​A metallic voice interrupted another unsettling dream. Three doors. 
 

All opened to horrific landscapes. “YOU HAVE TO CHOOSE ONE DAMN IT!” A guttural voice demanded. 
 

Krista Tay awoke with one foot already on the deck of her sleeping chamber. She padded sweat from her forehead with a pillow slip and turned to the V-com screen.  

 

Ob5 KRISTA TAY IS REQUESTED TO JOIN THE  EREBUS’ CAPTAIN’S

CONFERENCE -- LEVEL SIXTY-FIVE, RED CORRIDOR - #388

IN A QUARTER ROTATION

  MESSAGE SENT:

  EREBUS SPACE TIME – E.S.T 15:03 

SPIRAL ARM  E.T.  2537 A.D.

​

Damn that dream. And this meeting means all my medical classes will be canceled. Krista folded away her scrubs and lab coat.  We must be out of jump and into planetary glide. Krista draped an Accent-x-stethoscope on a hook by the mirror and stripped.
 

At E.S.T.  14:40, Krista exited the dry shower and looked at herself in the mirror. Green eyes flashed back belying her Asian heredity. Her ebony hair was highlighted, and short. Two curtains of hair fell around her cheeks. Not bad. Not bad, for twenty-eight. She flexed her muscles.  This planet better be my chance for a down-world. Captain Kohonen can’t keep passing on a woman of my obvious talent and experience. Krista laughed aloud. Or lack thereof.  It would be wonderful to be off the ship for a while. Breathe real air. Ah, what I’d give for one sip of unrecycled water. Krista dabbed blush on each cheek. Maybe find a place.  A quiet place. The drone of our Grav-Wheel can be maddening. . . I know that’s selfish. But honest.  I’d love to get off this starship for a while and explore a new environment. Krista pulled open her uniform drawer. “DAMN IT!”  Two yellow, sleepy feline eyes blinked open and mewed contentedly.  Angrily, Krista lifted a calico cat out of her uniform drawer.  “How the hell do you get in here?” She set the orange and black cat on the floor.  “Two-hundred and eighty-three crew members on this ship, why me, Cat?” The cat mewed.  Krista brushed cat hairs from her uniform and finished dressing. On his haunches, the cat watched approvingly. “When’s the last time you did something, Cat? Earned your keep? Caught a rat?” The cat mewed. 
 

Krista pushed the door control. There was a whoosh. The cat bolted down the corridor. “Good. Find someone else to annoy. I’m more of a dog person anyway.”

 

​

E.S.T. 14:48

 

At the El-hub, Krista stepped into the foot grips on the red pole, inserted her left arm into the clamp, pressed sixty-five on the control panel, and descended. As she glided past level forty-two, she peeked down the medical corridor. One entire tier devoted to medicine. Been spending a lot of time there.  Time well spent. Good time.  Lynnette’s become a close friend. And the best teacher I’ve ever had.  Probably the best doctor in this quadrant. I owe her a lot. Be nice if I could think of a way to pay to repay her.  

 

​

E.S.T.  14:58

 

Six people were seated at the round table when Krista entered Conference Room #388.  Sean Jacobs, Erebus’s Communications Officer, a bald, robust man with a serious demeanor.  Franchon Almirol, second-in-command, tall, with thinning salt and pepper hair, an easy gait, and a guttural voice he employed to emphasize matters of importance. Chief Medical Officer Lynnette Caffrey and Krista’s best friend and mentor – a statuesque, no-nonsense blonde, with ivory tortoiseshell glasses perched on her freckled nose. Lynnette patted the empty chair next to her. 

    

Krista sat and sighed as she looked across the round table to Juliusz Darrow ski, a human stump, though a brilliant mathematician.  The Erebus's resident naysayer and eternal pessimist for want of a better title.  And Dominic Ziggant, Ship Security. Tall, muscular, a bear of a man, kind, gentle with an inherited dark complexion and brown eyes that were in constant motion. Krista found him smiling and returned it.  

 

Lynnette caught the exchange. “Now there’s a man worth considering.”

​

“I am considering,” Krista whispered.  

 

“Has a great sense of humor.”

 

“I know.” Krista smiled.  “I said I’m considering.”

 

“Don’t consider too long or I just might gobble him up.”

 

“Aren’t you a little too — “

 

“Aren’t I a little what?” Lynnette laughed and punched Krista playfully on her arm.

 

​

E.S.T.  15:02

 

Captain Kalle Kohonen entered the conference room carrying a stack of 3x5 vid cards, a manila folder, and his omnipresent cup of Bredolin Coffee. Kohonen was a presence, with a crisp military bearing. Six foot three with short streaks of gray in ebony hair and a full-dress uniform.  He stopped behind the command chair.  The room went quiet. Silently six more members of the crew, with various ranks and responsibilities, slipped in and took their places at the table.  

 

Captain Kohonen waited until the last crew member sat down. His light gray eyes swept around the room.  “Okay, we’re all here.”  

 

Krista nudged Lynnette and whispered, “Full dress uniform? What’s up with our Captain? Someone die?”

 

Lynnette put a finger across her lip. “Ssh. Must be important.” She wiped away a knowing smile and looked back to Captain Kohonen.

 

“Gentlemen, Ladies, I’m going to keep this brief.  Please save your questions until I’ve finished.” Kohonen glanced at the top vid-card and continued. “Under the direction of the World's Oversight Council, we are here to observe social, political, and economic development on the planet Iuama.  At E.S.T. 15:57, the Erebus will establish orbit.”  A few heads turned to the digital read on the wall. 

 

​

E.S.T.   15:09 

 

Captain Kohonen buried the top vid-card. “Iuama has not been a part of the World's Oversight Council for some time.  It was colonized one hundred and fifty-seven years ago.  According to the few sketchy records we have . . . the original citizens of Iuama fostered exchanges with other members of what was known as the Outskirts Union. A group of four solar systems on the outer arm of the Milky Way, far from normal star lanes. For political and economic reasons two of those systems have since been abandoned.”
 

Captain Kohonen stopped for a sip of coffee.  Cleared his throat and continued. “Originally, Iuama’s main contribution to the Outskirts Union was a rubber-like substance from a plant they christened Tineke.” Captain Kohonen glanced at his third vid-card. “Tineke sap was in high demand. It was a perfect sealant for coating the interior of any type of space vehicle struck by a sudden puncture. Later it was used to make fine surgical gloves, and tires for vehicles on desert planets like Choax and Lotal III.  A few corporations tried to make synthetic variations of Tineke, but they never measured up to the original.” Kohonen looked around the table, “then, for no apparent reason, Iuama’s exports went to a trickle, then stopped

altogether.” Captain Kohonen withdrew a fourth vid-card from his stack.

​

“But when the Worlds Oversight Council finally decided to investigate, the rift between the Yourkains and the planet Rustiaci escalated. Then it looked like it might turn into a major conflict.  Different factions began taking sides. Alliances were made and dissolved.  All-out war became more than a possibility. . . Thankfully, enough cool heads calmed the would-be combatants and war never materialized. But in that decade of confusion that followed, Iuama was forgotten by the W.O.C.  Different people went in and out of office. Data was lost. Records misplaced, and time passed.  Now the W.O.C. wants to reestablish contact. We are here to do that, but only as observers.” 

​

Captain Kohonen pointed across the table to Krista. “Which is one reason we have Observer b5 Krista Tay on board. She’s, our expert.  It is her job to make sure no one interferes with any activities on the planet. . . Is that understood?”  

​

There was a collective nod around the table. 

​

“Good.” Captain Kohonen smiled and turned his attention back to Krista.  “Before I give the names of our down-world team . . . And, on a lighter note. . . Some of you may be asking why I am in full dress uniform.” Captain Kohonen smiled broadly.  “Believe me, this old thing only comes out of mothballs for special occasions.” Captain Kohonen looked directly at Krista.  “Ob5 Krista Tay, along with her other duties, has spent all of her time between our last two jumps on the Medical Deck under the tutelage of our chief medical officer Doctor Lynnette Caffrey.  Krista has amassed twenty-two hundred hours studying and practicing anatomy, surgery, biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, and pharmacology.  Krista has been involved in hundreds of patient interviews and procedures.” Captain Kohonen looked around the table. “Perhaps some of you have been lucky enough to have been her patient

. . . as I have.”

​

A red-headed man and two women raised their hands and flashed appreciative smiles. 

​

“Well, then I know you three will agree.”  Captain Kohonen beamed as his eyes returned to Krista.  “So, without further ado, with the powers invested in me and the advisement of Doctor Lynnette Caffrey and her fellow physicians and medical staff, I would like to welcome Doctor Krista Aanya Tay to the medical staff of the Starship Erebus.”

​

Cheers and applause echoed through the conference room.  Chief Medical Officer Lynnette Caffrey nudged Krista to stand. When she did, the cheers and applause grew louder until Captain Kohonen raised his right arm.   “Do you Krista Aanya Tay accept these new responsibilities along with your other duties?”

​

Krista raised her right arm.  “I do, Captain.  I do. I do.” Krista smiled gratefully.  

   

Captain Kohonen laughed, “This isn’t a wedding ceremony, Krista.

 

Congratulations, we're all very proud.” Captain Kohonen turned to the crowd.  “I hear by order a twenty-minute celebration.” 

​

Immediately, celebratory music from the planet Elgin drifted from the audio system. A team of midshipmen entered carrying trays of finger food and beverages. Captain Kohonen circled the table and took Krista by the hand.  “I meant it, Krista.  We are all very proud of you. Me especially.” Krista blushed as much as her Eurasian heritage would allow.” If it wasn’t against protocol, I’d hug you. . . to hell with it.” Captain Kohonen took Krista in his arms and when he let go, one by one, so did the rest of the gathering except for mathematician Juliusz Darrowski who never moved from his chair.  “Used to be, you had to study and intern for three years to become a doctor,” Darrowski grumbled under his breath. 

​

Chief Medical Officer Lynnette Caffrey waited until last to hug Krista. “You’ve worked hard. Harder than anyone I’ve known. I have a sneaking suspicion you’re going to be the most sought-after physician on — “ 

​

“Gentlemen, Ladies, I hate to cut Krista’s celebration short.” Captain Kohonen returned to his place at the table, “but back to the business of Iuama.”

 

Quickly, glasses and snacks disappeared. Everyone returned to their seats.  “I know many of you have been doing research on Iuama to get a heads-up on any anomalies we might encounter. Who will begin?” Dominic Ziggant raised his hand.

​

“Acknowledging our Chief of Security,” Captain Kohonen said.

​

Dominic opened a folder and withdrew two pages.  “Captain, you asked my staff and me to check for military capability.  From day one the original colonists of Iuama banned all large-scale weaponry. According to what I could find on the En-Cephal-Net they only brought small arms in case the original survey missed any dangerous wildlife. They do have two shuttles to explore their planet. And one deep space vehicle in orbit.  Or at least they did one hundred and fifty years ago.  I doubt they’ve built up a military presence —”

​

“Don’t be so sure,” Juliusz Darrowski interrupted. “Lots of the Outskirt colonies go haywire. Those shuttles and their star ships carry weapons. Maybe that explains the secrecy.  They could be plann—“

 

“Excuse me. Mister Darrowski, did you discover something,” Dominic pointed a finger across the table, “that neither I nor my security squad could find?”

 

Darrowski, blanched. “Well. . . No.”

 

“Then until you do, I suggest you give it a rest.” Nonplussed, Dominic returned the papers to his folder and flashed a smile at Krista.

 

Lynnette adjusted her glasses, and nudged Krista, “Keep considering.”

 

“Give it a rest,” Krista made a quiet attempt to mimic Dominic’s basso.

 

Captain Kohonen shot a ‘look’ at Darrowski, took a sip of coffee, and looked across the table. “Thank you, Dom. Who is next?”

 

Lynnette raised her hand.

 

“Acknowledged.” Captain Kohonen said.

 

“Krista and I spent part of our last seven revolutions,” Lynnette looked to Krista for confirmation, “on the E.C. too.  Strangely, there is almost nothing about Iuama or its population.  All the material we found is dated.  Over a hundred years old. Most, older. We did find the original survey Geo-report, but that was done by bots. The planet is subtropical except for the poles which are capped in ice.”  Lynnette pointed to Krista. “Krista.” 

 

Krista stood. Cleared her throat and began. “Relative to its sun, Iuama hangs almost vertically in space.  There is only a two-degree tilt to the planet's axis. It’s a world with relatively no seasons. Which explains the abundant vegetation, but not why the colonists— “

 

“That’s very common,” Darrowski interrupted. “Many worlds don’t have seasons.”

 

Krista looked across the table. “Thank you. Thank you, Mister Darrowski. Your pithy comments are always insightful and informative.” She looked back at Captain Kohonen and continued.  “Captain, the last entries on the E. C. were made over a hundred and forty-two years ago.” Krista referred to her wrist-cephal.  “The planet’s geology is a bit odd.  It’s approximately six billion years old . . . but still cooling.  There is a mountain range of volcanoes. Some dormant, others active. Near its capital city is a huge hot spot responsible for geysers and hot springs. There is only one large land mass, though there are multiple scattered islands of assorted sizes. Iuama is over eighty percent water. The ocean has a ph of 7.7.  Which is ideal for an abundance of sea life. “

 

Krista paused again referring to her wrist-cephal. “There is no name on record for the single continent, though I’m sure it has one by now.  The largest city – which is also its capital – is called Lakal . .  . at least it was one hundred and forty-two years ago. 

 

“Lakal is located on the Nuaka River. Several hundred miles above a wide delta.” Krista fingered the side of her wrist-cephal. “And Captain here’s where things get strange. Very strange.  I don’t remember much about the troubles between the Yourkians and Rustiaci, but even before all trade stopped, the people on Iuama began acting oddly. Their original leader or rather spokesperson, Sagra Kalam was elected from a body they called the Council of Equals. Almost immediately after taking office, Sagra Kalam issued an edict forbidding any further colonization. His reason  — ”

 

Darrowski waved both arms for attention.  Captain Kohonen sighed. “Excuse me, Krista.  What Darrowski?”

 

“I remember something similar happened on Hekoz IV.  This Sagra fellow may have gotten rich from selling Tineke sap, then made himself dictator.  Didn’t want any outsiders or anyone else sharing the wealth. Then, he turned off the Tineke spigot waiting for the price and demand to skyrocket and make him even richer.”

 

Krista leaned across the table. “How do you do it, Mister Darrowski?  Time after time?  A perfect summation of exactly what must have transpired.  Of course, Sagra Kalam would be long dead by now, and until recently I never heard of Tineke, have you?” She turned to Captain Kohonen . . .   “Sir, sometimes I wonder why we bother with these discussions when Mister Darrowski always has the definitive answer.”

 

Captain Kohonen stared across the table, “Darrowski, will . . .you please give it a rest! . . .  Please continue, Krista.” Captain Kohonen took at quick peek at the digital timer.

​

​

E.S.T.  15:38

 

“We still have some time before we achieve orbit.”

 

Krista sighed and sank back into her chair.  “Here is the strangest part. According to all the data we went through on the E.C. . . . since the first colonists arrived, there is no record of anyone leaving Iuama.  No one.”

 

“Maybe. . . no one is allowed to leave?” Darrowski interrupted quietly.

 

“Mr. Darrowski that makes sense,” Krista said. 

 

Darrowski folded his arms across his chest and added a smug smile. 

 

Krista sighed, “but why? I hope we are not here to observe a plutocracy or worse.”

 

A gentle hush of conversations waved around the table.

 

“Maybe no one wants to leave?”  Dominic Ziggant offered. “Place sounds perfect. Always warm. Oceans. Beaches.  A world of T-shirts and sandals.” Ziggant looked across the table at Krista.  “How is the water? . . . The air?”

 

“At that time both were unblemished.” Krista tried to hide a grin. “Probably what attracted the colonists originally. It does sound like an ideal world.” Krista turned to Captain Kohonen. “Sir, do you know how many colonists were on the original starship? The E.C. has no record. In fact, it has no record of a man or woman named Sagra Kalam.”

​

“That is odd.” Captain Kohonen set aside his deck of vid-cards. “Shouldn’t be anything secret about the number of colonists.  I have the manifest.”  He opened a portfolio lettered IUAMA and fingered down a column.  “The ship was called World Seeker. Originally carrying six hundred and eighteen colonists. However, when the World Seeker arrived, nine colonists – for some reason – decided the planet was not for them and remained aboard for the return trip. The rest of the colonists were shuttled down-world in groups of sixty. The members of the shuttle crews were isolated to avoid any contamination to the mother ship.”

 

“So Iuama started with a population of six hundred and nine,” Krista said. “It would be helpful to have an idea of the current population.” 

 

Captain Kohonen sighed and looked to his left. “Sadly, Mister Darrowski, this is your bailiwick.  You’re the math genius. What’s your population guesstimate?”

 

Darrowski sat up large in his chair and began officiously.  “Well. . . Natural population growth is calculated by adding births and subtracting deaths.  Em. . . of course, normally you would add migration and subtract emigration . . . though neither seems to apply in this case – which brings me to conclude – ” 

 

“Mister, are you purposely trying to annoy me?” Captain Kohonen's voice rose a notch. “Get on with it, man!  Get on with it. We had a promotion today. Should we cap it off with a demotion?”

 

“Yes. No, Captain.” Darrowski stuttered. “A safe estimate.  Not knowing the hormonal levels of the citizens of — “

 

“Darrowski!”

 

“Aye, Sir.  Yes. Yes.  Um given normal growth factors . . . The actual rate of population growth is the difference between the birth rate and the death rate. Given the one-hundred-and-fifty-year time span. I'd —  ”

 

“Darrowski,” Captain Kohonen hissed. 

 

“Yes. Yes. I’d say the current population could be somewhere between two hundred to four hundred thousand. With the proviso that the larger the population grows, the faster it grows. Of course, if you find—”

 

“Enough. Thank you, Darrowski,” Captain Kohonen pointed to the digital. 

 

​

E.S.T.   15: 55

 

“Hopefully, we’ll find out shortly.” Captain Kohonen looked around the table. “I would like to announce the five people who will be on our down-world observation team.”

 

Lynnette took Krista’s hand and whispered, “You got this.  I know it.”

 

“Captain read from a 3x5 vid- card.  “Our down-world team will be Puri Pincawan, Bat-Erdene, Dasan Hatahle, and our new doctor Krista Tay.”

 

Lynnette Caffrey nudged Krista with her elbow and whispered, “Told you. Your first down-world.” 

 

Krista beamed and had to force herself not to let out a hallelujah. 

 

Captain Kohonen turned to Dominic Ziggant. “Dom, you have a choice. I need you or someone from your team to provide security.”

 

Ziggant stole a furtive glance at Krista.  “Captain, I would be honored to accompany the away team and I promise to leave our ship in good hands.”

 

“Then it’s settled. We’ll take a break for the basics. Down-world team, please make immediate preparations. I don’t know what kind of welcome we’ll receive from the citizens of Iuama, but we'll hope for the best and be prepared for any contingencies. Down-world team and ships officers report back here at 16:20, the rest please return to your duties and prepare for Iuama orbit.  

 

Captain Kohonen turned to Communications Officer Jacobs, “Sean, commence protocol contact with Iuama.” Captain Kohonen looked around the table. “Thank you for your time and expertise. Dismissed.”