Chapter 1: The Encounter

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The Deep Space Colony Systems (DSCS) comprise a network of twelve large orbs orbiting around a colossal central orb, a spectacle to behold. Each DSCS orb accommodates around 50,000 Taosans who enjoy a life of luxury. This artificial solar system is enveloped by 10,000 autonomous satellites, each designed for specific operational tasks that are vital for maintaining the colony's stability and longevity. The central station functions as a self-sufficient nuclear reactor, utilizing technology that replicates a sun's capabilities, yet operates more efficiently, directing all produced energy for complex uses.

I was stationed on the third orb of DSCS-5 when I needed to visit the detention center on the fifth orb for a meeting with Josiphus. Instead of relying on the transporter network—which I find quite unsettling—I opted to fly my ship, Adventure-1, to the fifth orb. After docking, I followed the necessary protocols to reach the detention center and settled in the waiting area. About thirty minutes later, after confirming my identity and authorization, a guard entered.

"Mr. Mason," he said.

"Yes, sir."

"Please follow me."

I complied, and we moved down a corridor to a door on the right. The guard opened it and gestured for me to enter. Inside the Visitation Suite, the décor was minimal, yet the seating was comfortable. The walls were painted white with a subtle green tint, complemented by cyan carpeting. A small kitchenette offered coffee, non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, and a chilled platter of fruits and vegetables. I poured myself a cup of coffee, grabbed a lemon Danish, and took a seat at one of the tables.

The guard approached. "Mr. Mason, we will be bringing in your attacker, Mr. Wander, shortly. He will not be restrained, but there’s no need for concern; he has a chip that regulates his hormones and monitors his brain activity. It is 98.5% effective at detecting potential violence. Should any concerning indicators arise, he will be sedated, and I will be alerted." He pointed to a spot in the room where he would be stationed.

"What if I decide to attack him?" I inquired.

"The chip will sense any changes and notify me, at which point I will activate the prisoner's protective shield. If you are in contact with him when that happens, you will be injured. I will then detain you for judgment by the Prime," he replied.

"Understood. I’ll avoid assaulting the man who tried to kill me," I said.

"That would be the most Taosan response," he remarked before taking his position.

I sipped my coffee and enjoyed my Danish while facing the entrance for the prisoners. After a brief wait, the door opened, and another guard escorted Josiphus Wander inside.

Seeing me, he exclaimed, "Timothy, thank goodness you're alright!" as tears streamed down his face.

"What on earth, Josiphus?" I replied, standing and approaching him. To my surprise, we embraced—an odd moment considering he was the one who had attacked me. Relief washed over me, but as he held me, I couldn't resist delivering a swift kick to the groin followed by a punch that sent him sprawling. I raised my hands in surrender to the guard, who watched the exchange.

Josiphus, curled up on the floor, raised a hand. "I’m fine, sir. I deserved that. We're good." He rolled over, and as he got to his knees, I considered kicking him again but noticed the guard shaking his head at me. I stepped back.

"That didn’t hurt, Mason; are you going soft?" Josiphus teased as he stood.

"Grab some coffee and join me," I invited, taking another sip.

He returned with a plate of vegetables, fruit, and a glass of water. As he munched on a carrot, he dabbed his eyes with a napkin. "This chip is messing with my emotions—I feel everything but anger."

"Serves you right, jerk," I replied.

He smiled, "I can’t even explain it."

"I’ve seen the court records; just get to why you thought killing me would be better than recruiting me."

"You were with that beautiful girl and didn’t even notice me at the bar. You hurt my feelings," he said, taking a bite of a Persian banana.

I stared at him, and he chuckled. "I’ve gotten myself into a real mess, Mason, and I need your help."

"That’s not a great apology, so, no," I said, rising from the table.

"Wait! It’s complicated. I thought they’d kill the princess if I tried to reach out to you."

"Closer, but still not clear," I replied, pushing my chair back.

"Mason, I’m desperate. I need you to find the princess and bring her back to Bracus-5. I will transfer my status as Benefactor to you if you assist me."

"You should do that for trying to kill me. I do love Bracus-5," I countered, watching him stare in disbelief.

"That’s true; the only reason I’m alive is because we were on DSCS-5, and they got me medical attention right away."

He began to cry again. "This chip is ridiculous," he lamented, wiping his eyes.

"So why choose me, Josiphus? What will you do while I risk my life rescuing a princess I’ve never met?"

"I’ll be sitting in detention until they transfer me to Gelk’s prison. Duh."

"Right. So if I help, how do you suggest we get the Gleb and the princess together?" I asked.

We spent a considerable amount of time discussing various strategies. Josiphus eventually gave me access to a file he compiled on the Carions and his Gleb attacker. Through our discussion, we deduced there were likely two Glebs involved in the abduction. I kept to myself that I had requested his release—not that I was certain they would grant it, and certainly, he needed to stew a bit about his future.

I returned to the third orb and consulted with the Bracus Lord. I took care of several matters, retrieving the file, hiding his handheld weapons and personal items, and swiping a bottle of Taosan Topshelf Brandy. I also sent a message from Josiphus to his Gleb.

"To the Gleb holding Princess Chelise: I couldn't kill Timothy Mason, but I’ve convinced him to meet me at Bracus-5. Bring the princess, and I will exchange Mason for her. Let’s end this."

I programmed the communication system to relay all messages to the Adventure-1, setting his ship to fly to the designated meeting point unmanned, complete with three life sign mimics to mislead the Carions into believing a crew was aboard.

I returned to my ship, anxiously awaiting confirmation of Josiphus’s release. While I waited, I scrutinized the extensive file containing expedition logs, video footage, audio recordings, and crew inputs.

What I discovered was astounding.

TO BE CONTINUED

Next up: Training

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© 2023, T. Mark Mangum

I am T. Mark Mangum. From a young age, I’ve been captivated by the boundless realms of Star Wars, Star Trek, Conan, The Lord of the Rings, and others. My passion lies in writing fiction across various genres, particularly in Sci-Fi and Fantasy. As a father of six, with two cats and two dogs, I also have a love for tabletop gaming.

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