Jewel of The Stars: Season 1 Episode 1: Earth's Remnant

Chapter 6

The next morning, Braxton flopped into a sitting position on his bed. How could he avoid Dalia Spring for the rest of the trip? Where could he go that Dalia wouldn't go? Somewhere Braxton would at least halfway enjoy? He called up the ship's directory and scrolled through the list.

The casino? Dalia didn't gamble—that was a matter of public record. Well, she didn't gamble in the traditional sense. No, Spring gambled with companies rather than casino chips, but it was basically the same thing.

He stood, strolled over to the porthole, and gazed at the stars.

Of course, Braxton wasn't much of a gambler either.

Before he did anything else, he should reply to Jane's message. He tapped his wrist band, selected the message from the menu displayed by his eye lenses, tapped to dictate a response.

"Jane, I'm devastated to hear about the loss of the Adelaide. I wish I was there with you. It sounds like you have your hands full with whatever this is.

"Instead, I had the bright idea of going on a cruise. It was a big mistake. I just wanted to be in space again, but this isn't space. Not really. It's all so insular and manufactured. So much about this ship is fake, from the enhanced image of the nebula, to the smiles plastered on all the crew's faces." He chuckled. "I'd actually be happier on the crew than as a passenger, but one of the terms of my honourable discharge was that I never work in space again.

"You won't believe who I spotted on board—Dalia Spring. Let that one sink in. I've been trying to avoid her. Last thing I want is a confrontation with the woman who destroyed my career." Braxton shook his head, not that Jane could see him. "How'd it come to this? Middle-aged men don't hide from little old ladies. But we both know that the physical shell means nothing with someone like Spring." He gave a grunt that could have been a laugh. "Be nice if I could hide out in the crew-only areas of the ship. Might remind me of the the Hobart. Man, I miss it there."

Braxton stood and began to pace.

"Thanks for still believing in me. Someday, maybe I can tell you the whole story of what happened. In the meantime, do something for me. Stay alive. Whatever you're up against, I know you can handle it."

He signed off and sent the message.

Braxton shook his head. He couldn't spend all his time hiding from Dalia Spring. There was more at stake. What had destroyed the Adelaide? Something weird was going on out there. Time to find some answers.

#

Les smiled at each of his senior officers as they filed into the meeting room across the hallway from his office. Maya, then Sarah McLaughlan, the chief engineer, followed by security chief Jaylen Banks.

"Captain, you'll be pleased to know all the electrical faults have been resolved." Sarah took a seat."

"Glad to hear it, but that's the least of my concerns right now. We have bigger issues."

Cruise Director Glen Price mock-ran into the room. "I hope I'm not late."

Les shook his head.

"Did you want me here as well?" a Jamaican voice said from the doorway. Doctor Rashona Clarke poked her head through the door, her stethoscope still slung around her neck.

"Yes. Please take a seat, doctor."

Once they were all seated Les leaned forward in his chair. "For those who aren't aware, we've kept long-range sensors trained on the Alpha Centauri system since our course was diverted. We have detected a large build-up of military ships in the area, and can now confirm they are engaged in active combat. I've called this meeting to discuss how we can ensure the safety, comfort, and happiness of our passengers."

"Who are they fighting?" Jaylen asked in his deep rich voice.

"We don't know. The ships are like nothing we have on record."

"Wait," Sarah said. "You don't think they're ..."

"Aliens?" Les scratched his neck. "It's looking that way."

Silence pervaded the room.

Doctor Clarke shook her head and whistled. "Oh, my Lord."

"So ... first contact." Sarah pressed a hand to her chest, fingers splayed.

"Yes. Sadly, not on the good terms we might have hoped for," Les said. "But I want to make it clear that we're in no danger. The Alpha Centauri System is far enough away from here. We've detected a few stray alien ships in other sectors, but they all seem to be headed towards the main engagement."

"How are ... um ..." Glen said. "How are our boys doing?"

"It's not looking good," Maya said. "Our forces are vastly outnumbered."

"Plus our military are accustomed to keeping the peace from pirates, not holding back an invasion." Les stood and paced around the conference table. "We're removed from this situation. The battle isn't ours. Our concern is the physical and mental welfare of the passengers on this ship."

"What are you getting at, Captain?" Jaylen asked.

"I think we need to be very careful about the dissemination of information regarding any possible invasion."

"You mean, you want us to keep the truth from the passengers?" Maya's eyes narrowed.

Les nodded, scratching his chin. "The last thing I want is a panic."

"What about news broadcasts?" Glen asked.

"Seems Earth is under a communications black out at the moment. I've had no word from head office."

"Captain, I have to protest." Maya crossed her arms. "We can't hide the truth from people. They have a right to know."

"Would you want to know?"

"Absolutely."

Glen leaned forward in his chair. "I'm inclined to agree with the captain. These people have paid a lot of credits to get away from it all. If we spoil their holiday by stressing them out over the situation in the Alpha Centauri System, then aren't we failing to deliver our promised service?"

"You can't be serious," Maya said. "We're talking about the right to information here. What if the invaders reach Earth? Most of the passengers on this ship have loved ones back home. Wouldn't you want to check on them?"

Glen shook his head. "But if there's a communications black out—"

"No." Maya turned to Les. "I'm sorry, but I object to hiding this information, Captain. You should make an announcement."

Les stopped pacing and took a few deep breaths. "All of this is moot if the invasion is defeated, and comm lines open up again."

"But what if it isn't?" Doctor Clarke asked.

A communication notification appeared. Les swiped it to accept the call. It was the second officer.

"Captain, it seems communication lines are open again. We've received an emergency transmission. Audio/visual."

"Put it through, please."

A moment later the three-dimensional representation of a news anchor appeared above the conference table, projected by everyone's eye lenses. Her face was pale, haunted.

"Minutes ago, an extraterrestrial invasion force broke through our defensive lines at Alpha Centauri," the anchor said. "The ships are now on a direct course to Earth and will soon encircle the planet." Her voice became frantic. "All ships out of our solar system are advised to flee. Get as far away from Earth as possible."

The woman vanished. Les tapped his wristband again. "Bridge, withhold that transmission. Don't release it to the public network until I say. I want a full comms blackout ship-wide. Understood?"

"Yes, Captain."

Les closed the line. He turned to face Maya, whose mouth hung open, eyes wide. "Just until we figure out what we're going to do and what we're going to say. Okay?"

Maya nodded.

Les looked up at the ceiling. Their home planet was being conquered. What was he supposed to do?