The Other Side of Tomorrow

The Other Side

of

Tomorrow

by

Rabb Marcellus

The Other Side of Tomorrow

copyright © by Rabb Marcellus

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned or distributed in any printed or electronic form without written permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Purchase only authorized editions.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

Table of Contents

Prologue

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 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Author’s Notes

Other novels by Rabb

Prologue

Everything had changed! A virus, an incurable virus! Abandoned by Earth! What next? Earth Alliance’s exploration for planets in the Universe with the same characteristics as Earth had become a death sentence for the fledgling colony on Carina Three. Never would they have believed that the governing powers would have allowed this to happen!

A few years ago, naturally occurring wormholes had been discovered at the extreme ends of Venus’ elliptical orbit.

Earth’s Alliance now had the means to enter another solar system to search for new worlds compatible with mankind’s existence. Worlds desperately needed for the survival of a human civilization that had depleted its reserves and overcrowded its domains. Each planet had its own Lagrange points where wormholes would open allowing transport into another solar system.

As luck would have it, the Venus wormhole had transported Alliance’s Navy ships to the second planet of a system surprisingly similar to Earth’s solar system. From all indications, it was completely void of intelligent life—a must as far as the Alliance was concerned.

The Carina solar system, as it came to be called, had been named after the scientist who discovered it. Its bright star hung in the blackness of space surrounded by eight planets in stately orbits.

However, the third planet that orbited the Carina star, was in an area proclaimed by Earth’s scientists to be in the Goldilocks zone—far enough from the searing heat of the sun, yet close enough for the sun’s warmth to encourage life. Carina Three sparkled in contrast to the darkness of space, blue and pristine—like planet Earth.

Its landscape was comparable to North America in the fourteenth century during European colonization. Its vast oceans and continents brimmed with life. Its forests and mountains, lakes and rivers welcomed the new explorers. Another vast wilderness prime for human settlement.

A military outpost had been the first to be established on the planet. A space elevator had been constructed to ferry material to and from orbit and the Alliance had assigned a Navy fleet for the protection of the new colony forming below. Progress had been excellent…until…

A ruthless insectoid race, with advanced technology and powerful armada emerged through the wormhole of Carina Three. Their stealthy, mirrored ships gave them the advantage of surprise. They too, had searched in vain for a system in which to expand their growing civilization. They discovered the Alliance’s Seventh Fleet orbiting the third planet and with their curiosity roused, decided to explore further.

Months of inspection of the system had shown that it would provide whatever they needed for survival of their species. The insectoids’ needs were all consuming and any intelligent life they found in this system was of little consequence; a mere inconvenience that would be eradicated. ‘Primum non nocere’ —first, do no harm— held no meaning for them.

They had attacked the Navy fleet in orbit around Carina Three in an effort to destroy any resistance to their invasion of the planet below. To their surprise, however, the lifeforms had proven to be formidable opponents. Bewildered, the insectoids withdrew to a safe distance.

They re-evaluated their strategy. Bacteriological warfare seemed to be the smartest solution to their problem. They would just exterminate the humans, therefore sustaining no further casualties or damage to their armada.

In a clandestine attack on the planet, they abducted a young girl, Drew Douglas. Once aboard their ship, they infected her with a deadly virus and then, returned her to the surface of the planet. They withdrew to let nature take its course, confident that the virus would spread throughout the settlement, killing these creatures. Invasion would be effortless.

They’d wait, and when it was time, they would simultaneously attack the fleet and bombard the outpost on the planet below—a two front attack. Any possible hindrance that was left would cease to exist.

Weeks went by, and the reduction of radio signals from the planet seemed to indicate the success of their plan. The aliens attacked, and once again were surprised to be soundly defeated!

It had been six months since the aliens arrived. The wormhole to their system was about to re-open and they needed to retreat. They left, defeated for now. In six months, however, the wormhole would open to the Carina system again, and this time they would return in full force and with a new strategy.

The humans were left to die. The Alliance’s fear of transferring infection back to the Sol system—Earth, terra-formed Mars and Venus—caused them to place a restriction on travel to Carina Three. Mankind’s hopes for expansion were placed on hold.

Chapter 1

What do you mean, I can’t go home! Commander Meg Douglas declared hotly. Her dreams of returning to some semblance of sanity seemed to be disappearing fast. I intend to get away from this planet as soon as Drew is able. She can have her baby on Earth and we can all begin healing from the ravages of this war!

Meg stood in the small office of Dr. Nicholas Mason, friend and lover. He was a captain and head of surgery onboard the hospital ship, Mercy orbiting Carina Three.

Her slim, 5’ 3" frame stood stiffly, trembling with rage; her normally confident demeanor, suffering from a loss of control. Honey blonde hair framed beautiful, gray eyes that stared out a window into the darkness of space. She focused on the stars beyond, and tried to compose herself.

Memories of the attack on the surface of the planet, and the new outpost where Drew had been abducted returned with a vengeance. She had mourned the loss of her daughter, sure that she was dead.

She remembered her joy at the discovery of Drew outside the perimeter of the outpost, and the shock when she found out about the pregnancy. Her fear that the child was alien was allayed with the doctors’ determination that the baby was human.

Relief had returned once again. But that had quickly turned to dread as the soldiers in the patrol that found Drew began to die, one by one.

Thank God Nick had issued quarantine orders for Drew and those crewmen, she thought. The virus those aliens gave her could have wiped us all out.

Now she waited anxiously for proof that the baby was developing normally. However, the resources for assuring that outcome were few. In her mind, she knew that a cure had to be found before anyone could travel back to Earth’s solar system, but her heart cried out for any help she could find for her daughter and grandchild.

Meg, Nick pleaded, I strongly doubt that your husband will approve your request! Frustration evident in his brown eyes. We don’t know what we’re dealing with here or what this virus will become. It’s modifying Drew’s DNA as we speak and only God knows what’s happening to her baby! You’re a nurse, for God’s sake! You should understand the risks involved!"

Those risks are the very reason I want to take her back home! She turned to reason with him and stopped momentarily. One sizzling look at him reminded her why she had fallen in love with this man. He was 6’-2", with dark hair and brown eyes. Not only was he tall, dark and handsome, but he was compassionate and caring...and always there for her. Unlike her husband, Tom, who was always gone.

She looked away, refocusing on the problem at hand. Nick, they have geneticists on Earth that know how to deal with this type of thing. We aren’t equipped to handle a virus on this scale!

I understand that. But do you really think that Earth would welcome the possible contamination that you would most certainly bring with you? Look at how fast the virus has spread here, and the devastating loss of life that we’ve experienced so far. Do you want to risk taking that kind of destruction back to a civilization as massive as Earth’s?

Meg threw up her hand in quick salute, Aye, aye, Captain! she said and briskly walked out of Nick’s office. She began to calm down on the long walk back to her cabin. She knew he was right. Who knows where this will end, she thought. Or if it will end!

Meg’s mind flashed back to one year earlier, to the serenity of the life she had envisioned. <<

They had come to Carina Three as a Navy family. Back then, she and her husband, Admiral Tom Douglas, had been happy. The separations were hard on them, probably more so on Meg. Their son, Brad, was a fighter pilot and a Lieutenant Commander. Their daughter, Drew, was fresh out of high school and not sure what direction she wanted to take with her life. She opted to accompany Meg to adventures unknown and…to be close to one Jude Harrison.

Meg and Drew had arrived on the planet first and set about establishing a home in the small apartment on the Marine base. Anticipating the arrival of the men in their lives, Meg had organized a dinner at the Marine mess hall for their reunion. Saturday nights were made extra special to boost morale and the mess hall really ‘put on the dog’.

It was to be quite the formal affair. A family dinner that was also to be attended by Drew’s boyfriend, Jude. Then, there was Jessica, Brad’s girlfriend and a flight squadron leader.

Tom and Brad were scheduled to arrive at any time. Meg and Drew waited for them behind glass walls in the terminal building. It had been recently built from logs taken from the surrounding forest on Carina Three. Its split log roof and large glass windows across the front of the building allowed Meg to watch Tom and Brad as they crossed the tarmac from the strip where their shuttle had landed.

Meg’s excitement mounted as she anticipated Tom’s gaze when he saw her for the first time in over a year. She wore a black sleeveless gown with gold sequins sewn into a swirling pattern. It clung to her elegant figure, still perfect after two children and thirty years of marriage.

Drew waved frantically, glad to see her dad and brother again. She had grown into quite the young woman, a carbon copy of her mother. Tonight she, too, had donned an elegant ensemble. Her simple, black dress showed off her sleek, young figure, and a silver, tinsel entwined shawl draped gracefully over her shoulders. Dangling, crystal earrings completed the picture…and something else. There was a glow about her.

She’d just turned seventeen on the trip from Earth and tonight, she planned to dazzle Jude. Her love for him had grown strong over the past months. She flipped her long, blonde hair over her shoulders as she reached out to hug her brother. Her dad was already entwined with her mother and both kids watched with approving eyes.

Eventually, Tom led his family through the entrance of the dining room and eased up to the petty officer who had drawn the duty of maître d’ for the night’s event. We have reservations, he said, Admiral Tom Douglas.

The balding maître d’ nodded his head with a formal pretense. He looked at his clip board, and smiled, Of course, Admiral Douglas, we’ve a large table waiting. Please, follow me, sir.

Fine china and stemware were properly set and resided on starched white linen tablecloths. Napkins were folded precisely and stuffed into water glasses and each table had a fresh flower centerpiece. Industrial light fixtures illuminated the room where seamen, exercising their duty as waiters, moved silently in dress blues, carrying stainless steel platters high over their shoulders. Somewhere a piano played softly, accompanied by the tinkle of china against silver, and hushed conversations.

The maître d’ headed for a table in the corner of the room by the windows. Jessica Vincent and Jude Harrison were there, awaiting the arrival of the Douglas family.

Everyone had dressed elegantly for the occasion, the men in their white uniforms and ladies in evening dresses. Jessica’s attire did not escape Brad’s long look as he kissed her on the cheek.

After they were seated, Tom began, Everyone comfortable? He looked from face to face, smiling. I’m so pleased to be together again with my family, and I would like to welcome Jessica, he looked at her, and Jude," nodding to him.

They both mumbled, Thank you.

Tom continued, And, I’m pleased that Lieutenant Vincent, he looked again at Jessica, wore a dress instead of her uniform! He paused, You look very lovely, my dear.

Jessica smiled sweetly. She wore a long flowing red dress, its cowl neckline cut low in the front, and its back, even lower. Thank you again, Admiral.

"Please, for tonight, I’m just Tom." He glanced around the table.

"Yes, please, Meg agreed. No military pretense tonight everyone, let’s just enjoy this. I have my family together! My husband, my children and their friends. Who knows when this will happen again?" She gazed from person to person.

Tom ordered wine while the conversations began, gave his nod of approval to the waiter on his choice and as soon as everyone had been served, he stood, lifting his glass, Everyone…a toast! To God and country! he said, "and to this family.

"Here, here!" came several replies as they tipped their glasses.

After some quiet conversation, Drew began, Okay, I realize I just spent months getting here but even so I’m not sure how all this space travel works. I mean, I understand the logistics of the trip, but not the technology. She looked at everyone, waiting for someone to enlighten her.

Tom’s voice carried above the others, We use our propulsion systems to get us to a Lagrange point. You see, we know that time and space can be altered by very intense magnetic and gravitational fields. And, by that, I mean forces that are on a solar or planetary scale.

"The centrifugal force of the planet opposes the gravity from the sun at the Lagrange point, and a tear in space develops. By going through the tear or wormhole, we can enter another solar system."

Drew leaned back in her chair with a questioning look. So where do you come out?

"At a corresponding point in the new solar system," Tom answered.

"And that can be hairy! Brad added. The hard part is getting to the Lagrange point in the first place because they’re moving with the planets."

"I see, so you set a course that will intersect and most of the time spent in space is getting to, or from, a Lagrange point? That’s another thing, what powers the ships?" Drew asked.

"Water, Tom replied then smiled, we have huge tanks of distilled water on every ship. Water is generally available in most solar systems, either from a comet or the polar regions of one of the inner planets. The water is converted into hydrogen and oxygen by electrolysis."

"Is that where the nuclear reactors are used?" Drew asked.

"That’s right, Tom replied. The reactors create electricity. Then, the electricity changes the water into hydrogen and oxygen stored in huge tanks. We combine the two in our rocket engines to produce thrust, which pushes the ship through space. We use the space elevator, here on Carina Three, to bring up the water which is fairly heavy, but easily done by the elevator."

"While we’re talking about the technology involved, how does the space elevator work?" Meg asked.

Tom replied, Well, you saw the Torus. It’s positioned in geosynchronous orbit above the planet. That means it stays exactly above the same location on the planetary surface. He paused, and turned pointing out the window. There, you can see it? He looked around the table. That ribbon going up into the sky is a carbon fiber tether and it guides two cars or lifters up and down each side of the tether.

"The station’s drive system is powered by the solar array in space, so there’s a lot of solar energy to power the drive system. The only problem is the time it takes the elevator to move things into orbit."

"But when we flew down on the shuttle, it only took a few hours.

Tom replied, Yes, but going back up is the problem. The elevator cars and cable drive system can only move at a maximum of about five hundred miles an hour. It takes about forty-four hours to make the trip.

"Good grief, Meg replied, Two days in one of those shuttles?"

"That’s right. The shuttle you came down on is returned to orbit using the space elevator."

"How does the Navy deal with that?" Meg asked.

"We let the elevator lift the heavy materials, fuels, water, etc. into orbit. It can carry personnel too, but each ship in the fleet has one or more Landers. These are rocket powered craft of all sizes that we use to land on the planet and then return to orbit when time is a factor."

By this time the dining room waiter returned and everyone placed their order.

"I remember, Tom began, the last time we were all together."

"On Earth," Drew added.

"Yes, we had a beach party…remember?"

"That was a long time ago. We were all still in school," Brad remarked.

"We built a fire on the beach and roasted marshmallows!" Drew chimed in.

"Well, we’ve got a beach. I wonder, can you get marshmallows on Carina Three?" Tom asked with a grin.

"Sure!" Drew replied.

"Then, let’s do it again! Tonight, after dinner!" Meg had said. >>

She found herself smiling at the memories, the life that had almost existed. But that was a long time ago—before the aliens—before the attack, she thought, and her scowl returned.