Mosar (Bright Horizons Book 3) Read online

  Mosar

  By Wilson Harp

  Copyright © 2015 by Wilson Harp

  All Rights Reserved

  For my mom

  You have always supported me

  and I love you

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  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 1

  “Alex, I have a gift for you,” Manny said.

  Alex looked up from his laptop.

  “What?” he asked. “Why would you have a gift for me?”

  “You’re going away, and I learned it was human tradition to give a gift when someone is leaving,” Manny replied.

  Alex smiled at the large alien.

  “Especially if there was a large likelihood the person would die before returning.”

  Alex’s smile slipped a bit. The Iltia’cor had become enamored with Earth and its customs, but he had not quite captured some of the nuances. “You know, Manny, that might not be the best way to bring that subject up.”

  Manny pulled out a long, brightly wrapped box and handed it to Alex. Santa Claus and some reindeer tangled up in Christmas lights festively announced Manny still had no real grasp of Earth Holiday traditions in relation to the calendar.

  “Thanks, Manny,” Alex said as he took the gift. “I really like the wrapping paper.”

  “I found it in the closet and it said gift wrapping paper. I decided since I was giving you a gift, the paper would be a nice accent.”

  Alex nodded. It was a decent job of wrapping. Manny used tape to seal the paper together. Duct tape, but it was still a valiant effort.

  “Open it, Alex. I want to see your face,” Manny said. “Humans always have the funniest expressions. Like cats.”

  Alex smiled as he tore the paper off the narrow box. He looked up at Manny and smiled, then he pulled the lid from the box.

  “It’s… a stick.”

  “You have a wonderful look on your face,” said Manny as he took a picture. “This will be a great memory to have if you die on this mission.”

  Alex pulled the stick out of the box and held it up. It was about two feet long and had been sanded smooth. One end was whittled and smoothed into a sharp point.

  “Thank you. But why a stick?”

  “It was one of the pieces of wood I took from your cabin as a souvenir. My friends and family on Iltia are amazed your plant life can become so rigid and useful after it is killed.”

  “Well, thank you again. If you want, I’ll help you pick out some beautiful pieces after I get back.”

  “That would be very nice of you. If you return, we should go back to your cabin again.”

  Alex ignored the suggestion of his demise.

  “Why did you sharpen it?”

  “I wanted to give it another function besides art. With a point, you could use it as a weapon.”

  Alex nodded. “You’re right. I could. How did you smooth it?”

  “I rubbed sand on it to create an abrasion. It was bothersome, and I cut my hands until I got some gloves. It took me several hours. I wasn’t sure if it would turn out well, but I like the way it looks,” Manny said.

  His smile caused Alex to resist telling the Iltia’cor about sandpaper.

  “I truly love it, Manny. Even if you hadn’t smoothed it and given it a sharp point, I would love it because it came from you.”

  “If I had known that, it would have saved me several hours of work.”

  Alex stood from his desk and placed the stick on a shelf. He stepped back to admire it.

  “I think it looks good there. Don’t you?” he asked.

  Manny nodded. “I would have thought your kitchen, but your office is a good place to display it, too. I suppose.”

  “Where are you going to be staying, Manny?”

  “Here in Baltimore. Until your planetary government finds me a place, I am staying at a motel. They have all the ice I want for free!”

  “You could stay here if you wanted,” Alex said. “I’ve missed you the last several months and it would be nice to know my house is being taken care of while I am gone.”

  “Do you mean it? You wouldn’t mind?”

  “No, I kind of assumed that would happen anyway. I still have your room in the basement set up.”

  “Thank you, Alex. I appreciate it. Your kindness is as rare as an Esurak sunrise. And I promise everything will be as you left it.”

  “What is an Esurak sunrise?”

  Manny smiled and shook his head. “I don’t know. It’s just a saying, a metaphor meaning something is quite rare indeed.”

  “Thank you,” Alex said as he shut off and unplugged his laptop. “I need to get packing. I’m expecting the call from Houston. The ship is ready and Jii demanded we launch within 72 hours of completion.”

  “If he is that concerned about time, why did he wait until you built a new ship?”

  “He said the ship was one of the key components of the mission. He designed it, down to every detail. The materials, size, everything. It took longer to construct than he wanted.”

  “Couldn’t the Pelod have built it faster?”

  Alex shook his head. “No, Jii made it very clear it had to be constructed completely mosar free. Both the materials and those who worked on it had to be verified pure. Giant scanners were set up to detect even the smallest amount of mosar and burn it out if need be. They made everyone who docked at the construction site go through them, even if they didn’t go near the ship. The ship is 100% mosar free, and until the crew enters, it will remain that way.”

  “What about Jii? Didn’t he go to the site to watch construction?”

  Alex shook his head. “I can’t talk about Jii, but the ship hasn’t had contact with mosar.”

  “Oh. It’s classified. Should I even know about this?”

  “The mission was supposed to be fairly hush-hush, but not classified. You were back on Iltia when the press got wind of it and Wu rode the public outrage of the story to victory.”

  “You don’t like the Earth Chancellor?”

  “I’m not his biggest fan. But then, I really don’t care for any politician.”

  “What about former Chancellor Thomas.”

  “I merely distrust, Thomas. I guess he’s okay. But I don’t like Wu at all. He tried to stop construction of the ship, but Kitch reminded him it was an Earth Force project and he couldn’t stop it without the Security Council.”

  “You keep calling it ‘the ship’. What’s its name?” Manny asked.

  “No name. We just call it ‘the ship’. Kyle wanted to call it The Eagle but that was shot down by the U.N. They said it was too American sounding.”

  “So there is no official designation?”

  “Not really.”

  “Who’s the Captain?”

  “Cowboy. General Jackson. He was captain of the Hemingway when it was hit with the gravity weapon at Do’yar’on and is the highest ranked officer on the mission.”

  “Is Ambassador Martin going with you?”

  “No, he asked to go. Even tried to order Kitch to put him on the team, but she
refused. Besides, according to the surrender agreement, Jii got to pick the crew.”

  The first few bars of a jazz song played as Alex fished around for his phone in his pocket.

  “Ramirez,” he said. “Will be there. Packing as we speak.”

  “You’re leaving?” Manny asked.

  “Yep. That was the call. Time to save the galaxy.”

  “Doctor Williams?”

  Williams lifted his head from the microscope and glanced up to see Lina Cerce, one of his assistants, leaning through the door.

  “What is it, Cerce?”

  “I’m sorry to disturb you, sir. But I wanted to give you something before your trip.”

  Williams saw she held a small box in her hand as she entered his lab.

  “Thank you. Is that a gift?”

  “Yes, I was hoping to be finished with it before you left.”

  “You made me a gift?”

  She nodded and blushed. Williams didn’t notice the blush.

  Williams took the package and opened it.

  “What a beautiful scarf,” he said as he lifted it from the box.

  It was black and gray herringbone pattern and there was a silver brooch attached to it.

  “It’s a… fisherman’s knot,” Cerce said. “I thought of you when I saw it in the store.”

  “It’s beautiful, Cerce,” Carl said. He traced the pattern of the knot with his finger and then wrapped the scarf around his neck.

  “It fits you well.” Her smile was wide and her eyes sparkled. “I heard they were almost done stocking the ship, so I wanted to make sure I saw you one last time.”

  She held her arms wide and stepped towards Carl. He leaned down and gave her a quick hug. He was uncomfortable showing physical affection and tried to break the hug after just a second. Cerce held on for a moment and then kissed him quickly on his cheek.

  “I’m… I should… I’ll let you get back to your work, Doctor,” she said as she backed up a couple of steps. She then turned and walked out of the room.

  Carl touched his cheek as Loudon came through the same door with a bemused look on her face.

  “Did she give you your going away present?” she asked.

  “Yes,” Carl said as he held up the end of the scarf.

  “Oh, she gave you a scarf as well. Very lovely.”

  “Yes, well, I guess everyone is concerned about this voyage. We need to be successful if we’re to rid the galaxy of mosar.”

  “I think the people here are concerned about you, Williams,” she said.

  “Me? What do you mean?”

  “You’re well liked, Carl. You are loyal to your researchers and technicians. And you’re good at your job. Not many head researchers in high-tech meet those standards. People like working for you.” She smiled slyly. “And there might be one or two who would like to be under you for the rest of their lives.”

  Williams shook his head and laughed. “I don’t intend to work myself to death. I’ll retire one day,” he said. “But the foundation needs a few more significant items figured out. Then I’ll call it quits and spend my days reading.”

  Loudon smiled at the obtuse man. He never seemed to have time for a social life, but it wasn’t because he was driven by greed or avarice. He was driven by knowledge. Even on his breaks and lunches, she had never seen him without his tablet reading away. She had been over at his house a few times and figured it would be as organized and pristine as he kept his lab. She was stunned to see paperback books scattered around the house. Every flat surface was stacked or piled high with all sorts of books.

  Carl’s phone rang and he answered it.

  “Doctor Williams. Greenlight. I’ll be at Langley in four hours.”

  “The call?”

  “Yes, I need to go get my gear and catch my flight.”

  “Need anything else?”

  “No, you’re in charge now, Doctor Loudon. Check on sample 823. The molecular structure of the titanium-nickel alloy seems to be weakened by the introduction of mosar. That doesn’t seem right.”

  “I’ll get right on it, Williams. Go save the galaxy.”

  “They’ve been asked to save the galaxy, Ambassador,” Kyle said. “And that is what they will do.”

  A’nacal smiled. “No, Ambassador Martin. The galaxy is not at risk. Well, not in any immediate sense. What they have been asked to do is help Jii with his last attempt to rid the galaxy of mosar in the near future.”

  “You don’t think they have much of a chance.” It was a statement, not a question.

  “We’ve spoken of this at length, Ambassador. No, I do not think Jii will be successful.”

  Kyle looked at General Kitch and Earth Chancellor Wu. “Now you have heard it from A’nacal. I still believe this is the right course even if we don’t have a chance.”

  Kitch nodded as Kyle spoke. This was a conversation that had been played out many times since Chancellor Wu’s election.

  “Mister Ambassador, I never felt you were hiding things from me,” Wu said.

  It was a lie. Kyle had been privy to some illegal interceptions of Wu’s personal communications. Kyle assumed his communications were likewise intercepted and analyzed. He had worked in the world of covert and secretive behavior for so long, he just assumed nothing he said, did or even thought was a secret. Much easier to be honest and forthright than try to be subtle and sly. Wu had believed Martin, Kitch and former Chancellor Thomas had some additional information that pointed to the success of the audacious and very expensive operation which was about to launch. Wu had done what he could to slow down the final stages of construction of the ship and had even sought a way to break the surrender conditions of Warlord Jii to stop the mission from going forward.

  Jii had apparently anticipated such an attempt, so he had written into his surrender criteria that the document could in no way be altered nor would his unconditional release from custody free either party from its obligation.

  Jii intended to see this through to the end. He had estimated the chance of success at less than 10%. A’nacal had said that was optimistic by 10%.

  “Is this all you wanted to discuss today, Ambassador?” A’nacal asked.

  “Yes. Thank you, A’nacal. I do have some other things to discuss with you, but at our regular meeting in a few days. Thank you for seeing us on short notice.”

  “Peace be upon you and all people of Earth,” A’nacal said. The hologram disappeared.

  “Chancellor Wu, we are ready to proceed with the mission,” Kitch said. “Are there any additional concerns before I give the launch approval?”

  Wu sighed and cut his eyes over to his men. His brow was furrowed and he looked back at Kitch with a deep frown. Kyle had seen him like this and knew the Earth Chancellor was frustrated.

  “No, General Kitch. I have no more concerns other than what we’ve dealt with many times before. Proceed with the launch.”

  Chancellor Wu stood and bowed sharply to both Kyle and Kitch. Kyle didn’t know there was a contemptuous way to bow, but Wu demonstrated the technique quite well.

  They watched as Wu left Kyle’s home, climbed into the back of his limo and headed back to the highway. Soon he would be messaging his supporters in the U.N. and the news channels would be broadcasting the entire transcript of the private meeting.

  “What are you thinking?” Kitch asked as the small motorcade left.

  “I wish Thomas was still Chancellor,” Kyle said. “Wouldn’t change the launch or the risk we are taking, but I would feel better with him in charge. He wouldn’t be so… political.”

  “I know what you mean, but there is nothing we can do. Wu is supported by the Russians and the French. China is in the driver’s seat of U.N. elections now and they get to control the Chancellorship. Just be glad you don’t have to answer to them.”

  Kyle dropped down into his favorite spot on the sofa. “You’re right, Diane. At least I get to work in my bathrobe and I don’t have to leave the house when I don’t want to.”
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  “And that includes getting to the gym, I would imagine.”

  Kyle was hurt by the implication.

  “I get to the gym twice a week,” he said. “Besides, I have lost ten pounds since the holidays.”

  “You told me you gained twenty. But ten off looks about right.”

  “You’re as bad as Sara, you know?”

  “I’m glad you have someone to keep your diet in line. Where is she?”

  “She should be getting back from work any minute now.”

  “Didn’t you say you got a text from her right before A’nacal called in?”

  “You’re right, let me see what she said.” Kyle went to the table and picked up his phone.

  “Oh. She is going out to dinner with this guy from work again.”

  “Really?” Kitch asked. “Know anything about him?”

  “Name’s Greg, or Gary, or something like that. This is the second time in a month,” Kyle said.

  “Well, if Sara isn’t going to make it home, I’ll see about getting us some dinner plans.”

  “Hey, I can cook, you know.”

  “Yeah, I know,” Kitch said. Her smile faded as she turned back to look out the window. “Wu is going to cause trouble. I mean beyond the mission. He doesn’t know how to deal with aliens and he is too worried about keeping his position to learn.”

  “He’s all political.”

  “So was Thomas.”

  “Yes, but Thomas was also forward thinking. Being around aliens, seeing the ambush, being with the Hedali on the shuttle; it gave him a changed perspective.”

  “What are you suggesting, Kyle?”

  “Maybe a tour of Iltia for Chancellor Wu? Give him a different perspective. Let him see we can’t be concerned with the small details now that our horizons have been expanded.”

  Kitch nodded. “I think that’s reasonable, but he wouldn’t go for it. He would think we were just suggesting it in order to get him out of the way. Comes back to power.”

  Kyle’s phone rang followed by Kitch’s a moment later.

  “There’s the call. The ship is ready,” Kyle said.

  “I’ll call Wu and let him know we are ready to launch,” Kitch said. “God speed to the mission. I hope they can save the galaxy.”