Chapter 1 - The Message (Story: REPULSE)

 

The Message

“Congratulations on your successful voyage to the Kep-12 system. Thanks to you, we now have a very good understanding of this planetary system. The Earth Command is proud of each one of you” Commander Adi, the leader of the Earth Command, was addressing Starship 191’s crew thru the Video uplink.

Starship 191 was a steely blue spaceship under Captain Viz’s command and was returning from yet another successful voyage in outer space.

“I have some good news for all of you. While you were away, we launched a new space station Oasis. It will be established at the edge of our solar system and will help ships like yours to get a base. We may also launch autonomous missions from this space station for further explorations.”

“This is really great news Commander.” Captain Viz responded.

“Oasis is now traveling near Neptune and will soon reach its designated area. To check its docking capabilities and to test its related functions, we need your support and would like you to take up this task.”

Captain Viz looked around the deck – this would mean a couple of more weeks. Everyone was so looking forward to reaching home.

“I know – this would need you to be out there for a few weeks more. Hope this can be accommodated.” Commander Adi added, as if reading the crew’s thoughts.

“Commander, we are ready to take up this assignment.” Captain Viz responded as a true leader. They had a great track record and wanted to add this feather to their caps. Of course, Captain Viz was a people’s leader and basis his close interactions with them, he knew that the team would be ready for it.

“On behalf of my crew, I assure you that that we will do our best to help establish Oasis.”

“Thanks Captain. You will get more details shortly”. Commander Adi concluded. The screen went blank for a second before showing the expanse of space as 191 moved ahead.

“Here we go again “murmured Adam, the android aboard the 191 and Captain Viz’s trusted lieutenant.

“What was that Adam?”

No response.

Wasn’t that a feeling displayed by Adam? - Sometimes Captain Viz thought Adam was not an android but human and sometimes, that his AI had developed far more and that he was capable of feelings. No response from Adam added to the mystery. He did not want to confront that as Adam had been a very good support and provided valuable guidance in all situations. He had been assigned to the 191 along with Captain Viz since the very beginning.

The ship was cruising at half of light speed as they came out of the Kep-12 system and was headed back to Earth.

“Reduce Speed and maintain course. Once we hear from Earth command, reconfigure the course for rendezvous with Oasis.” Instructed the Captain.

It was still some earth days away.

Captain Viz retired to his quarters. Adam was pretty much in charge of the deck on this part of the journey. Rest of the crew were also asked to take rest. The 191 continued smoothly thru the expanse of dark space – home bound – expecting a smooth ride.

“Captain, sorry to disturb – but I want to show you something – could you please come to the deck” - it was Adam.

“Sure. Will be there soon.”

Maybe there is a new direction from Earth Command or maybe there is some urgent info update – Captain Viz was trying to think what it could be that Adam was needing him. Thinking this, he reached the deck.

“W-whattt is that?” He blurted out with Amazement as the full central screen on the ship deck was filled with a picture – an ancient drawing like a hieroglyph.

“This just appeared a couple of minutes ago. No accompanying message or anything. This was it.”

“What does the database say?”

“No match as of now”

“What is your preliminary analysis Adam?”

“Captain, looks like some kind of a picture graph – more like the Egyptian Hieroglyphs as in ancient times on Earth”

“Yes... go on...”

“Surprisingly, Captain, in those times there were no colored drawing. This one has”

“Hmm.”

“This may be a slab….”

“Adam, did you check the source of the message” Captain Viz was now alert… the mysterious message needed to be tracked.

 “Captain, we haven’t been able to get the source yet. Meanwhile, I am checking the multi-volume data drives for any similar images from all the missions.”

“And.. what were you saying about the slab…?”

“It looks similar to an ancient slab – that have been found in Egypt in 200 BC”

“What ….But why would this be here.. who would send its image to us?” Captain wondered.

The image had vanished from the screen.