Galaxy Nomads: Chronicles of the MacKenzie Clan

Absalom pointed to the telescope’s computerized viewing screen. We’ve got big trouble brewing!

We always have big trouble according to you, father.

Cade paced across the floor and drummed his fingers against his thigh while he waited for his father to come down from his perch atop the observatory’s telescope. But Absalom continued to watch the viewing screen as the solar flares pushed higher and higher. Cade knew the meticulous man would note each flare on his graph, plus measure the intensity and radiation output.

Absalom groaned as he tapped on the computer display. The solar flares are shooting past the sun’s outer atmosphere into the heliosphere.

Cade tried to stand still, taking in deep breaths, but shifted from one foot to the other until the old man flipped off the viewing screen and powered down the giant telescope. Finally having his attention, Cade called up to him.

What’s happening this time? Is the sun falling from the sky?

He wanted to be patient with the aging astronomer, but growing up in an observatory had jaded his sense of duty to the sciences. He preferred listening to music and reading from his antique book collection.

Absalom swiveled around in his chair to face Cade. No…listen! The amount of solar flares is escalating every hour and the radiation output is rising exponentially. I believe our sun is going supernova!

What?

The sun is getting ready to explode! I think I need to inform the Council.

Cade was shocked by Absalom’s statement. All the time his father sat watching the stars, it never occurred to him that he would make such an observation. But even though Absalom was claiming the worst, it was Friday and Cade had special plans. He shook off his apprehension and focused on the evening ahead.

I’m meeting Dreama tonight.

That’s nice, but I need you to do an errand for me.

We’re attending a play tonight and I need to be on time. Cade didn’t want to be delayed by any errand his father would dredge up at a moment’s notice.

It won’t take long.

Can it wait until tomorrow?

This news is extremely important.

But father…

Cade remembered the last time Absalom took news before the Samarian World Council. It was because of a comet that would strike Samaria’s atmosphere and cause grave damage. It did strike the atmosphere, but it landed in an open field and was the size of a small boulder. Absalom had been drummed out of the Council in a move by Pellenor, his biggest adversary. Pellenor had maneuvered to get Absalom’s seat filled by one of his own cronies so the Council vote would lean in his favor. Since then, Absalom stayed at the observatory, not appearing in public. The only thing that could get him outside was his weekly trips to visit the memorial to his wife. Her death had been a tragic accident that the whole scientific community mourned. Absalom never spoke of the details, but Cade had heard the rumors. Something about Pellenor being the cause. Now, Absalom never spoke of Pellenor. His name was anathema and not to be spoken.

Come, help me down these steps, will you please? Absalom grabbed the rail and squinted at the steps. I think I need to have my eyes examined so I can see to get up and down these steps better.

If you didn’t spend so much time staring at that projection screen, your eyes would be fine.

Cade took hold of his father’s arm and steadied him as he limped down the six steps to the landing. Absalom moved slowly and it was all Cade could do to rein in his impatience with the old man. When they finally reached the bottom step, Absalom shook off Cade’s hand.

I know! I move like a snail for a young man waiting on his father.

Cade reddened at his father’s astute observation. Sorry. It’s just that I have…

Cade, will you take a package to Colonel Landry for me? He’s on the Council and I still have his ear.

Cade stifled a growl. He knew this was coming and he had already tried to explain that he had other plans. But before he could speak again, Absalom continued.

Since you’re meeting Dreama tonight, you could drop it off at Colonel Landry’s apartment complex. It’s in the same part of the city and you wouldn’t be late.

Cade sighed and shook his head. Why can’t you buzz him on the comm-link and tell him the details yourself? That’s what it’s for.

"This is a priority one secret document, Cade. No one is to know about it. Not even Dreama. Certain individuals would pay dearly to get their hands on this information and I don’t think the comm channels are secure enough for that."

Cade considered his father’s notion. Father’s correct about the comm channels being unsafe. Someone could be listening to our conversation through the comm-link at this very moment.

Out of the corner of his eye, Cade noticed a tiny flashing red light suddenly flicker off and disappear on the comm-link. But he disregarded the light to be one more gadget in his father’s immense collection. After all, he couldn’t let himself get paranoid over a tiny red light.

* * * *

Cade was ready to leave and stood waiting for Absalom to finish packing the electronic photographs and graphs, along with his note. He carefully closed the package and locked it with a thumbprint ID encoder which would identify Colonel Landry’s fingerprint and only open the package for him.

You make sure and have him sign for this. That way I know who actually received the documents.

Cade’s eyebrows shot up. What am I? The package delivery service? I know what Colonel Landry looks like! And why can’t you use the micropod chips? Everything would be much smaller and weigh less.

Just do this for me, Cade.

Cade saw that Absalom’s face was set hard as stone. He grabbed the package from his father and huffed off to avoid any more arguments. As he walked to their private shuttlecraft, a strange thought popped into his head. What if someone did want this information? Naw… now I sound like my father. He continued on to the shuttle, only now with a more heightened awareness of his surroundings. The wind rustled the leaves in the trees… a twig crackled… another twig snapped. He became aware of heavy footfall nearby. It sounded like someone was following him!

Cade spun around and crouched down at the same time. His eyes focused on a large man running towards him with both hands outstretched, ready to grab the package from his hands. As the man got closer, everything moved in slow motion. The man crashed his body into Cade’s and pinned him against the shuttle. Cade clutched the package in his left hand and jammed the heel of his right hand up into the man’s jaw. He felt a crunch. Blood spurted out from the man’s mouth and he screamed.

You son of a…

Cade didn’t wait to hear what he was about to shout, he wanted away from the now angered bull of a man. He ran hard, back towards the observatory. He tried to yell for his father to open the door, but no sound came out of his burning lungs, which were breathless from running so hard. With only a few yards to go, the door was now within his grasp. But the raging bull, in hot pursuit, caught up with him and grabbed him by the shoulders. He crushed Cade to the ground by throwing his own body on top of Cade’s shoulders. Cade’s head hit a stone slab as they sprawled out on the pavement of the walkway. Suddenly he went numb and everything went black.

Cade woke up on the sidewalk where he had fallen. Although it was still dark, he had no idea what time it was. He dragged his arm out from under his back and pushed himself up. Then he remembered the package! Searching the area around him, he realized it was gone from where it had landed on the grass. How would he tell his father that he hadn’t delivered it? He glanced at his chronometer and discovered it was after midnight. Did Dreama think he stood her up? He pushed up and staggered to the door of the observatory.

Pushing on the entry button, nothing happened. The door was locked. Cade pressed the panel next to the door for visual identification and buzzed himself in. As he silently walked across the living room, the lights flickered on and a computerized voice welcomed him home.

Absalom was standing in the doorway to his bedroom. I was so worried about you when Dreama called and said you hadn’t shown up or contacted her. Absalom paused, staring at Cade’s appearance. You look like you’ve been run over by a low-flying shuttle. What happened?

Cade fixed his eyes on the floor. He could feel the dried blood in his hair and his body was sore and aching. "I was attacked by this big thing who wanted your package."

Ah! I expected as much. Absalom nodded his head as he clasped his hands together.

Do you have any copies? I can try again tomorrow. Now that they’ve got those, they won’t need the copies.

They will when they realize those where the wrong ones. Absalom gave a cryptic smile. I put in decoys on purpose. This isn‘t the first time this has happened.

What are you talking about? You put in the wrong pictures on purpose?

Yes.

And you knew I would get attacked?

Well… yes, I thought they might try.

Then why did you let me go in the first place? Cade was shouting now. "I was mashed into the pavement by some goon for those decoys! And who are they?"

"I let you go because I needed to know for sure if this house was bugged and they are Pellenor and his friends! Absalom pointed to the comm-link and whispered, I believe the bug is through the comm-link."

Cade briefly thought about the flashing red light he saw earlier in the night, but in his battered and angry state he didn’t try to make the connection.

"Is this all about the comm-link? I thought our sun was supposed to go supernova. What ever happened to that idea?" Cade spat out his words.

Oh the sun is going to go supernova. No one can stop it. It’s just a matter of time. The whole solar system will have a front row seat to a stellar explosion that could cause a sudden gravitational collapse into a neutron star or a black hole. And it’s not just the explosion. There’s a shock wave afterwards that will travel at the velocity of up to 10% of light speed. Which means we have to get off the planet and out of the system in time to outrun the shock wave.

Isn’t there anything anyone can do?

Do? No. There’s nothing to do.

Father, there are all kinds of scientists here. Why hasn’t anyone else noticed this? Cade was incredulous that their world was going to end and Absalom was so calm.

Most scientists aren’t watching the sun as closely as I have been for the past decade. They don’t have all the facts.

So we need to warn the scientists so they can get on it. Find a solution!

Cade, the scientists can’t do anything about this. A supernova can’t be stopped. We have to warn the council. That way they can plan a mass evacuation to another solar system in time. That’s all we can do. But for some reason, someone wants to stop that flow of information. If my guess is right, it’s Pellenor. He likes to control everything. And information like this could give him the edge to control the council. They are afraid of him anyway and when he suggests evacuation they’ll listen to him.

Cade was confused. What’s so bad about that?

Absalom shook his head. It’s bad because evacuation means more than just people, it means resources and equipment. We need everything we can to start our world over again. Pellenor would set up a whole new world order ala Pellenor. The people he wants, the scientists, the raw materials, right down to the last nail. And the rest of the people? They would be faced with finding a new planet on their own.

Most people have shuttles that can dock with the larger spacecraft. Cade was still not understanding the problem.

True… but with a whole planet to evacuate there aren’t enough large space craft to carry everyone. Those with deep space capability will have to go by themselves. And those that are left… well… I don’t know. I need to talk to an old friend who is a mystic. She has a lot of wisdom and foreknowledge.

So you really think Pellenor would leave the rest here to face the supernova? Cade asked doubtfully.

In a heartbeat.

What makes you so sure? I know someone close to him who doesn‘t have that kind of attitude. She’s kind and gentle. Cade wanted to tell his father about Dreama, but he knew now wasn’t the time.

Cade, do you know why I never talk about how your mother died?

I guess it’s just too painful. Cade shrugged his shoulders.

"Yes, it is. But it’s because of something else also. When your mother and I were working at the space station observatory, Pellenor was there also. One day while I was gone on a mission, there was an accident with an airlock. Your mother was trapped inside the lock. Pellenor decided the only way to save the whole section was to sacrifice your mother’s life. He did that without finding out his options. He made a split second decision that cost your mother her life, but it could have been avoided. There was a three way valve set in the door that was for just such emergencies. He didn’t ask for the engineer’s advice, even when the engineer tried to tell him! He told the engineer to stand back so he could be the one to save the day. Your mother was blown out to space and the section decompressed. He was a hero and the engineer was transferred to another job back on the planet. The reason I know all of this is because the engineer looked me up later, a drunken wreck for not fighting with Pellenor. He asked for my forgiveness. Can you believe it? Absalom whispered the last words. Cade watched as he remembered the painful event that changed his life forever. If only I had been there…"

Cade was astonished and angry. How could that pompous bastard still be allowed on the Council when my own father was banished for less of a crime! His mind was still processing the information.

Cade, I’m sorry to share such devastating news so late at night, but you need to understand what kind of person we are dealing with. He’s power hungry and will do anything to anyone who gets in the way.

Father, let me get those documents over to Colonel Landry. I’ll take them right now if you want me to.

No, that’s not necessary. I don’t think waking up the Colonel is appropriate, but first thing in the morning you can fly them over there before you do anything else.

Consider it done.

Chapter 2

Cade arose early, hoping he would get to talk to his father. But he found a note on the message board: ‘Gone to see Hestia’. He knew her name from when he was growing up and remembered meeting her once. She appeared as a tiny woman with a bell-like laugh and even at her young age her hair was silvery gray. Cade had watched as Absalom treated her with great respect and deference. And now, with a supernova threatening the very existence of the Samarian people, Absalom had sought out her wisdom again.

Good fortune to you, father. Cade whispered the Samarian greeting into the air as he quietly left the observatory and flew in his private shuttle to Colonel Landry’s apartment complex.

Cade continued looking for possible assaults, staying alert and careful the entire trip. When he finally reached the door and placed his hand over the identification scanner, he breathed a sigh of relief. He had made the trip without incident. Now to deliver the package. Colonel Landry answered the door and motioned for him to come in.

Welcome, Cade. How have you been? Colonel Landry looked jovial to Cade, but his eyes darted from side to side every few seconds. He was drinking his favorite morning drink. Would you like a cup of coffee? It’s an old, Earth delicacy that perks you up in the morning.

No, thanks. I’m here to deliver a package for my father.

Yes, he sent me a message via the commlink a few minutes ago and said you’d be stopping by. Is that it? He pointed to the package Cade had been cradling in his arm.

Yes. Please be careful. I was already attacked once over these documents. This supernova is real, Colonel. We need to get moving on a plan of evacuation.

Let me take a look at them. If they are what you say, then I’ll bring it to the Council right away. Thanks for dropping by, Cade.

Colonel Landry seemed to be ushering him back out the door even before Cade was through talking about the supernova. As Cade crossed the threshold, he turned his head just far enough to see a brown snakeskin shoe from inside another room. Someone else was in the apartment, and was wearing a very unusual and expensive pair of shoes. But Cade couldn’t see the owner.

* * * *

Is he gone? asked Pellenor.

He’s gone. Colonel Landry shook his head and clasped his hands behind his back. I don’t like this deception. Why don’t you just tell him you know about the supernova? It doesn’t make any difference now. There’s nothing anyone can do to change what’s going to happen.

Pellenor hissed at Colonel Landry. It makes all the difference! You don’t know what Absalom is capable of. He has a power of persuasion that is tantamount to none other. Why do you think I had him driven off the Council? If he didn’t have such a conscience about him, he could be a ruthless leader. And then where would I be? Second fiddle to him! Never! I was just fortunate enough to have that comet burn up in the atmosphere, last time. As long as I can keep the people believing that Absalom is a fool, then my plans to rule will come to fruition when we find a new planet. Now look through those documents and see what he says about new solar systems. He must have recommended some place for all these refugees to go.

Colonel Landry opened the package by pressing his thumbprint on the identification seal. It immediately popped opened the electronic lock and he pulled out the computerized photographs and documents. While he stood reading through the details, Pellenor paced back and forth across the living area. After a few minutes he threw his hands up in the air and shouted at Colonel Landry.

Tell me something! What does it say?

Colonel Landry’s hands shook and his voice wavered. Um… it… doesn’t say anything about new solar systems.

What?! Pellenor’s face burned red and the left temple vein engorged with blood as it throbbed. I wasted all that time trying to get the documents last night and now with the real ones, not one single mention of a new solar system is made? That’s incredible! He’s an astronomer, dammit! He’s got to know of a place! Let me see those documents! Pellenor grabbed the documents out of Colonel Landry’s hands. As he searched through the files, he let them drop on the floor, stating, Useless… useless… useless! Cripes! He’s hiding the information somewhere. We have to find out where he goes and who he talks to. I have the perfect person for that kind of job. Pellenor smiled wickedly as he thought of the encounter his gigantic friend Enkoodabaoo had with Cade. Very effective and resourceful, he mused, he’ll do nicely.

* * * *

Absalom’s meeting with Hestia took place outside the city in a secluded compound that most Sarmarians were not privileged to see. Its high walls surrounded their city so they were set apart from the rest of the people. The compound was exclusively for the mystics and seers of Samaria. They were known for their great wisdom, their special powers of seeing into the future and their healing abilities beyond science and medicine. The mystic bloodlines were ageless and they outlived their contemporaries by hundreds of years. One of these mystics, Hestia, was meeting with Absalom at his request. Born of the mystic bloodline, she had evolved very early into an outstanding seer, possessing all the abilities usually spread out between three or four different people. She was young for a mystic, but had shown herself to be quite exceptional for her age. Unfortunately, that set her apart even in the mystic community, so she had to deal with a double stigma in her life. At an age when most of the mystics were enjoying bonding and raising their own children, Hestia spent the time in solitude or helping others. She had helped Absalom after his wife’s untimely death and now she was agreeing to meet with him again, already aware of his problem.

So, you wish to discuss something with me? Hestia asked softly in her bell-like voice.

Yes, I do. I’ve been watching the sun for some time now. It’s heading for a supernova very soon. Absalom waited for Hestia’s response.

Yes, that is correct. We are aware of the impending disaster. Many of the seers have had visions about it. Have you spoken to anyone yet?

Absalom could hear the concern in her voice. I sent the documents and photographs to Colonel Landry this morning with my son.

Ah. That is most unfortunate. He will give them to Pellenor before the day is out, if he hasn’t done so already.

No, Hestia, not Colonel Landry. He’s a strong man. I trust him completely.

Yes, he is strong, but unfortunately, Pellenor found a way to get to him. But that isn’t your most important worry anymore. Now that Pellenor has the documents, it’s time for you to make your appearance in front of the World Council.

Absalom balked and shook his head vigorously. Never! Not while Pellenor is still on the Council! His voice was gruff and filled with anger. Colonel Landry will introduce the material for me.

Pellenor won’t let him.

I can’t go to the Council.

Then your only other choice is to fly away in your craft and leave this planet to its fate. There is an uninhabited solar system in the Merridian sector that has three habitable planets. It would be a suitable destination.

I’m aware of them, Hestia. I’m an astronomer, remember?

Does Pellenor know about them?

If he does, he didn’t get the information from me.

Then that is your power over the Council. You can go to them and present a solution for this crisis. They’ll listen to you.

How can you be so sure? I bungled it last time they listened to me.

They will listen. But you must go for the right reasons. If you are going because you want revenge over Pellenor they will see your intentions.

Of course I want revenge. But not at the expense of the entire Samarian population.

Search yourself, Absalom. You have held a grievous thought in your heart about your wife’s death and until you face that and deal with it, you are hindered. You are crippled and cannot be effective.

Absalom shook his head as he thought about his wife. He sighed and put his hands to his face. I wanted to be there, that’s all. Had I been with my wife, she wouldn’t have died. He spoke through clenched teeth. Pellenor murdered my wife.

What’s done is done. It’s time to put the past where it belongs. Hestia spoke with a strong voice now. You can live in the past or you can be part of the future. You are the only hope of saving our civilization so it can live as a free people. Your bloodline is powerful and carries the hope of the people in it. Plus, your words are powerful and the people listen to you. It’s up to you to make the decision now.

There was silence between the two as Absalom considered her words.

Good fortune to you, Hestia. Absalom bowed to Hestia and turned to go. He stopped suddenly and asked, What about your colony here? Are you headed for the planets in the Merridian sector?

We have decided to wait on the Council’s decision to reveal our plans. We have enjoyed the freedoms Samaria has given, but will not be joined with a dictator who does not listen to the voice of reason. If we must reveal the location of the Merridian sector to Pellenor, then we will go elsewhere. Good fortune to you, Absalom. Hestia stepped inside her veiled lanai where she disappeared from view.

Absalom was shocked! To have the mystics break off from their Samarian heritage and go a separate way would be like separating the right and left brain and expecting them to function normally! He had to convince the Council to listen to him so the Samarian people would be safe from the dictatorial rule of Pellenor and so the mystics would stay with their people.

* * * *

Cade left Colonel Landry’s apartment with the hairs standing up on the back of his neck. He had seen that shoe before, he just couldn’t remember where. And why was the person hiding in the other room while Colonel Landry practically pushed him back out the door? He would let his father know what transpired, but for now, he had to let it go. He had an apology to make. He was meeting Dreama and wanted to talk to her about some very difficult issues. He had never told her that he knew who her father was. She would always meet him in the park or at the library or some other place. Today they were meeting in the park by an ancient marble water fountain that was adorned with scrolls and filigree. It was their favorite spot to sit and talk. Dreama was already sitting on the bench across from the fountain when he arrived, tossing crumbs into the water for the swans. He walked up beside her and sat down.

Hey, he spoke softly so only she could hear. I’m really sorry about last night.

Hey, yourself. I’m glad you’re alright. Your father told me you had an errand that couldn’t be avoided and if you hadn’t shown up then something went wrong. You want to tell me about it?

Cade thought for a moment and answered, No, it was just science stuff. I’d rather talk about you.

Cade and Dreama enjoyed a full afternoon together. But as they talked, Cade became uneasy about a subject he needed to broach. He’d let the day slip by without bringing it up because he knew it would cause strife.

Cade, something is bothering you. What is it?

Cade took a deep breath, deciding now was the time. Why didn’t you tell me who your father was?

Dreama’s cheeks turned scarlet and she averted her eyes. I… didn’t think it mattered. She looked down at the ground, embarrassed. She twisted a lock of her white blond hair around her finger.

It matters to me, Dreama. How long have you known that my father was Absalom?

Since you told me a few weeks ago. I really didn’t think anything about it.

Cade huffed out a breath. If that’s true, then why wouldn’t you let me meet you at your home to pick you up? I thought it was strange, but I never knew the reason before. It’s because you were hiding the fact that Pellenor was your father, right?

Dreama had tears in her eyes, but she fought to control her voice. "Wrong! I was hiding the fact that he’s my father because I’m ashamed of him! What would