The Infinity Chronicles Volume 1

Act-2: Enter the Hero...

Act 2: "Enter the Hero..."

Current Date: 23-Mar-2323

Walking out of the BOQ, 22-year-old Alexander Thaddeus Carlson looked around the sprawling naval complex. Located deep in the Australian outback, roughly 250 miles from Sydney, this base had been Alex's home for most of his 6 years in the Terran Empire Navy. He had spent his academy training days here, as well as learning how to fly the 'Cutlass', the star fighter currently used by the Navy. But, all that seemed like yesterdays bad news now. Looking down at the dishonorable discharge papers in his hand, Alex Carlson, call sign 'Sex Machine', wondered if Clarissa had been worth it. Shaking his head, he realized that even though the sex had been great, Clarissa was still the Admiral's daughter, and only 16.

These last 15 months found him along the front lines as the Terran Empire waged war against their own people. The Outer Colonies, refusing Imperial rule, declared their independence, thus starting a decades-long war of attrition, with neither side gaining any significant ground.

Picking up his duffel bag, he turned and walked toward the main gate, still wondering what he would do now.

'Well, I still have all the money in my trust fund.' He thought to himself, as he walked past the gate guard. The guard merely nodded to the now civilian Alex, as he walked through.

"G'day mate!" The guard had said. Alex tossed the man a wave, and kept walking toward the taxi stand just outside the gate. Stepping up to one of the sleek craft, he admired its lines.

Hover-cabs were a recent addition to the Australian outback. Utilizing contra-grav assistance and semi aware autopilots, they were capable of a truly remarkable Mach 2 speed; though riding in a Mach 2 hovercraft is not for the faint of heart.

He tossed his duffel across the seat, sat down, fastening his seat belt, and entered his destination into the keypad mounted on the back of the panel separating passengers from the pilot compartment. It confirmed his destination, as he slotted his credcard, and the cab deducted the appropriate amount for the trip back to Sydney.

30 minutes later, he arrived at the local bus terminal in Sydney. As he stepped out of the cab and grabbed his duffel, he was greeted with a hug from his sister Karen.

"Hi big brother!" She said cheerfully. Alex always saw her cheerful side. Karen Carlson, a willowy strawberry blond with enough curves to run a roller coaster, looked at her big brother.

"Hi sis." He said, returning her hug.

"So, where ya stayin'?" She asked, stepping back from him.

"I dunno. I can't stay at home, since dad said if I got cashiered, I was on my own, so I figured I'd buy a small ship, and..."

A tall man in a blue business suit interrupted Alex. Extending his hand, which contained a business card, he spoke quickly.

"Sorry, I don't mean to break up the reunion, but I had been watching Ms. Carlson, and when you arrived, I assumed, correctly I hope, that you were her brother, Alex." He said, as Alex looked him over, and took the business card.

"Yes," Alex said, "I'm Alex. Can I help you?"

"Excellent! I am Martin Shaw, attorney at law, and I represented your uncle, Barnard."

"Uncle Barnard?" Alex asked, not knowing the name.

"Oh yeah, I know him. Aunt Claudia, remember?" Karen added. Alex's eyes shown with recognition of the name Claudia, as he turned back toward the lawyer.

"Ahh, ok, he's the one with the merchant business, correct?" Alex asked.

"That's correct. He has passed away, and left his vessel to you. If you could stop by my office tomorrow around noon-ish, we can do the title transfer."