put on a pair of pajama pants and a tank top, then slid on a pair of slippers. Alyna walked toward the door of her room while repeating to herself. “Only a dream. Only a dream.” She opened the door and headed to the cafeteria. “Coffee...” She said aloud.
Alright, I am off by now...but I hope to read more of this later!