The Project

Chapter 30

The Project Chapter 30

Arna informed Alex, Kelly and Bria that she had checked the Oxynian jobs listings and found one requiring the transport of an Oxynian field rep from Grieshah Gra, to Ussen Ommo.

"This will really work for us," explained Arna. "Ussen Ommo is practically a neighbor to Z'ha'dum, Gideon and I were actually on that…Planet. Why Oxynia is sending anyone there is beyond me, however it works out perfectly for us, as all fuel costs are reimbursed, or in other words, we're paying no fuel costs from Moriedia to Z'ha'dum."

"Is there payment for anything else?" Asked Alex.

"Unfortunately not a lot," replied Arna, probably just enough to purchase food supplies, maybe a little more, but the fuel is the most important thing at this point."

Even though Bria and Kelly had suddenly become their old selves again, Alex chose to spend much of his spare time lounging on his bunk working on his reading skills, and thinking about Holliqua, and her strange family. He also made the decision not to say anything to Bria or Kelly about what "the little monsters" as he started to call Navek and Marga, had done to their minds.

"They're back to their old selves," He mused, "Even Bria seems better natured, rather than spoil things; I think it best that I just keep my mouth shut."

When he wasn't in his bunk, Alex was taking instruction in flying the Karla-Ann from Arna. Kelly was involved as well, and while one of them would sit in the co-pilot's seat, Arna would go over every aspect of the ship's operation then present problems in navigation or instrument recognition. Both kids soon discovered that she could be a real taskmaster, but as she was constantly stressing,

"Although much of the time we are flying on auto control, you must know how to set it up, and how to fly this ship manually which is more often than you would imagine." For three to four hours in a twenty hour period, they would practice and study.

As busy as Arna kept him, Alex also found time to observe Garmik as he ran a daily diagnostic on the ships engines, as well as the power system. He learned about pentavalent nitrogen, synthetigrav, nanofibers, protophason amplifiers, and the neutronic jump drive. Garmik was also a patient teacher. To Alex, Arna reminded him of his sixth grade teacher, Mrs. Wheaton who assigned homework when no other teacher did. Garmik on the other hand, took time to actually show him what was what, and define unfamiliar words. Alex knew of course he would never truly understand the mechanics and technology involved but it never hurt to have a working knowledge of it.

During one session, Alex asked Arna more about Ussen Ommo and why she didn't sound very enthusiastic about her visit.

"Gideon and I were having problems with the auto navigational programming and needed a place to land and shut down the whole system. We didn't know it at the time, but there was a terrible war fought there almost two hundred yarns there were hardly any survivors left, the whole planet was and for all I know still is one massive battlefield. When we get there, you'll see what I mean."

"Why would the Oxynian Company want to have anything to do with a place like that?" Asked Alex,

"I have no idea, the fact that they are offering to cover our fuel costs is enough for me."

Alex, Kelly, and Bria slowly regained their friendship, but both girls were constantly questioning the reasons why they had picked on Alex so much. Bria was especially concerned about the fact that she had actually punched him in the face. He knew the reason but had made the decision to remain silent, still their anxiety over the situation made him nervous. So it was back to games of poker and tonk, even Arna and Garmik got into the games although they always seemed to win every time they played. Finally reaching Grieshah Gra, Arna actually let Alex set down. He came in a little too fast, and landed off center of the landing circle, but Arna thought it passable for the first time.

Grieshah Gra was a mixed industrial planet home to a branch of Dy Meda University, supported in part by the Oxynian Trading Company. The landing area was incredibly huge; Alex compared it to the Denver airport, and thought this place was three times as large. Spacecraft of all types and sizes were either coming in, or already on the ground. Since they weren't transporting or hauling anything the Karla-Ann was directed to the very southern part of the field, closest to the city.

"That's Betalok," said Arna, "They prefer to think of themselves as an administrative center rather than a capitol, but it's basically the same thing." The area in which they landed was reserved for passenger transports and private spacecraft. Upon exiting their ship, a robotic shuttle picked them up and delivered them to the security gate where they swiped their identa-cards. Since they were here on Oxynian business, Arna indicated as such when they were asked the reason for their visit.

Directed to the Oxynian building, they went to the office of Airron Deegom, the Oxynian representative. It appeared to be a rather large office, rather unkempt looking, and judging by the way the office personnel were running around, quite busy. When the director was pointed out, Arna commented that he appeared to be an Asharian. Alex saw a humanoid character, who appeared to be bald, average skin color, but with a bony crown-like structure towards the back of his head. He also had a pronounced brow and piercing blue eyes. At the moment, he was studying data on a large screen, and speaking into a headset not unlike the one Alex wore.

They stood waiting until he finished, then Arna got his attention,

Pointing to a door, he said,

"In there." Once inside, he apologized for the disorder.

"We're really overwhelmed here, we manufacture a lot of specialized mining and harvesting equipment here and we're already swamped with orders, they've begun a new mining operation out on Stos Itzak," you know where that is?" Everyone shook their heads.

"Well never mind," He replied, I'm not real sure I know where it is as well. Anyway mining must be pretty tough out there because they are going through a lot of equipment, and it's got us all pushed to the limit. Well so much for my problems are you here to pick up Drok Irdurg?"

"Yes," replied Arna, Apparently he has to get to Ussen Ommo?" Deegom made a face then slowly shook his head.

"Well Drok comes from that god cursed place, why he wants to return is beyond me, but he has convinced a lot of people the place has potential, have any of you ever been there?"

"I have," replied Arna,

"Well then you know. Well anyway, I'll send for him, he's just graduated from Dy Meda, and is ready to make his mark in the galaxy, but I could think of a million other places to do it than on Ussen Ommo."

Alex then spoke up,

"Sir, everyone keeps talking about this place like its really bad and all, so what's the problem?" Deegom squinted his eyes, and studied the boy for a moment, then asked.

"Who are you and were are you from?"

"My name is Alex Russom sir; I and Kelly here both come from earth."

"You mean Terra," replied Deegom.

"No sir, earth, the planet earth, you've probably never heard of it, it's the only inhabited planet in our galaxy, third planet from the sun." Deegom grimaced as if he was trying to think of something.

"Earth…Earth," he then began to touch a small screen on his desk which Alex assumed was a computer. Muttering to himself, he was obviously trying to bring up some information, finally he exclaimed.

"That's it…Terra, yes, yes, I thought so, he then gave Alex and Kelly curious looks,

"How did you two get off that planet, the report from the Varox expedition indicates the inhabitants had no interstellar space travel, and were close to blowing themselves up, you didn't did you?"

"No sir," said Alex shaking his head, "We've come close several times but we're still out there. Now that could change at any time, but so far so good. So there was an actual expedition there?"

"Yes," replied Deegom, "As a matter-of-fact, I have a second cousin who was on that expedition, he's getting along in yarns now but the way he tells it they just barely got out of there with their lives."

Alex and Kelly groaned,

"Earth, or Terra as you call it must be a real tourist attraction from the number of people I've run into that say they have been there," stated Alex, "No wonder there were so many UFO sightings."

"What's a UFO?" Asked Deegom.

"Never mind, you don't want to know," replied Alex, "So this Ommo is a real crappy place huh?" The Oxynian rep frowned,

"Except for one small area, the whole planet is a dead battlefield, in fact it's commonly used as an example of what can happen if you decide to take up arms and start attacking your neighbors, or in their case their fellow citizens. Vast areas are contaminated, only cyborgs or androids can function in those places. The planet is literally covered with destroyed fighting machines and the moldering remains of the dead. I've also heard stories about armies of ghosts and spirits roaming the plains in search of their enemies."

"Do you believe any of that," Asked Garmik. Deegom shrugged,

"I've never seen them, however I've talked to many others who have, it's one of the reasons nobody has bothered the place since their last war and that was almost a hundred and eighty yarns ago, or something like that."

Garmik immediately jumped into the pause in conversation to ask about his manufacturing problem.

"Mr. Deegom you said something earlier about having problems keeping up with the manufacture of mining equipment, perhaps I might have a solution."

Deegom gave him a hard look, then said,

"I'm listening; Garmik then introduced himself, then went into the problem on Xindus, along with his mission to re-start production on his planet. After hearing him out, Deegom asked.

"I know where Xindus, or Maltorret is, and I'm quite aware of it's sorry past." Garmik took this to mean that the Oxynian representative wasn't interested, and expressed it in his face.

"Just a moment there," replied Deegom, "I haven't dismissed your offer, but we have a problem of logistics, but you say that there are a lot of unemployed androids and robots on your planet?"

"Yes, replied Garmik, "Too many."

"Look, I've got a million things swirling around in my brain right at the moment, actually you might be able to help with another problem, one that directly involves Ussen Ommo, in fact it's one of the main reasons the company is putting a field rep on that planet. I need to make some inquiries, some might take awhile to get an answer and we will definitely need to involve Drok in these discussions so if you don't mind I need you to stick around for a few days. One question though, how many of these androids do you think would consent to travel to Ussen Ommo?"

"What?" Asked Garmik, "As guest workers?"

"They would operate under the auspices of the Oxynian Trading Company mind you; I see on my computer here that you are already engaged in trade with Deneva and Doradus. Although they are considered class three planets they are listed under Oxynian protection and trade rules. In order for what I have in mind to work, Xindus is going to have to enter into a contract with us, you're free to read the contract stipulations and make your decision. I take it you have been authorized to speak for your planet?"

"I have," replied Garmik.

"Good," replied Deegom,

"Do you mind if I ask why you're so interested in acquiring my people to come here and work?" Asked Garmik,

"Not at all," said Deegom.

"There are but a few Gri'Foda left on Ussen Ommo, Drok Irdurg is a member of that race. For one reason or another, they have finally consented to a modified terra forming of their planet. Basically what this involves is bringing in massive purifiers which are for all intends and purposes are spacecraft in their own right. They will slowly travel over Ussen Ommo's contaminated areas sift the soil, decontaminate it and return it to its original state. This will allow large areas to once again become productive. And this is where your people come in Garmik."

The Oxynian rep was then interrupted with several calls, but when he was able to return to Garmik, he said.

"We are going to need a lot of people who can operate in heavily contaminated areas, not only operating the purifiers, but in scrap recovery as well, still interested? Oh, and that's another thing, if these purifiers could be built on Xindus, and ferried here, it would save a lot of time and credits.?" Before long Drok Irdurg arrived, Both Alex and Kelly thought they were looking at the red version of the "Incredible Hulk." The guys seemed friendly enough, but Alex had no doubt he could knuckle your head before you could count to three. His skin was a little redder than that of an American Indian, but it was his height and physique that made Alex a bit nervous. Unlike the comic book character, Drok's hair was short and red; he also sported a short beard which made him look rather distinguished. He stood around six feet high and must have weighed close to 275 pounds. He had yellow cat-like eyes that lent a sinister look, but he behaved normally, and was very interested in the plan Airron and Garmik were working on.

"Let's do this," exclaimed Deegom.

"I've got some other business to finish up here, how about we meet for dinner at the Peak star, they have incredibly good food, and we can make a start in putting this thing together. Drok, I want you to stick around as you can help me with some information. As for the rest of you, meet me at twenty-one hundred hours at the restaurant, tell the hostess who you are, and she will seat you, I'll see you then."